Events & Things To Do

Penthouse atop Upper East Side’s historic former Hotel Wales hits the market for $23M

Photo credit: VMI Studios

March 22, 2022

Penthouse atop Upper East Side’s historic former Hotel Wales hits the market for $23M

Capping the reinvention of the former Hotel Wales at 1295 Madison Avenue as luxury condominium residences, a newly-constructed 4,179-square-foot penthouse spanning the building's highest floor has just arrived on the market. The $23,000,000 home in the Carnegie Hill Historic District contains five bedrooms and seven bathrooms; its biggest asset, however, may be the 3,114 square feet of wrap-around terraces on two levels with Central Park views, an outdoor kitchen with a wet bar, a fireplace, and a butler’s pantry.
Get a peek at this parkside penthouse

What you should know about this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in NYC

Photo by James Felder on Flickr

March 16, 2022

What you should know about this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in NYC

By Devin Gannon

The world's largest Saint Patrick's Day Parade is back after two years of pandemic-related disruptions. On March 17, roughly 150,000 people will march up Fifth Avenue for the 260th event honoring St. Patrick and Irish culture in New York City. In March 2020, the city's St. Patrick's Day Parade was one of the first major events to be canceled because of Covid. In 2021, the parade was held virtually. This year, the parade, which typically attracts about two million spectators, will return to Manhattan in full force, according to organizers.
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Events & Things To Do

Fernando Botero’s 8-foot ‘Sphinx’ sculpture has landed in the Meatpacking District

Photos courtesy of David Benrimon Fine Art

March 11, 2022

Fernando Botero’s 8-foot ‘Sphinx’ sculpture has landed in the Meatpacking District

By Michelle Cohen

Concurrent with an exhibition of celebrated Colombian artist Fernando Botero's work at David Benrimon Fine Art, Botero’s iconic "Sphinx" will be holding court in the Meatpacking District’s 14th Street Square until April 19. The exhibition and sculpture also mark the 90th birthday of Colombia’s most successful living artist. Botero's familiar style interprets mythological and everyday subjects with exaggerated, voluptuous proportions and flat, bright colors. The latest Meatpacking addition features the iconic creature with a human head, a lion's body and a falcon's wings in classic zaftig Botero style; there's no indication that it will be offering riddles.
International flair for a downtown square

Events & Things To Do

Staten Island woman’s collection of over 20,000 Black history artifacts to be auctioned

All images courtesy of Guernsey’s

March 9, 2022

Staten Island woman’s collection of over 20,000 Black history artifacts to be auctioned

By Aaron Ginsburg

Thousands of historical items illustrating the Black experience in America are going up for auction. Compiled over 60 years by former New York City teacher Elizabeth Meaders, the collection is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive, surpassing collections belonging to museums and other private institutions. The Elizabeth Meaders Collection of African American Historical and Cultural Artifacts will be put up for an online auction as a single collection through Guernsey's on March 15.
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First skyline-view sleepover at Top of the Rock will be an all-night celebration of spring

The sleepover space: Weather Room at Top of the Rock; image courtesy of Rockefeller Center

March 9, 2022

First skyline-view sleepover at Top of the Rock will be an all-night celebration of spring

By Michelle Cohen

As we slowly make our way toward spending time out there among our fellow New Yorkers, Rockefeller Center is hosting a new way to celebrate spring. Star Party at Top of the Rock will be the first-ever overnight musical experience at the famous skyline-view venue, held in celebration of the spring equinox as the evening of March 19 becomes March 20. The first of a new quarterly series offers a small audience the opportunity to experience all-night meditation and ambient sound against the sparkle of the city skyline.
Find out more ⭐️ ? ? ? ?

