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Stately landmark brownstones occupy tree-lined streets. Wander through quaint cafes, restaurants, small shops, off-off-Broadway theater, legendary music venues, and so much more. The Village has always been a hub for artists, writers, musicians, and activists. Explore just a few of the nearby landmarks below and taste the real flavor of this historic neighborhood
Washington Square Park, one of the most historic and beloved parks in New York City, has a rich history dating back to the early 17th century. It began as a Potter's field burial ground, then on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it was officially declared the Washington Parade Ground. In 1870, it became the park we know today with its central fountain moved here from Central Park. Today the park is home to college students, local families, chess masters, and canine friends, to name a few. Vintage photo: Washington Square Park, 1936 – Bernice Abbott – From the Museum of the City of New York – WPA Collection
MacDougal Alley was built in the 1830s as stables but by the early 1900s, the stables were renovated into artists’ studios. Number 19 became home to Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, who once said “Doing the unexpected always has its power of charm.” She pursued a career in sculpture in her studio and many other artists including Jackson Pollock and Noguchi have lived and worked there. Photo of MacDougal Alley, 1936 – Bernice Abbott – From the Museum of the City of New York, WPA Collection
The marvelous Victorian Gothic landmark with its round clock tower stands on 6th avenue and West 10th street. Originally a courthouse, the Jefferson Market Library is now a New York City landmark. It was designed by architects Frederick Clark Withers and Calvert Vaux who also took part in the design of Central Park. Today it serves as a library, housing many rare books. Photo Credit: Jefferson Market Court, Oct 21, 1935 – Bernice Abbott – From the Museum of the City of New York – WPA Collection
The West Village streets are lined with historic brownstones like these from the 1840s on the park. It gives the area a quiet charm unlike any other neighborhood in New York. Vintage photo: Washington Square North, 1936 – Bernice Abbott – From the Museum of the City of New York – WPA Collection
The Stonewall Inn is a landmark gay bar on Christopher Street in Greenwich Village. A 1969 police raid here led to the Stonewall riots, one of the most important events in the history of LGBTQ+ rights, and in US history. This picture was taken on pride weekend in 2016, the day after President Obama announced the Stonewall National Monument. Photo Credit: Rhododendrites / CC BY-SA
Located at 38 Commerce Street between Barrow and Bedford Streets in the West Village, the Cherry Lane Theater is the city's oldest continuously running off-Broadway theater. Edna St. Vincent Millay and members of the Provincetown Players converted the neighborhood structure into a theater in 1923. It staged experimental works and many major American plays were and are still produced here.
Sheridan Square was named in 1896 in honor of Civil War General Philip Sheridan and was dedicated as a small park in 1982. The sculpture “Gay Liberation “ by George Segal was the first piece of public art dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights.
Patchin Place, built in the late 1840s, became a neighborhood writers enclave for luminaries such as E.E. Cummings, Louise Bryant and John Reed.
