Events & Things To Do

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

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.
Find out more

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

Events & Things To Do

February 8, 2022

50 practical items that make perfect housewarming gifts

By Terri Williams

Space is always at a premium in New York City – even for people moving into a larger place. When thinking about housewarming gifts, quality always takes precedent over quantity. And since new homeowners and tenants need to maximize their space, our list of best housewarming gifts includes practical, well-made, durable, and long-lasting choices that are also fashionable enough to work in any design style. We also went beyond the typical housewarming gifts to include some new, cool, and fun items that you may not have thought of.
Find the perfect gift

How to celebrate Black History Month 2022 in New York City

“Renaming Project” Exhibition, Photo Credit: Daniel Avila / NYC Parks

February 7, 2022

How to celebrate Black History Month 2022 in New York City

By Aaron Ginsburg

In the United States, February is a month dedicated to the celebration of African American history and culture. Ahead find a variety of events to commemorate Black History Month in New York City, ranging from community service and walking tours to jazz concerts and live performances.
Full list ahead

New Morris-Jumel Mansion photo exhibit preserves the faces of historic Washington Heights

“Children on 162nd Street.” Gliclée print on archival fiber paper, 1901 (re-print 2021), Courtesy of the descendants of the Ettlinger Family.

February 7, 2022

New Morris-Jumel Mansion photo exhibit preserves the faces of historic Washington Heights

By Aaron Ginsburg

One of New York City's most historically significant neighborhoods is getting the attention it deserves in a new museum exhibition. The landmarked museum Morris-Jumel Mansion last month opened History Now, a collection of photographs by local artist Rose Deler that features large-format, black and white film portraits depicting the residents and architecture from the Jumel Terrace Historic District in Washington Heights. The exhibition will be open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through April 3.
Find out more

Events & Things To Do

February 3, 2022

10 cozy NYC bars to stay warm at all winter

By Lidia Ryan

Winter in New York City can be tough — bitter winds, slushy sidewalks, walking to the subway in a massive winter parka. But these frigid temps and grey days (will February ever end?!) are the perfect excuses to escape to a cozy bar and warm up with a cocktail. To get you through the rest of winter, we've rounded up some of the coziest bars in the city for the coldest nights.
Check them all out

February 1, 2022

An art lover’s guide to NYC: The best public art installations and museums in FiDi

By Emilie Murphy

While the Financial District, located at the southern tip of Manhattan, maybe most closely synonymous with Wall Street and towering office buildings, it is also home to world-class museums, public art installations and performances, and unexpected treasures that make it a worthy destination for art lovers. Better yet, during a time of increasing unknowns and fluctuating Covid statistics, many of FiDi's cultural elements can be safely experienced outside or at a distance. From large-scale sculptures to a landlocked lighthouse, here is the ultimate art lover’s guide to FiDi.
Get the details

Events & Things To Do

18 places to celebrate Lunar New Year 2022 in NYC

Courtesy of Pearl River Mart

January 28, 2022

18 places to celebrate Lunar New Year 2022 in NYC

By Devin Gannon

The two-week Lunar New Year festival began this week, ushering in the Year of the Tiger. Kicking off February 1 and running through February 15, the Lunar New Year celebrates the end of the winter and looks forward to spring and new beginnings. Thanks to its multiple Chinatowns and diverse Asian communities across the five boroughs, New York City offers many ways to celebrate the new year, including a fireworks display, parades, lion dance performances, lantern making, and more.
Details here

Events & Things To Do

27 spots in NYC for Super Bowl Sunday spreads and specials

By Aaron Ginsburg

Whether you're watching Super Bowl LVI from one of the city's best sports bars and restaurants or from the comfort of your couch, good game day grub is a must. Ahead, find local spots with the best Super Bowl spreads, from in-person viewing parties with drink specials to ready-to-eat platters for pick-up and delivery.
Full list here

January 25, 2022

13 unique gift ideas for Valentine’s Day

By Lizzy Briskin

This year, think outside the box to wow your Valentine. Use these ideas for fun, flirty and family-friendly one-of-a-kind gifts for your one in a million. These gift ideas include something for everyone in your life, from the plant lover to the New York City foodie. In particular, there are plenty of experience gifts for Valentine’s Day. Because why not gift the present of your presence?
See the full list

