We have already brought you a first look inside the new Whitney Museum of American Art as it gets ready to open next week. The Museum is easy walking distance to Chelsea's galleries, making it a game changer for the museum and the area. NY1 Arts and Culture reporter Stephanie Simon continues her special series on the new Whitney with a look at its new neighborhood.

The new Whitney Museum is bringing plenty of excitement to its new neighborhood, the Meatpacking District. However, the neighborhood, including the nearby Chelsea gallery scene, also offers something new to this 85-year-old institution.

"More connection to the artists and the art scene, which is really downtown,” says Steven Kasher of Steven Kasher Gallery. “I mean, it’s now a downtown institution instead of a Madison Avenue institution so that does change the way everybody thinks about it, including people who work there and artists and visitors."

What really excites the people at the galleries is that the High Line connects the museum with the gallery district.

"I think the connection with the High Line will bring a lot of traffic between the two and really just allow the Whitney to redefine who they are," says Dara Metz of Magnan Metz Gallery.

"The High Line crosses a neighborhood full of galleries and non-profit spaces which is Chelsea, but with the addition of a new landmark at the end of the High Line, the High Line itself will become almost like the Museum Mile of the west side of Manhattan," says Cecilia Alemani, director of High Line Art.

Closer to the museum, businesses say as the popularity of the area goes up, so too could rents. But they hope more foot traffic means more business to offset that. Overall, the mood is high.

"Everyone, not just us meaning Kava Café and the retailers, but the local neighborhood is just thrilled and really excited," says John Saric, owner of Kava Café.

"They’re doing everything to make sure they bring life, culture, great people, great artwork to the neighborhood," says Greg Silver, owner and founder of Foto Foam.

"I think it’s great for the neighborhood because it’s adding to the culture of the neighborhood, it’s not taking away," says Derrick Louis, communications director at Rapha Cycle Club.

"We want these crowds to come in, enjoy the beautiful artwork and then you know, have a great place to eat, enjoy really good food," says Carlos Milen, floor manager at Bubby’s High Line.

Residents say the museums add a family-friendly attraction that is needed in this nightclub heavy neighborhood.