NoMad is a neighborhood that’s named after the historic Madison Square Park in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Made up of just more than a dozen blocks, this district is home to unique museums about sex and mathematics. Broadway, Madison Avenue, and Park Avenue are busy thoroughfares that pass through the heart of NoMad. These famous avenues are lined with luxurious residential properties, gourmet restaurants, chic cafes, and boutiques.
Attractions in NoMad Manhattan
The National Museum of Mathematics is perhaps the most prominent attraction in NoMad. Since opening in 2012, this fascinating museum has dramatically enhanced the cultural character of the neighborhood. This venue features interactive exhibits that stimulate the minds of children, adults, and the elderly.
The two floors at this museum are split into themed sections that focus on common topics in mathematics. Floor 0 includes the Pattern Mesh, Coaster Rollers, Dynamic Wall, Shapes of Space, and more than 10 other intriguing exhibits. Robot Swarm, Shape Ranger, and Math Square are some of the galleries that are installed on Floor 1. Most of the exhibits at the National Museum of Mathematics encourage visitors to manipulate shapes and other assemblies.
Established in 2002, the Museum of Sex is another popular destination in NoMad. As the name strongly suggests, this museum focuses on human sexuality. Patrons must be 18 years of age or older to enter this unique institution that presents sexually explicit content.
The temporary exhibits at the Museum of Sex typically include photographs that explore various aspects of sex in terms of religion, politics, pop culture, and other social elements. Some of the galleries include multimedia presentations of alternative sexual acts or ideas. The Museum of Sex also has an extensive collection of erotica in various physical and digital formats.
The northern section of Madison Square Park is located within NoMad. This historic green space includes statues of David Farragut, Chester Arthur, Roscoe Conkling, and William Seward. Concerts, markets, and other outdoor events are also hosted by this urban park that covers more than 6 acres in the heart of Manhattan. Built in 1911 in the Renaissance Revival style, the Met Life Tower stands as a historic icon above the park and NoMad.
History
NoMad was officially recognized as a distinct neighborhood in the late 1990s. For most of its history, this district was part of the Madison Square area that has defined the social and political spectrum of the city. Gentrification in the 20th and 21st centuries has led to a rebranding of the neighborhood. Many former shops, industrial properties, and commercial studios have been properly converted into luxurious residences that cater to high-end buyers and renters. Located within walking distance of premier shopping, dining, and entertainment in Midtown and Lower Manhattan, NoMad has fully regained its high status.
Location and Directions
NoMad consists of just more than a dozen blocks in Midtown Manhattan. The historic Madison Square Park identifies the neighborhood’s southern border, and East 30th Street marks the northern boundary. This well-developed district is also bound by Lexington Avenue and 6th Avenue. Broadway, Madison Avenue, 5th Avenue, and Park Avenue are other notable thoroughfares that run through NoMad.
Served by the 4 and 6 lines of the New York City Subway, the 28th Street station is located in the northeastern part of the neighborhood. The N, Q, R and W subway trains stop at the tracks of the 28th Street station near Broadway. Most of the local Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) bus stops are located along the avenues, which carry traffic southbound or northbound.