Things to Do in NYC series - Manhattan

I can’t think of a better way to start my Manhattan post then with museums, art installations & exhibits - true New York experiences.

ARTECHOUSE, this 21st Century innovative art space in Chelsea which was previously boiler room space under Chelsea Market’s main concourse - now showcases works by groundbreaking artists who work with new technology and new forms of creative expression. During the time of my visit (Dec. 2019), the exhibit was “Machine Hallucination” a multimedia AI created projected vision based on NYC pictured below. On the top level of the venue there is a bar area with cocktails that come with their own hi-tech visuals with the simple download of their app. This is one time you can’t blame the alcohol for the little dancing people and spinning figures you see while imbibing;-)

2. The Museum of Modern Art aka MoMA, where you will find thought-provoking modern and contemporary art. It’s a very popular museum so plan your visit wisely. I visited on a Friday night when admission is free between 5:30p - 9:00p, thanks to Uniqlo. As with anything free, be prepared to have larger crowds than usual. If you really want to enjoy your visit perhaps don’t visit on a free Friday evening.

3. After you visit MoMA, take a walk over to the WHITBY HOTEL for a cocktail or meal. The art & design experience continues at this cool property which is owned by Tim & Kit Kemp. Kit Kemp is a highly acclaimed interior designer and it shows throughout the hotel from the moment you enter the lobby with its artwork and marble sculptures to the colorful bar and restaurant area. The design elements even carry over into the restrooms.

4. HUDSON YARDS Shops & Restaurants. The visual highlight of this destination is the mega popular “Vessel” sculpture which can be found on numerous Instagram pages. “The Shed”, a cultural center for artistic invention, is an equally impressive design which can be found right behind the vessel, both pictured below. With its very own mega-mall (which you typically don’t find in the city), you will find stores like Neiman Marcus (the first one in NYC) along with a very big H&M, Zara and many more. Star chefs David Chang and José Andrés have restaurants here along with some cool food-court options such as Mercado Little Spain.

Here you will also find the new Equinox Hotel where fitness and wellness are at the forefront. This is a perfect hotel to lay your head at night after a day of exploring the streets of NYC. It also serves as a great staycation hotel for you New Yorkers.

5. FOTOGRAFISKA: It took me a long time to make my way to this museum located in the Flatiron district. It’s the perfect place to visit for all of you photography lovers. Fun fact - the building is a registered landmark built in 1894 and originally named “The Church Mission Building”. This multi-level space with rotating exhibits is definitely worth a visit. Be sure to check out the Chapel Bar located in the restored cathedral next door on the main level or snag a reservation in advance at the restaurant located upstairs, Veronika.

Featured below, photography from Tawny Chatmon “Inheritance” and Ellen von Unwerth “Devotion! 30 years of photographing women!”, just a couple of my favorites from this current exhibit which can be seen until March 2020. Visit their website for exact dates & details.