VIBE

This petite gallery and cultural center based in an Upper East Side brownstone was founded in 1926 by a forward-looking group of Chinese and American educators (among them John Dewey and Hu Shih) who wanted to foster a deeper understanding of China in the US. The gallery is renowned for its innovative and sharply focused exhibitions, which manage to pack a lot of fascinating info into small displays. (Recent exhibitions covered Confucius, contemporary Chinese photography, and China’s last emperor.) There’s also a lively schedule of events (like lectures and film screenings) and language and culture courses available for children, adults, and businesses looking to invest in China.

GO HERE WITH

Asian art enthusiasts; friends; a date

WHY WE LIKE IT

Though the exhibits in the gallery are quite small, they still manage to be stimulating, informative, and excellently curated–the team here does a great job of enlivening the material for American audiences. Perfect spot for a quick afternoon hit of culture.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Space is really tight–it would be nice if there were a bit more breathing room.

GOOD TO KNOW

Entrance to the China Institute gallery is free on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00pm-8:00pm. When you’re on your way here, make sure you don’t confuse it with the nearby Asia Society.

CLOSEST COMPS

Rubin Museum of Art (New York)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.