AMNH to celebrate Manhattanhenge with free block party this weekend
Credit:zxvisual
The American Museum of Natural History is offering a new way to experience Manhattanhenge as the phenomenon makes its final appearance of 2026. The twice-yearly spectacle occurs when the setting sun aligns perfectly with Manhattan’s street grid, creating iconic views and photo opportunities across the borough. To celebrate the cosmic event on Saturday, museum astronomer Jackie Faherty will lead a ticketed 3D presentation using cutting-edge software, followed by a free outdoor viewing experience accompanied by live music.
Coined by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, Manhattanhenge is a play on “Stonehenge,” the prehistoric stone circle in England built to align with the sun’s movement. Manhattan’s street grid does not run perfectly north-south and east-west because the island is rotated roughly 29 degrees clockwise, as 6sqft previously reported.
During the summer solstice, the sun sets about 32 degrees north of true west. In the weeks before and after the solstice, the sun sets at roughly the same angle as Manhattan’s grid, which sits about 29 degrees north of true west.
The phenomenon has become a beloved tradition among New Yorkers, who flock to prime vantage points across the city to take photos and experience the striking display. This year, the half sun and full sun appeared along the street grid on May 28 and 29, respectively.
Manhattanhenge returned as a half sun on Sunday, June 12, at 8:21 p.m. A full sun will be seen on Saturday, July 11, at 8:20 p.m.
Before Saturday’s display, American Museum of Natural History astronomer Jackie Faherty will lead a 3D presentation in the LeFrak Giant-Screen Theater at 7 p.m. exploring the science and history behind Manhattanhenge using the museum’s OpenSpace visualization software. Tickets to the lecture are $20.
Following the presentation, the museum will host an outdoor viewing event featuring live music from the Williamsburg Salsa Orchestra. The event is supported by Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal.
For soccer fans attending the presentation, the museum will host a free block party starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday that celebrates the sports culture of the five boroughs, including soccer. The event will highlight local traditions while exploring the impact of extreme heat and sunlight on play, performance, and community life around the world.
Inside, the museum will also show FIFA World Cup quarterfinal matches between Norway and England and Argentina and Switzerland. Learn more here.
Those who cannot attend the museum’s event can still experience Manhattanhenge from the city’s major east-west streets, including 14th Street, 23rd Street, 34th Street, 42nd Street, and 57th Street. Other popular viewing spots include the Tudor City Overpass in Manhattan and Hunter’s Point South Park in Long Island City, Queens.
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