Hiram Maristany

Hiram Sebastian Maristany (August 10, 1945 – March 10, 2022) was a Nuyorican American photographer, and director of El Museo del Barrio from 1975 to 1977. He was known for his association with, and documentation of, the Young Lords chapter in Harlem, which he co-founded in 1969. His work has been included in museums such as MoMA PS1 and he held a residency at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

He had a son, Pablo, and a daughter, Alita.

Early life Maristany was born in Manhattan's Spanish Harlem neighborhood to Puerto Rican immigrant parents Reinaldo and Margarita Maristany. At a young age, Maristany lost his father, an event which some who knew him believe forced him to mature faster than usual. At age 13, he received his first camera from social worker Dan Murrow, who suggested photography may help him. His workshop was located on 117th street, in the heart of Spanish Harlem.

In 1969, Maristany co-founded El Museo del Barrio along with artist and educator Raphael Montañez Ortiz. From April 1975 through July 1977, he served as the museum's acting director.

Exhibitions Maristany's work was included in the 2025 exhibition Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955–1985 at the National Gallery of Art. ¡PRESENTE! The Young Lords in New York (July 22, 2015 – December 12, 2015) at the El Museo del Barrio. Down These Mean Streets (May 11, 2017 – August 5, 2017) at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.