Hispanic Society of America — Civic Organizations in New York, NY

Upon entering the gates of the Hispanic Society of America, you are confronted with an impressive statue of El Cid. The museum displays all things concerning the Iberian Peninsula and its history. In addition to prints and paintings by Goya and El Greco, the library houses more than 250,000 articles and manuscripts about the Spanish and Portuguese speaking world. The Society is also proud to be known as one of the premier repositories of textiles from the ancient Mediterranean and Levant, from royal Valencian tapestries to Alhambra Silks with all there detailed filigree. The interior design resembles a cathedral, and effigies of many Spanish nobles line the terracotta floors. This outstanding collection of art from Spain and Portugal is definitely worth the trip uptown. Admission is free. The grounds also house the private American Academy of Arts and Letters.