3. Austrian Cultural Forum New York
The Austrian Cultural Forum New York is one of two Austrian cultural representation offices in the United States, under the operation of the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs. Founded as the Austrian Institute in 1942, it relocated to its current location in 1963. The Cultural Forum is actually a division of the Austrian consulate in New York.
Located less than a block from the Museum of Modern Art, the Cultural Forum is also a popular side stop for MoMa goers. The Forum is best known for its small footprint – a mere 24.5 foot wide plot, in the midtown area known for its monumental skyscrapers.
Considered one of the quirkiest pieces of architecture in the neighborhood, the building’s long and skinny facade is clad in glass and aluminum geometric patterns, and tapers away from the street as the building’s mass slants upwards. Inside the building, five floors are dedicated as exhibition and performance spaces which supports the Forum’s active events schedule.