Fodor's Expert Review El Museo del Barrio

El barrio, Spanish for "the neighborhood," is the nickname for East Harlem, a largely Spanish-speaking Puerto Rican and Dominican community; the museum, on the edge of this neighborhood, focuses on Latin American and Caribbean art. Some 10% of its collection is concentrated on works by self-taught artists from New York, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and Latin America. The permanent collection of more than 6,500 objects includes over 400 pre-Columbian artifacts, ceremonial masks from Mexico and Guatemala, sculpture, photography, film and video, and traditional art from all over Latin America. One highlight is the 360 santos, carved wooden folk-art figures from Puerto Rico. The museum's El Teatro, formerly the Heckscher Theater, dates to 1921 and has stunning murals; it's used for cultural programs. El Museo hosts performances, lectures, films, and cultural events, including a monthlong Día de los Muertos celebration.