East Village in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
27 Cooper Sq.
Bowery Arts & Beats
You are standing in front of an 1844 townhouse which was converted in the 1960s from a cold-water flop to home and gathering place for a newly developing, inclusive avant-garde. Poets Amiri Bakara and Hetty Jones hosted writers, painters, dancers, filmmakers, and musicians. At their notorious parties, you might have met Alan Ginsburg or Frank O’Hara or Larry Rivers or Jonas Mekas or Cecil Taylor. It was here that Baraka began the influential Black Arts Movement, a lasting inspiration for African American artists in all genres.
Children flourished, pianos came in through windows, and saxophonist Archie Schepp’s rehearsals stopped traffic across Cooper Square. Elizabeth Murray stayed until her paintings were too large to navigate the steep, winding stairs. Later generations found their way here to break bread, argue art and politics, and continue to explore barrier-breaking forms of American art.
Erected 2016 by Bowery Alliance of Neighbors.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical year for this entry is 1844.
Location. 40° 43.657′ N, 73° 59.472′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in East Village. Marker is at the intersection
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Hippest Place on Earth (a few steps from this marker); 27 Cooper Square (within shouting distance of this marker); America’s First Freedom Rider (within shouting distance of this marker); Vauxhall Gardens (within shouting distance of this marker); Paresis Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Manuel Plaza (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Merchants House of New York (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); New York’s “Little Germany” (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 266 times since then and 16 times this year. Last updated on April 17, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. Photos: 1. submitted on October 11, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 2. submitted on March 15, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 11, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 6, 7, 8. submitted on April 5, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.