The iconic 190 Bowery is the site of the art exhibition First Show/Last Show, curated by Vito Schnabel.
Photo by Argenis Apolinario; Courtesy Vito Schnabel Gallery
The massive, seemingly abandoned building at the corner of Spring and Bowery has long been an enigma to the residents of lower Manhattan. Built in 1898 as the Germania Bank, the 35,000-square-foot property has been closed to the public since 1966, when photographer Jay Maisel purchased it (for just $102,000) and turned it into a 72-room private mansion. But he has recently sold the building, and for a short time, the curious have the opportunity to enter the hallowed halls of 190 Bowery, which is currently hosting the contemporary art exhibition First Show/Last Show, curated by Vito Schnabel.