This is the second largest collection of works by the great Russian artist Nikolai Roerich, who lived in the USA from 1920 to 1923. The private museum was founded in 1923, when Roerich gained many admirers in America due to his philosophical teachings about a global world and harmony.

Currently, about 200 of his works are housed in a three-story townhouse on the Upper West Side, including paintings depicting the Himalayas and sketches for decorations for Russian ballets. The museum continues to promote Roerich's ideas of global harmony, embodied in his philosophical symbol and motto "Pax Cultura" (Peace through Culture).