Neighborhood of the Arts

Overview

Centered around the Memorial Art Gallery, the Neighborhood of the Arts is just what its name implies — an amalgamation of hip eateries, impressive museums and trendy art galleries.

No other neighborhood in the Rochester area offers the sheer volume of museums, galleries, studios, art schools and cultural centers — not to mention the outstanding quality of such institutions.

From the world-renowned George Eastman House and Memorial Art Gallery to the smaller (but equally as impressive) local galleries, studio and housing space in the NOTA neighborhood is highly sought-after by local and regional artists.

Many NOTA enthusiasts note that what sets the neighborhood apart from others in the city is its “walkability,” which is enhanced by the ARTWalk, an outdoor museum of locally created artwork that winds through the neighborhood.

Eat & Drink

Nestled among the galleries, theaters and shops are some great little restaurants and cafes to check out. There’s way more than this, but here’s a start.

Starry Nites Café
Located in the distinct Flatiron Building, Starry Nites Café offers a funky alternative to both coffeehouses and bars. This University Avenue café has it all — coffee, pastries, meals, beer, wine and tons of ambiance (its décor is inspired by Vincent VanGogh’s work). Free WiFi, outdoor seating in the summer months and unique events such as Tea Leaf and Tarot card readings make this a perfect stop for college kids.
696 University Ave.
271-2630

California Rollin’ Sushi Bar
Sure, it has California in the name, but California Rollin’ serves up truly Rochester sushi, kind of. Take a Dancing Diablo roll for example. What’s that, you ask? Well, it’s salmon spiced up with Dinosaur Bar-B-Que’s special sauce, silly! For other unique takes on traditional sushi, swing by California Rollin’s location in the Village Gate.
274 N. Goodman St.
271-8990

Salena’s Mexican Restaurant
Salena’s serves up authentic Mexican food from its newly expanded Village Gate location. The menu offers a nice variety of Mexican choices — tacos, burritos, enchiladas, you get the idea — but what really keeps people coming back are the margaritas that will knock your socks off (no wonder there’s a limit of two per customer). But if that doesn’t do the trick, feel free to try a shot (or two) of tequila — Salena’s boasts one of the largest selections in the city.
274 N. Goodman St.
256-5980

Shop & Spend

It’s no surprise that this artsy neighborhood is home to some pretty fun and unique shops. Pop into a few as you’re exploring the ArtWALK.

Craft Company No. 6
This unique arts and crafts mecca is almost as much fun to browse in as to shop in. Housed in an old firehouse, Craft Company is a maze of artwork, pottery, jewelry, furniture and even an outdoor courtyard of purchasable items. Not exactly designed for the college student on a budget, Craft Company is definitely the place to find unique, handcrafted gifts.
785 University Ave.
473-3413

Urban Essentialz
Urban Essentialz brings a little bit of New York City to NOTA. This boutique-style gift shop showcases a wide range of jewelry, home décor, toys, books and even little knick-knacks. Who knows, maybe you can find that perfect gift for your friend’s birthday (or just for yourself!).
664 University Ave.
271-8220

The Village Gate
Located just off University Avenue on Goodman Street, the Village Gate offers a unique, fresh alternative to shopping in Rochester. The converted factory space is now an interesting mix of shops, restaurants and art. Comic book fans will be in paradise at Comics, Etc., a store offering comic books, playing cards, action figures and more. The Bop Shop is not only retro in name — it still sells records (yup, the vinyl kind). Or check out Outlandish Videos and Gifts, a shop offering a wide variety of GLBT-themed merchandise.
274 N. Goodman St.

Do & See

NOTA is definitely not lacking when it comes to things to see and do. Its sheer number of art galleries alone is impressive. These are just a few of our favs, but definitely set aside an afternoon (or more realistically a whole day) to explore everything this neighborhood has to offer.

ARTWalk
This outdoor concrete art trail runs from the Memorial Art Gallery to the George Eastman House. Designed by 12 local artists, this trail winds past sculptures, decorated lampposts and one-of-a-kind benches. NOTA’s ARTWalk is definitely not your average art exhibit. New this fall are three unique (to say the least) bus shelters designed by regional artists. Located at the Memorial Art Gallery, Gleason Works and the corner of Elton Street, these shelters are sure to make the already impressive ARTwalk even more impressive.

Writers & Books
This local literary center offers classes, workshops, readings, book signings and much more. The center’s main focus is poetry, but they also offer seminar and workshops in areas such as technical writing, science fiction and screenplays. What’s even better? Writers & Books understands what it’s like to be a college student — they’re fans of the student discount!
740 University Ave.
473-2590

George Eastman House
This International Museum of Photography and Film is a national historic landmark and a top destination for photography buffs around the world. Once home to George Eastman — inventor of motion picture film, father of modern photography, and founder of the Eastman Kodak Co. — it is now considered to be the oldest photography museum in the world. Student admission of $5 (normally $8 for adults) will gain access to the restored estate, all the galleries and exhibits, and film archives. And don’t forget to take a stroll in the beautifully maintained outdoor gardens as well. That’s not all though — the Eastman House is also home to the Dryden Theater, which specializes in older classics (most of which you’ve probably never heard of!). But, that’s not to say you won’t find something to tickle your fancy!
900 East Ave.
271-3361

Memorial Art Gallery
This University Avenue art gallery boasts a permanent collection of more than 12,000 items and draws attention from across the country. It also attracts lots of big-name exhibits (last year’s Georgia O’Keeffe exhibit is a perfect example). The gallery also plays host to the annual Clothesline Festival, Rochester’s oldest arts and crafts festival. Entrusted to the University of Rochester by founder Emily Sibley Watson, it’s no surprise that UR students get in for free. But, all you other college kids can still take advantage of a $5 admission fee to this renowned museum.
500 University Ave.
473-6266

The Baobab Cultural Center
The Baobab Cultural Center is a unique cultural experience that blends art, history and music. Local, national and international artists have contributed to the gallery’s permanent collection, which is heavily rooted in African culture. Some unique events you can find at the Baobab include African and Bollywood movie nights, chicken wing and beers of the world nights, and literary nights featuring poetry and storytelling.
728 University Ave.
563-2145

Live & Rent

The progressive feel of the area has made NOTA a popular choice for college students looking to live off campus. From apartment buildings to remodeled houses, apartment options in this neighborhood are quite varied. Students can find anything from studio apartments to whole houses (if you have lots of friends to share the rent).

Stern Properties, an apartment- and loft-leaser in the area, says about a third of their Village Gate properties are frequented by students from UR and RIT. They’ve found that their location (just above the Village Gate and about ten minutes from most campuses) makes them a popular choice for the college crowd.

Rents run the gamut in prices, but students can usually find something starting at or around $400. Prices will vary with size and amenities. It’s a bit more expensive than some other areas in the city, but the neighborhood attractions more than make up for it!

History

In similar style of Park Avenue, the Neighborhood of the Arts greatly benefited from the popularity of nearby East Avenue in the early years.

The neighborhood really began to grow and take shape in the mid-1900s though when vacant, rundown buildings and warehouses in the area were renovated to create low-cost studio and art space for local artists. Community groups and neighborhood activities helped to create a strong sense of community in the neighborhood.

In 1998, plans were discussed to reconstruct the University Avenue area, which runs directly through the center of NOTA. Together, residents lobbied for a structure that would showcase the unique artistic aspects of the neighborhood. With that, ARTWalk, a sprawling outdoor art exhibit, was created and remains a key component of the neighborhood today.