Dedicated to the art and culture of Puerto Rico and Latin America, El Museo del Barrio (1230 5th Ave., between 104th and 105th Sts., 212/831-7272, www.elmuseo.org [1], 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Wed.–Sun., adults $9, students and seniors $5, children under 12 free) presents both contemporary and historical exhibits.
Just a few blocks from Spanish Harlem [2], it was founded in an elementary school classroom over 25 years ago, and continues to work closely with local residents. Most of its exhibits are temporary; on permanent display is a superb collection of santos de palo (carved wooden saints).
Note: One block north of El Museo del Barrio at 105th Street is Central Park [3]’s truly lovely Conservatory Garden [4], most easily entered from 5th Avenue.
Links:
[1] http://www.elmuseo.org
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-york-city-long-island/manhattan/harlem-and-upper-manhattan/el-barrio
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-york-city-long-island/manhattan/central-park
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-york-city-long-island/manhattan/central-park/north-97th-street