The Hispanic Society of America - Velazquez, Goya, El Greco and Sorolla. Plus the American Academy of Arts & Letters

The Hispanic Society of America was founded by Archer Milton Huntington in 1904. In 1908, the gates of the Beaux-Arts building swung open for the first time on Audubon Terrace in the North New York.

Ever since its founding, the place has hosted numerous exhibitions. The first was of Spanish artist Sorolla, painter of light, whose full name is Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida (1863-1923). The cycle of paintings he created especially for the museum was honoured with a room that was built specially for the occasion of his exhibition, something that not every fine artist can say for themselves.

Other exhibited paintings include the likes of Goya, Velazquez, el Greco plus sculptures, clothes and craftsmanship and don't forget the picturesque library, where occasional readings for small audiences take place. We were there.

Far from the highly professional, European, organised, efficient, profit-orientated and perfectly didactic museums of the world – the Audubon Terrace appears to us as an oasis of tranquillity.

One feels as if one were lost on a film set, the light happily pouring in from the ceiling, the lighting of the priceless art works appears to be more or less random. And just in case someone needs to make sure that a safe distance is maintained between the viewer and the valuable Goya then the solution seems to be to put any old table in front of it . . . a sight for sore eyes.

The same goes for the whole area, a museum island a la Berlin in small. Thus, you will find the American Academy of Arts & Letters right next door. Literature, music, fine arts – all these are the creed of the society comprising 250 architects, composers, authors and artists. You can only become a member if nominated by another member.

Here is a link to an amusing group photo of the AAA&L members taken in spring 2011. This year, the new members are James Turrell and the deceased Cy Twombly (among others). Last but not least, here is the link to the exhibition of the new members. 


The Hispanic Society of America
Broadway between 155th and 156th Streets
New York, NY 10023
Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 6:00pm
a light reception will follow the presentation
RSVP required by November 28, 2011
friends@hispanicsociety.org
or 212.926.2234 ext. 226

hispanicsociety.org