Chelsea the neighborhood takes its name from “Chelsea,” an estate and Georgian-style house owned by Thomas Clarke — grandfather of writer Clement Clarke Moore — in the mid-18th century.

Though the neighborhood would become a buzzing industrial center in the 19th century, it was (for a brief period) considered the theater capital of America and an early center for the pre-World War One motion picture industry.

But while the theater district moved uptown and film to the west coast, Chelsea has maintained its connection to the arts. Heavily concentrated between Tenth and Eleventh Avenues and 16th and 28th Streets, over 200 galleries can be found in the area today, exhibiting established and emerging artists.

The galleries are not to mention some of Chelsea’s museums and performance spaces, showcasing under-represented art, dance, and music. Chelsea is considered a very diverse and inclusive part of the city, something reflected in its eternal arty spirit.

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