Diane Arbus

Art & Culture

Landmarked Former Home of Famed Photographer

Diane Arbus home greenwich village history

About Diane Arbus

 & why it made the Carpe City list

Born Diane Nemerov on March 14, 1923, in New York City, Arbus was one of the most distinctive photographers of the 20th century, known for her eerie portraits and off-beat subjects.

An artistic youth, Diane Arbus learned photography from her husband, actor Allan Arbus. Together, they found success with advertising and fashion work, with photographs appearing in magazines such as Vogue.

Diane soon branched out on her own. Her raw, unusual images of the people she saw while living in New York created a unique and compelling portrayal of the city. Arbus wandered the streets and public parks but also visited seedy hotels, the morgue, and other aberrant locales. In addition to pedestrians and suburban families, Arbus photographed female impersonators, nudists, circus performers, celebrities, and more. A distinct and compelling portrait of society!

By the mid-1960s, Arbus had become a well-established photographer, participating in shows at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC, among others. However, by the late 1960s, some personal challenges emerged. Arbus’ marriage ended in 1969, and she later struggled with depression. Arbus committed suicide on July 26, 1971.

Since her death, Arbus’ work has remained a subject of genuine interest, with exhibitions across the U.S. and internationally. Her life was also the basis of the 2006 film “Fur,” starring Nicole Kidman as Arbus.

By: Laureen Mocsari

New York City Tours

Great Places Near Diane Arbus

Katana Kitten Drink greenwich village restaurant
Bars

Katana Kitten

Hip space for creative cocktails with a Japanese flair

531 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
Jeju Noodle Bar dishes greenwich village dining
Restaurants

JeJu Noodle Bar

Michelin-starred Korean noodle bar in a modern, casual space and friendly vibe.

679 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10014
Orient Express exterior greenwich village
Bars

Orient Express

Intimate and swanky cocktail bar modeled after a vintage train dining car

325 W 11th St, New York, NY 10014
Lucille Lortel theater exterior greenwich village arts
Art & Culture

Lucille Lortel Theater

The Queen of Off-Broadway’s Palace

121 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014
L'artusi italian restaurant greenwich village
Restaurants

L'Artusi

One of our All-Time Favorites for Italian in the City

228 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014
McNulty's Tea & Coffee greenwich village drinks
Art & Culture

McNulty's Tea & Coffee Co

A venerable institution of the bean and the leaf

109 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014
I Sodi pasta dish restaurant greenwich village
Restaurants

I Sodi

Outstanding Tuscan with a Cozy Modern Vibe

105 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014
twin peaks building side greenwich village pop culture
Art & Culture

Twin Peaks

Historical Row House Restored in an Artsy Fashion

102 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014
oldest wooden house sidewalk greenwich village
Art & Culture

Wooden House

Dating back to 1882, It's the Oldest Wooden Framed House in the Village

17 Grove St, New York, NY 10014

More Great Walking Tours

Subscribe

Sign up to our monthly e-mail about the latest and greatest places for food, wine art and history

Skip to content