Hispanic Society of America Museum & Library

Housed in a two-level, ornately carved Beaux Arts space hung with gold-and-silk tapestries, the Society lives on the serene street called Audubon Terrace (155th St), where naturalist John James Audubon once lived. Open since 1908, this is where you’ll find the largest collection of Spanish art and manuscripts outside of Spain – including a substantial collection of works by El Greco, Goya, Diego Velázquez and the formidable Joaquín Sorolla (who has a mural series on view here), as well as a library with over 25,000 volumes. Head upstairs for a bird’s-eye view of the lovely courtyard and its El Cid sculpture. All signage and brochures are in English and Spanish.