Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ting for extraordinary accomplishments in art, music, dance, education and letters from
the likes of Frederick Douglass, Paul Robeson, Thurgood Marshall, James Baldwin, Alv-
in Ailey, Billie Holiday, Jessie Jackson and many other African American luminaries.
After steady decline from the 1960s to early '90s, Harlem is experiencing something of a
second renaissance in the form of million-dollar brownstones and condos for sale next
door to neglected tenement buildings and the presence of big box national chain stores all
along 125th St.
For a traditional view of Harlem, visit on Sunday morning, when well-dressed locals
flock to neighborhood churches. Just be respectful of the fact that these people are at-
tending a religious service (rather than being on display for tourists). Unless you're in-
vited by a member of a small congregation, stick to the bigger churches.
Apollo Theater
HISTORIC BUILDING
( 212-531-5305, tours 212-531-5337;
www.apollotheater.org
;
253 W 125th St at Frederick Douglass
Blvd, Harlem; A/C, B/D to 125th St)
Not just a mythical legend but a living theater. Head
here for high-profile concerts and its famous long-running amateur night, 'where stars
are born and legends are made,' which takes place every Wednesday night.
Abyssinian Baptist Church
CHURCH
(
www.abyssinian.org
; 132 W 138th St btwn Adam Clayton Powell Jr & Malcolm X Blvds; ; 2/3
to 135th St)
Has a superb choir and a charismatic pastor, Calvin O Butts, who welcomes
tourists and prays for them. Sunday services start at 9am and 11am - the later one is
very
well attended.
Studio Museum in Harlem
MUSEUM
( 212-864-4500;
www.studiomuseum.org
; 144 W 125th St at Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, Har-
lem; suggested donation $7; noon-9pm Thu & Fri, 10am-6pm Sat, noon-6pm Sun; ; 2/3 to
125th St)
One of the premier showcases for African American artists; look for rotating ex-
hibits from painters, sculptors, illustrators and other installation artists.
Washington Heights
Near the northern tip of Manhattan (above 155th St), Washington Heights takes its name
from the first US president, who set up a Continental Army fort here during the Revolu-
