Tucked away in a carriage house dating back to 1875 on the quiet block of East 63rd Street between Lexington and Park Avenues is the Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators. This unassuming and charming museum is an ideal way to spend a few hours in the afternoon, maybe on a date, maybe on a lunch break, but with a wide collection of illustrations on display, there is a lot to take in. And to top off its great collection, this museum is free of charge - with just a donation box at its entrance.
Founded in 1901 by nine illustrators with the purpose of promoting their art form, the Society of Illustrators moved into their current home in 1939. 128 E. 63rd Street has since been transformed from a nineteenth century carriage house once owned by JP Morgan's personal attorney to a world renowned museum celebrating the arts of the pen and pencil.
A four story building, loaded with illustrations of all sorts, the museum makes grand use of its entire space, with exhibits in the basement, along the staircases and in its dining room. The museum is a living testimonial to illustration with works by the likes of such renowned as Thomas Nast and Norman Rockwell and covers a wide range of works from political cartoons to classic advertising posters to more modern science fiction themed illustrations.
Here above is Norman Rockwell's depiction of Mark Twain's classic Huckleberry Finn. Possibly the most famous of all illustrators for his work with the Saturday Evening Post, a tour of the Museum of Illustration will show you that he is just one of many notable illustrators, many of whose work you might recognize from the movies or advertising campaigns.
One of the greatest attractions to museum though, is unfortunately only partially available to the public. On the third floor, is the Society of Illustrators dining room with its walls adorned entirely with pieces from the museum collection. Unfortunately, the opportunity to dine here is only open to society members, but you are free to walk around and take in the artwork and the classic decor of the room, which may bring you back to a feeling of yesteryear and private club dining.
On top of providing the community access to its impressive collection and the carriage house, the Society of Illustrators does a great amount of work with school groups, the Parks Department and the Fire Department to promote education and the art of illustration. Open from 10 AM to 8 PM on Tuesdays, 10 AM to 5 PM Wednesday to Friday and from Noon to 4 PM on Sunday, the Museum of Illustration is undoubtedly a great way to spend an afternoon.
To see more visit the museum website at
http://societyillustrators.org//index.cms
Thankfully, for their protection the drinking and the art are not mixed as you will have to go through tight security to go upstairs to enjoy the art. Unfortunately though this causes more long lines as well as long lines at the bar. All of this though is a small price to pay for what can be a memorable night for you and your friends.
