Here are the NYC museums and theaters opening their lobbies to help protestors
Photo by Eden, Janine, and Jim on Flickr
Although cultural institutions in New York City remain closed to the public because of the coronavirus, some are opening their lobbies to provide Black Lives Matter protestors a safe space, a restroom, snacks and water, WiFi, face masks, or just a place to recharge. The social media account “Open Your Lobby” launched last week on Twitter and Instagram to track the museums and theaters that are repurposing their space in support of protesters. According to the organizers, there are more than 70 organizations participating nationwide, with more than two dozen in New York City alone.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up a list of places that are participating in the initiative, but for the most up-to-date information, New Yorkers should text “Lobby” to 661-465-6629 to find a safe space while protesting. A spreadsheet and interactive map of #OpenYourLobby participating locations also feature updated info.
Brooklyn
A.R.T./ New York
138 South Oxford Street
The Fort Greene site opened first on June 3 as a comfort station for protestors, offering restrooms, WiFi, outlets, water and snacks, and hand sanitizer.
BRIC Brooklyn
647 Fulton Street
Located near Fort Greene Park and the Barclays Center, BRIC announced they will be open to anyone protesting in the area. The organization will be open through Friday, June 12 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. for free water, snacks, accessible bathrooms, and WiFi.
Brooklyn Arts Exchange (BAX)
421 Fifth Avenue
Park Slope’s BAX opened its doors to protestors over the weekend, offering free water and snacks, chargers, restrooms, first aid, masks, and menstrual hygiene products. On Monday, the organization will be open from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern Parkway
The Brooklyn Museum on Friday started opening its lobby to protestors, who often gather at nearby Grand Army Plaza to kick off a demonstration. The museum is opening its bathrooms daily between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Cloud City
85 North 1st Street
The lobby at Williamsburg’s Cloud City is again open from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. There is an accessible bathroom, water, and places to charge cellphones.
Irondale Center
85 South Oxford Street
Another site near the Barclays Center is the Irondale Center on South Oxford Street. The organization said it will open daily between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. to those who need water, snacks, PPE, WiFi, or just a safe space.
The Brick Theater
579 Metropolitan Avenue
From Sunday through Saturday, June 13, the Brick Theater will open its lobby to protestors passing through Williamsburg from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. In addition to access to bathrooms and outlets, protestors will be able to pick up masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer.
Manhattan
Atlantic Theater Company
336 West 20th Street
The Atlantic Theater Company has opened its lobby space at the Linda Gross Theater in Chelsea. Protestors can find snacks, water, first aid help, and menstrual products between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. Masks and following social distancing rules are required for entry.
Cherry Lane Theatre
38 Commerce Street
Wifi, water, and a place to rest are being offered at the Cherry Lane Theatre, one of the city’s most famous off-Broadway theaters. The lobby on Commerce Street will be open between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. this week.
Ensemble Studio Theater
545 West 52nd Street
Midtown’s Ensemble Studio Theater is joining the #OpenYourLobby movement. Sustenance, bathrooms, and face masks are available from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Metrograph
7 Ludlow Street
The lobby at Metrograph on the Lower East Side will be open until at least Wednesday, June 10 between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Demonstrators can grab some free water, masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, as well as use the restroom.
MCC Theater
504 West 53rd Street
MCC Theater has repurposed its lobby into a daily rest stop for protestors. Those in need of a bathroom, water, or hand sanitizer, should enter through the stage door at 53rd Street. The lobby will be open from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
New York Live Arts
219 West 19th Street
Located on West 19th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues, the art organization New York Live Arts is serving demonstrators daily from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Water, hand sanitizer, first aid kit, accessible bathrooms, and WiFi are all available.
Playwrights Horizons
416 West 42nd Street
The off-Broadway theater Playwrights Horizons is “standing in solidarity with those fighting for racial justice” and opening its lobby to protestors during the week, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. There is free WiFi, supplies, and air conditioning.
Signature Theatre
480 West 42nd Street
The lobby of the Pershing Square Signature Theater is officially open as a safe space for protestors near Midtown daily from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Staff will distribute free bottled water and snacks.
The Flea Theater
20 Thomas Street
Recharge at Tribeca’s Flea Theater, located at 20 Thomas Street. The organization is offering water, snacks, some PPE, and outlets to charge devices from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Masks and social distancing are required.
2nd Stage’s Tony Kiser Theater
305 West 43rd Street
For those marching near Times Square, 2nd Stage’s Tony Kiser Theater is opening its lobby on Monday for protestors in need of water, snacks, and phone charging. The theater will be open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday.
Queens
MoMA PS1
22-25 Jackson Avenue
The Long Island City-based offshoot of the Museum of Modern Art opened its doors to Queens demonstrators over the weekend. The museum offered water, snacks, and bathroom access on both Saturday and Sunday.
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