Events & Things To Do

March 8, 2022

The 10 best places in NYC to get your fill of Irish culture

By Rebecca Fishbein

St. Patrick’s Day is almost here, and though its modern iteration seems to have devolved into a daylong drinking activity, it’s still a good time to reflect on New York’s Irish heritage. Irish immigrants have been coming to New York since the colonial era, but in the 19th century, they were one of the biggest groups in the city, making up about a quarter of the population. Their cultural influence is everywhere, but there are some spots in town where it shines through the most. Here are our favorites.
Check 'em out

Where to celebrate Women’s History Month 2022 in NYC

Photo courtesy of the Locker Room

March 8, 2022

Where to celebrate Women’s History Month 2022 in NYC

By Michelle Cohen

March is Women’s History Month, an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of American women–and March 8 is International Women's Day. The origins of the month-long celebration–and the suffrage movement itself, have their roots in New York City, and the city is a great place to learn more about the women who shaped the world as we know it. Top local arts and culture organizations are offering lectures, festivals, tours, and art exhibits in the five boroughs, all month long. More reason to celebrate and mark your calendar: Most hosts have returned to in-person events.
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The Met Opera will host benefit concert for Ukraine relief efforts

Photo by Ajay Suresh on Flickr

March 8, 2022

The Met Opera will host benefit concert for Ukraine relief efforts

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Metropolitan Opera next week will host a benefit performance to support the people of Ukraine. A Concert for Ukraine will be held on March 14, with all ticket sales and proceeds going to relief efforts in Ukraine. The 70-minute program will be led by Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and feature some of the opera's star soloists. Tickets are $50 and go on sale this Wednesday.
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Events & Things To Do

Jen Ray, Jason Forrest, “Find the Secret Data Message, NY Alive.” Photo credit: Data X Design.

March 7, 2022

Open Data Week highlights NYC’s Open Data Portal with art, design, squirrels and more

By Michelle Cohen

New York City loves an opportunity to show off its smarts and find innovative ways technology, art and daily life are intertwined. Data Through Design (DxD), an exhibition happening from March 5 - 13 throughout the five boroughs, is a perfect example. DxD is a central component of the broader NYC Open Data Week, which in turn highlights the city's Open Data Portal and the many things that can be done with access to data. Design and art events offer visitors a chance to interact with the city through life-sized art pieces. Even the city's bushy-tailed rodents get involved in the fun.
Art, design, rats and squirrels, this way

Explore hidden gems and lesser-known artists at the Hispanic Society Museum & Library’s new exhibit

All images courtesy of Alfonso Lozano

March 7, 2022

Explore hidden gems and lesser-known artists at the Hispanic Society Museum & Library’s new exhibit

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Hispanic Society Museum & Library has opened a new exhibition that brings attention to the wide variety of art, literature, and history from the Iberian Peninsula and South America. Curated by art historian Dr. Madeleine Haddon, Nuestra Casa: Rediscovering the Treasures of The Hispanic Society Museum & Library features select "hidden gems" from the museum's expansive collection of more than 750,000 pieces, including artworks by El Greco and Goya to masterpieces by lesser-known Latin American artists. The exhibition is open at the Washington Heights museum now through April 17.
Details this way

Brooklyn Museum’s iconic ‘OY/YO’ sculpture is wrapped in blue fabric to show support for Ukraine

By Devin Gannon

The bright yellow OY/YO sculpture that sits in front of The Brooklyn Museum has been partially wrapped in blue fabric to show solidarity with Ukraine. Deborah Kass, the New York artist behind the piece, joined museum staff on Wednesday to cover the letter "O" with the fabric, a nod to the blue and yellow Ukrainian flag. According to an Instagram post published by the museum, Kass' activation "aligns with her original motivation in creating this sculpture—to connect communities and to see our commonalities."
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Events & Things To Do

NYC’s first ‘flying theater’ RiseNY opens in Times Square

All images courtesy of Jeremy Daniel

March 2, 2022

NYC’s first ‘flying theater’ RiseNY opens in Times Square

By Aaron Ginsburg

Starting Wednesday, visitors will be able to soar through the sky on an aerial tour of New York City in a flying theater. Located at 160 West 45th Street, RiseNY is a state-of-the-art virtual experience created and produced by Running Subway that takes participants on an exhilarating journey of the city skyline and cultural landmarks. The experience is a three-part journey starting with a film narrated by Jeff Goldblum, taking guests through the recreation of NYC's first subway station and delving into the city's global impact.
Details here

