Chelsea Neighborhood

This is where you’ll find the most art galleries in New York! This small residential neighborhood, with its red-brick houses, is a true art haven. The Chelsea Hotel is a prime example of this, having welcomed numerous artists seeking inspiration in the Big Apple. Speaking of which, do you know where this nickname came from? Back in the 1900s, when horse racing was all the rage, the top prize at races held in New York was an actual apple. Believe it or not, it was the biggest prize at stake! Over time, people started calling the city the Big Apple, and it finally caught on when a famous sportswriter used it in an article in 1921. This nickname has now become the megalopolis’ middle name! Now back to our neighborhood. Chelsea is one of New York’s oldest neighborhoods and owes its name to Clement Clarke Moore, a local professor whose childhood home, also called Chelsea, was a landmark in the area. It was impressive to say the least; it took up an entire block and had big beautiful gardens. This residential neighborhood stands in stark contrast to the tall buildings of Manhattan, and with good reason. Back in the 19th century, Chelsea was in fact an industrial district, home to warehouses and a busy port where the population, mostly Irish at the time, unloaded the cargo ships that docked along the quays. The district then grew, drawing artists who transformed the warehouses into living quarters and art galleries, making it a true artistic mecca. Today, there are some 200 art galleries in Chelsea. Plus, it’s a champion of LGBT+ rights and acceptance, along with Greenwich Village. You’ll also find a fantastic selection of restaurants and a renowned covered market. So, take your time to enjoy this peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle and towering skyscrapers of Manhattan!