190 Bowery, formerly the Germania Bank building, is an icon in New York City's Lower East side thanks to its graffiti-covered walls. The gorgeous mansion once served as a bank, but hasn't been open to the public since it was converted into a private residence building in 1966. However, for one night only, the public is being invited to go inside 190 Bowery for the first time in 49 years, according to The Lo-Down.
This Saturday night, 190 Bowery will welcome the public to an art opening hosted by the building's new owner Aby Rosen and art curator Vito Schnabel. The title of the exhibit is "First Show / Last Show," making it very clear that if you want to see inside the storied walls of 190 Bowery, this is probably your only chance.
The exhibit will feature artists like Joe Bradley, Dan Colen, Jeff Elrod, Ron Gorchov, Mark Grotjahn, Harmony Korine, and Julian Schnabel. "The artists included in First Show / Last Show are seven of my favorite painters," Schnabel tells The Lo-Down. "I have had the privilege of living with some of their works and have long wanted to show them together." Schnabel also underlines the magnitude of holding an art show inside 190 Bowery. "I grew up in New York City, walking by the former Germania Bank countless times," he said. "I always wanted to go inside, thinking it might be a perfect place for an exhibition."
Given all the changes the building has undergone recently, don't expect an opportunity like this to come around again.
The exhibit will be open at 190 Bowery this Saturday, May 16, from 5 to 8 p.m. However, if you want to guarantee you get to go in, we'd suggest getting there much earlier.
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