Events & Things To Do

The New York Botanical Garden’s colorful orchid show returns for 19th year

All photos courtesy of the New York Botanical Garden

March 1, 2022

The New York Botanical Garden’s colorful orchid show returns for 19th year

By Aaron Ginsburg

After it was cut short due to the pandemic, the New York Botanical Garden's famed orchid exhibition is returning for its 19th year. Created by lifestyle icon and floral designer Jeff Leatham, The Orchid Show: Jeff Leatham's Kaleidoscope transforms the garden's historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory into a colorful experience reminiscent of a kaleidoscope. The orchid show is open through May 1.
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Events & Things To Do

8 best places in NYC to thrift for home goods

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

February 28, 2022

8 best places in NYC to thrift for home goods

By Emilie Murphy

New York may be one of the most expensive cities in the world, but that doesn’t mean there aren't plenty of deals to uncover. If you’re looking to dress up your walls or find a new couch that doesn’t cost a month’s rent, a thrift store is often your best bet. So where can you find these wallet-friendly unicorns? There are plenty of larger chains throughout the five boroughs like Housing Works, the Salvation Army, and Goodwill, but also many under-the-radar shops that each offer their own brand of charm. You can find the weird and the wonderful, give new life to ancient floor lamps or grab a barely-used armchair. Plus, what’s good for your wallet also happens to be good for the environment. And best of all, many of these stores are money-making vehicles for various nonprofits or charities, meaning your money is working twice as hard. From a 10,000-square-foot warehouse to a carefully curated resale shop, here are the eight best stores in NYC to thrift for home goods.
More this way

Photo by Martineric on Flickr

February 24, 2022

NYC Marathon to return at full capacity this year with 50,000 runners

By Devin Gannon

The New York City Marathon will return in full force this fall, race organizers announced Thursday, after limiting capacity last year and canceling the year before. The world's largest marathon will take place on November 6 with 50,000 runners competing. All runners participating in the race must be fully vaccinated.
Get the details

Events & Things To Do

New ‘Date Night’ at the Met Museum includes live music and drink specials

Photo by Shinya Suzuki on Flickr

February 18, 2022

New ‘Date Night’ at the Met Museum includes live music and drink specials

By Aaron Ginsburg

Bring your special someone, or come by yourself, to a special date night event hosted by the largest art museum in the Western Hemisphere. Every Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., The Metropolitan Museum of Art will host "Date Night at The Met," an evening of live music, drink specials, and art.
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Events & Things To Do

New interactive map highlights 400+ arts organizations led by people of color in NYC

Screenshot of Map courtesy of HueArts NYC

February 17, 2022

New interactive map highlights 400+ arts organizations led by people of color in NYC

By Michelle Cohen

HueArts NYC, a coalition of over 400 New York City arts groups founded, led, and serving Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, and all People of Color (POC), launched an interactive digital map and directory of the city's POC-led arts and culture landscape. The map accompanies a report with key findings and recommendations for the city's policymakers and arts donors to address the city's cultural equity gap, including a call to create a $100 million fund to support POC-led arts groups.
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Live like Midge Maisel in this 60s-themed suite at the Plaza, starting at $1,675/night

All images courtesy of The Plaza

February 17, 2022

Live like Midge Maisel in this 60s-themed suite at the Plaza, starting at $1,675/night

By Aaron Ginsburg

With the highly anticipated fourth season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel set to hit Amazon Prime Video this Friday, New York City's iconic Plaza Hotel is giving fans of the show the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Midge Maisel. The Plaza has recreated Midge's aesthetic within a one-bedroom suite, furnished with antiques and accouterments straight from the 1950s and 60s. As part of the event, The Palm Court at The Plaza has created the "Midge Menu," which reimagines the three-tiered afternoon tea tradition and includes NYC classics like pastrami sandwiches on rye, black and white cookies reimagined as macarons, and Nutella babka cheesecake.
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Events & Things To Do

Free walking tour of the Flatiron District explores the neighborhood’s presidential history

Photo by Jermaine Ee on Unsplash

February 16, 2022

Free walking tour of the Flatiron District explores the neighborhood’s presidential history

