Show me the money! Show me the art gallery!

Here's a new way to drive traffic into the bank lobby: Open an art gallery in the branch. That's what the Park Avenue Bank in Manhattan (assets: $290 million) did recently when it opened a new branch--the bank's third--on (where else?) Park Avenue. The art gallery, which is located inside the building, is described as "museum quality" and is open free to the public. The gallery will host exhibitions from museums from around the world.

The branch offers traditional banking and lending services to Manhattan customers. The bank is funding an innovative "Meet a Museum" program that will host exhibitions from other museums, thus acquainting Manhattan audiences with works...