New York City's five most unexpected must-see art galleries

If you devoted your entire lifetime to exploring New York City and all five of its boroughs to their fullest, you would never complete your task. This mammoth urban landscape is teeming with experiences and opportunities, more than any one person could completely take in.

That fact shouldn't stop you from trying, of course.

Maybe you should focus on one aspect of the city that never sleeps such as its staggering array of unique art galleries. New York City is home to some of the most famous galleries in the world, not to mention more than a few less famous options worth your attention the next time you're in town.

Mmuseumm

One of the most daunting aspects of going to a major art museum can be its scope. Some are massive, with seemingly endless galleries and hallways leading you through multiple exhibits. Fortunately, one Manhattan gallery has addressed that issue.

Mmuseumm is a rotating collection of exhibits devoted to items considered to be overlooked. It's also located inside a freight elevator. It's definitely not something you'll find anywhere else. Fun fact: Mmuseumm was partially sponsored by the late fashion designer, Kate Spade.

Self-Taught Genius Gallery

Located in Queens, this offshoot of the legendary American Folk Art Museum in Manhattan is devoted to three centuries of works by outsider artists. These self-taught marvels are created in a variety of mediums, which makes this exhibit both interesting and surprising.

The gallery opened in 2017 after a touring version completed its road trip around the United States. Now, it hosts a rotating series of exhibitions showcasing incredible American artists that may not get much attention otherwise.

El Museo del Barrio

At its very core, New York City is a testament to the importance of multiculturalism, diversity, and the need to work together. It's not always perfect, but that's what makes this city great. The Latino community is a huge part of NYC's fabric, something that can be explored at El Museo del Barrio.

Founded in 1969 in East Harlem, El Museo is devoted to the purpose of promoting Latino art and culture. It is home to more than 8,500 drawings, paintings, sculptures, and installations as well as various artifacts from different Caribbean and Latin American cultures.

Nicholas Roerich Museum

If you wanted to hit up a gallery that celebrated the work of a shockingly prolific Russian artist, philosopher, and mystic, the first place you would head is Manhattan. That would be the most common sense place to start, of course.

That's where you'll find the Nicholas Roerich Museum, a gallery devoted to the late Russian artist. His exploration of theosophical mysticism took him to regions of Nepal, Tibet, and Altai, all of which deeply inspired his work. And there is a lot of it to look at.

The Noguchi Museum

A highly respected artist and designer, the late Isamu Noguchi was influential in a number of mediums. His furniture designs were as sought after as his sculptures, making him one of the biggest names in his field.

The Noguchi Museum in Long Island City, Queens is home to the world's most extensive collection of his work. That includes, but is of course not limited to, drawings, designs, and sculptures. Founded by Noguchi himself, this museum has a lot to take in, including a world-renowned sculpture garden.