By Aaron Ginsburg

To celebrate Presidents Day weekend, the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership is hosting a free special walking tour that explores the connection between U.S. presidents and the rich history of the Flatiron District. On February 20 at 11 a.m., tour guide Mike Kaback will embark on a 90-minute tour with guests, pointing out landmarks and providing context on how former presidents like Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant are tied to the historic area.
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An art lover’s guide to NYC: Where to find galleries, creative space, and public art in Dumbo

Top right photo: Cey Adams’ “Love” mural; Photo courtesy of Dumbo BID

February 16, 2022

An art lover’s guide to NYC: Where to find galleries, creative space, and public art in Dumbo

By Emilie Murphy

Dumbo, “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass,” is a highly Instagrammable neighborhood that also happens to boast world-class art and cultural attractions. Once a manufacturing hub full of abandoned warehouses, Dumbo is now a vibrant area that is one of Brooklyn’s biggest draws. With newfound popularity buoyed by an influx of galleries, creative spaces, and public art, this former no man’s land has been refashioned into the height of cool.
More this way

Events & Things To Do

February 16, 2022

Former illegal Upper West Side hotel will become apartments for homeless and low income residents

By Michelle Cohen

As part of a larger plan to create much-needed affordable housing, Mayor Eric Adams has expressed his support for converting hotels to residential units. In the first such attempt by his administration, Adams announced on Monday plans to convert what had been an illegal hotel at 258 West 97th Street on the Upper West Side into 80 new units of housing primarily for formerly homeless and low-income New Yorkers.
More on illegal hotels and new housing

NYC cultural landmarks and public libraries will distribute free at-home Covid testing kits

Image courtesy of Gerardo Romo/NYC Council Media Unit on Flickr

February 14, 2022

NYC cultural landmarks and public libraries will distribute free at-home Covid testing kits

By Aaron Ginsburg

The NYC Test & Trace Corps has partnered with 14 city cultural sites and 27 branches of the city's public libraries to hand out free at-home covid-19 testing kits. Starting on February 14, libraries across the city's three branches and cultural sites will be conducting weekly walk-up distributions of the free kits, which will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis with a limit of one per person.
Find out more about free at-home test kits

Pablo Delano, “Dancers at Dominican Day Parade,” Midtown, 1994-1995. Museum of the City of New York, 20211.15.15. Courtesy of Pablo Delano

February 11, 2022

New MCNY photo exhibition is a love letter to NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

A photo installation that captures the essence of New York City is opening this month. The Museum of the City of New York will open the new exhibition, "Celebrating the City: Recent Acquisitions from the Joy of Giving Something," on February 18. The series features roughly 100 photographs selected from more than 1,000 that were recently gifted to the East Harlem museum by Joy of Giving Something, a non-profit organization devoted to photography.
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Events & Things To Do

February 10, 2022

The 10 most romantic spots in NYC

By Rebecca Fishbein

It’s sometimes hard to see New York’s romantic potential, considering the city’s sheer quantity of subway rats and mysterious street sludge. But despite some of New York’s less love-inspiring qualities, there are a lot of beautiful, heart-stopping spots that set the right tone for romance, even if you have to contend with yellow snow on your way home. Just in time for Valentine's Day, we've rounded up our 10 favorites, from a medieval monastery to a cozy restaurant haunted by Aaron Burr to tried-and-true favorites like the top of the Empire State Building.
Love is in the air

A permanent immersive art center will open inside a Lower Manhattan landmark this summer

Image courtesy of Culturespaces / Eric Spiller

February 9, 2022

A permanent immersive art center will open inside a Lower Manhattan landmark this summer

By Aaron Ginsburg

A permanent museum dedicated to immersive art experiences will open this summer in Lower Manhattan. Dubbed Hall des Lumières, the art center will take over the former Emigrant Industrial Saving Bank building across from City Hall and feature animated and glowing 30-foot displays of famous paintings. Developed by French museum operator Culturespaces and IMG, the center's inaugural installation will be Gustav Klimt: Gold in Motion, "a thematic journey through the golden, sensuous and revolutionary art of the Viennese painter," according to a press release.
See more here