Theodore Roosevelt statue removed from NYC’s Museum of Natural History

Photo © Olivia Lemons

January 21, 2022

Theodore Roosevelt statue removed from NYC’s Museum of Natural History

By Devin Gannon

The statue of Theodore Roosevelt that has stood on the steps of the American Museum of Natural History for more than eight decades was removed this week. The city's Public Design Commission voted last summer to take down and relocate the statue, seen as racist for its depiction of Roosevelt on horseback flanked by a Native American figure and an African figure. The bronze statue will soon be shipped to Medora, N.D., where it will be displayed at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, set to open in 2026.
Get the details

Events & Things To Do

New York’s first-ever Lenape-curated exhibition to open at the Brooklyn Public Library in Greenpoint

Image courtesy of Gregg Richards

January 19, 2022

New York’s first-ever Lenape-curated exhibition to open at the Brooklyn Public Library in Greenpoint

By Aaron Ginsburg

The first-ever Lenape-curated exhibition in New York is coming to Brooklyn. Presented by the Brooklyn Public Library and The Lenape Center, Lenapehoking features a collection of masterworks by Lenape artists and educational programs that teach visitors the story of the Lenape community. The collection is curated by Joe Baker, the co-founder and executive director of the Lenape Center and enrolled member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians. The exhibition opens on Thursday, January 20 at the Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center and runs through April 30.
Find out more

New-York Historical Society brings Frederick Douglass’ vision of a free America to life

Left: Carte-de-visite of Frederick Douglass, late 19th century. Patricia D. Klingenstein Library, New-York Historical Society. Right: Douglass scrapbook, Beinecke Library, New-York Historical Society

January 18, 2022

New-York Historical Society brings Frederick Douglass’ vision of a free America to life

By Aaron Ginsburg

The work of one of America's most influential advocates for liberty and equality will be on view in New York City this Black History Month. On February 11, the New-York Historical Society will open Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass’ America, a special installation that honors the legacy of one of America’s most prolific freedom fighters. Named after one of Frederick Douglass’ most iconic speeches written at the end of the Civil War, the installation aims to paint a picture of Douglass’ optimistic vision of a new America during the era of Reconstruction.
Details here

New art exhibit lets you walk through a glowing tunnel in the Garment District

Image courtesy of Alexandre Ayer / @DiversityPics for the Garment District Alliance

January 11, 2022

New art exhibit lets you walk through a glowing tunnel in the Garment District

By Aaron Ginsburg

A small section of Broadway in the Garment District has been transformed into a glowing tunnel. The Garment District Alliance today revealed Passage, an art installation consisting of 20 illuminated circles that form a tunnel for pedestrians to walk through. The art piece is interactive, with each ring radiating light and emitting sound as participants pass by them. Located on Broadway between 39th and 40th Streets, the free immersive art experience will be open to the public until February 13.
Find out more

How to help victims of the Bronx apartment building fire

Gov. Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro and other leaders brief the press after Sunday’s deadly five-alarm fire Photo: Michael Appleton / Office of Mayoral Photography on Flickr

January 10, 2022

How to help victims of the Bronx apartment building fire

By Devin Gannon

A five-alarm fire ignited in a residential tower in the Bronx on Sunday morning, killing 17 people, including eight children, and marking the city's most devastating fire since 1990. According to Fire Department officials, a faulty space heater started the fire at the 120-unit Twin Parks North West building, located at 333 East 181st Street. In addition to dealing with the tragic loss of life and dozens of serious injuries, families in the building have now been displaced and are in urgent need of relief supplies. We've put together a list of organizations accepting monetary donations and emergency supplies for those affected by the fire.
More here

Events & Things To Do

$850M South Street Seaport project gets final approval

Photo credit: The Howard Hughes Corporation/SOM

January 5, 2022

$850M South Street Seaport project gets final approval

By Devin Gannon

The Howard Hughes Corporation last week got the official go-ahead from the city to build a mixed-use tower on a parking lot in the South Street Seaport. Originally proposed as a 1,000-foot-tall tower, the plan for 250 Water Street has changed many times over the last few years due to feedback from community groups and local officials, with the final result being a 324-foot-tall tower with roughly 270 apartments. The $850 million project is expected to break ground this year following remediation of the site.
Get the details

The 2007 Times Square Ball during construction. Image courtesy of Focus Lighting.

