New York City has some of the finest antique shops, malls, shows and markets. Altogether, the top four antiquing haunts showcase everything from fine art worth tens of thousands of dollars to vintage bric-a-brac and costume jewelry for under $20. New York City dealers have antiques to suit every budget.
The Manhattan Art and Antiques Center
For the finest in antiques, make your way to the Manhattan Art and Antiques Center at 1050 Second Avenue and 56th Street. The Center is open from 10:30 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Saturday and noon to 6 PM on Sundays. There are over 100 separate shops or galleries here, so some may have slightly different hours.
Expect to find only the finest pieces here from silver, art and sculpture, estate jewelry, period furniture and antiques and antiquities from around the world. You'll find rich tapestries from France, Meissen porcelains, Judaica and other religious art and artifacts, art deco pieces, antique bronzes, clocks, chandeliers and so much more.
Hell's Kitchen Flea Market
If you looking for a great deal, make your way to Hell's Kitchen Flea Market on West 39th Street. This is an outdoor weekend market held throughout the year, opening both days from 9AM to 5PM. This is a busy vibrant area between 9th and 10th Avenues. If you're looking for vintage clothing, mid-century retro furnishings, vintage and antique jewelry and bric-a-brac of every kind, this is the place to be. There are always deals to be found.
The Antiques Garage
After spending the morning at Hell's Kitchen, make your way over to 112 West 24th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues. This is an indoor weekend market with over 100 dealers on two floors. They have a wide array of goods from vintage fabrics and linens to fine silver.
Antiques and Vintage at GreenFlea
Spend a few hours at GreenFlea if you're searching for vintage clothing, antique furniture, bric-a-brac and handcrafted items. GreenFlea is a Sunday market on the Upper West Side. It's located at 359 Columbus Avenue between 76 and 77th Streets, and opens at 10AM.
GreenFlea is an indoor and outdoor market, but it is a flea market and not every vendor sells antique or vintage goods. That said, the antique vendors there are known for having a great selection. Some vendors specialize and have amassed fine inventories – dealers like Karen McWharter who sells clothing from the 30s and 40s, Ruth Pomerantz who sells vintage designer clothing and Becky & Leonard Lloyd who specialize in South-west antiques. Browsers have a good chance of finding something special.
New York City Antique Shops
There are antique shops spread throughout New York City, so a good guide will be useful, especially if you are looking for particular items. Many dealers specialize which makes them a little easier to find. Visiting the shops is a quiet sojourn when you tire of the crowds in the markets or simply didn't find the exact piece you were seeking.
Lorraine Syratt - Lorraine Syratt is a freelance writer, gardener and part-time antique dealer. Please see her full profile for more information.
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