December 30, 2021

How the Times Square Ball is made

By Dana Schulz

When midnight hits this New Year's Eve, the Times Square Ball will dazzle people just the same from five feet away or on their television. Making this magic happen is no easy feat, though. To learn a bit more about how the nearly 12,000-pound ball was created, we chatted with principal designer Christine Hope of Focus Lighting, the architectural lighting design firm that conceptualized the current ball more than 10 years ago. From engineering a new system to make all 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles sparkle to dreaming up the magical light show that plays leading up to the ball drop, Focus Lighting shares the inside scoop on this world-famous tradition.
READ MORE

New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square to be scaled back because of Covid

Image by Anthony Quintano via Flickr

December 27, 2021

New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square to be scaled back because of Covid

By Aaron Ginsburg

After announcing last month that this year's Times Square New Year's Eve celebration will return to maximum capacity, Mayor Bill de Blasio broke the news on Thursday that the celebration will be scaled back to protect attendees from the Omicron variant. Usually hosting 58,000 guests, the celebratory event will be reduced to 15,000 attendees and include additional safety measures like the use of masks. Those planning on taking part in the celebration must provide full proof of vaccination with photo identification.
See more here

Events & Things To Do

Everything you need to host a NYE party in your NYC apartment

Photo by cottonbro on pexels

December 23, 2021

Everything you need to host a NYE party in your NYC apartment

By Lizzy Briskin

Ring in 2022 on a festive note with these tips and easy buys to make your apartment (no matter how small) party-ready. Whether you’re eager to leave 2021 behind or you’re looking forward to a night spent reminiscing on the highs of the past year, your New Year's Eve party should feel decadent, festive, and sophisticated. If you’re planning a party for a small New York City space, good news: we have the best tips, tricks, and products that will ensure you and your guests have a night to remember.
More here

‘2022’ numerals arrive in Times Square after cross-country trip

Image courtesy of Times Square Alliance

December 22, 2021

‘2022’ numerals arrive in Times Square after cross-country trip

By Aaron Ginsburg

The New Year has arrived in New York. The iconic seven-foot-tall numerals that sit beneath the New Year's Eve crystal ball arrived in Times Square on Monday. The numbers are available for viewing at Times Square Plaza between 46th and 47th Street until noon on December 23 until they take their place on top of One Times Square.
Find out more

Events & Things To Do

10 ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2021 in NYC without the Times Square crowds

Photo by Edoardo Tommasini from Pexels

December 22, 2021

10 ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2021 in NYC without the Times Square crowds

By Michelle Cohen

New Yorkers are emerging and socializing, but we're still being cautious. That means you might not feel like mixing and mingling with a massive crowd of revelers from all over the planet. If you’d rather enjoy a more subtle celebration, check out the events we've listed below. Note that while the parties and performances were still on the calendar at publication, some venues are canceling more populous events in the name of extra caution, so double check before heading out. For all events, you can be sure mask and vaccine-proof protocols will be in place, so plan accordingly.
2022, this way

Events & Things To Do

Ride NYC’s oldest operating subway cars one last time before the MTA retires them

Photo of an R32 subway car by Mtattrain on Wikimedia

December 20, 2021

Ride NYC’s oldest operating subway cars one last time before the MTA retires them

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is set to retire the R-32, one of the oldest operating subway cars in the world, in early 2022. The R-32 has carried New Yorkers to their destinations for 58 years but has fallen out of use due to the modernization of the subway system. To honor their incredible legacy, an R-32 train will run on each consecutive Sunday in December before being officially retired in early January.
See more here

Landmarks votes to keep ‘Fearless Girl’ statue across from the Stock Exchange for three more years

Photo by Ahmer Kalam on Unsplash

December 15, 2021

Landmarks votes to keep ‘Fearless Girl’ statue across from the Stock Exchange for three more years

By Michelle Cohen

New York City's Landmarks Preservation Commission agreed in a unanimous vote on Tuesday to keep the popular "Fearless Girl" statue in its home on Broad Street across from the New York Stock Exchange for three more years. As 6sqft previously reported, the statue’s permit with the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) expired on November 29. State Street Global Advisors, the statue’s owners, submitted a request for a ten-year permit last year, which will ultimately be addressed at a hearing before the Public Design Commission, which oversees the city’s art collection. The LPC vote was based solely on the statue's placement in a historically significant location.
Find out more