By Jacquelin Carnegie
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Breaking the Waves, Works & Process,
The Guggenheim |
In museums all over town, there's lots more happening than the exhibits on the walls: Music, Dance & Family Fun. New York City museums have become de facto performing arts centers with exciting events, often thematically tied into what's on view. Here's a small sampling to get you started:
UPTOWN - MUSEUM MILE
THE GUGGENHEIM
1071 Fifth Ave (at 88th St); www.guggenheim.org/new-york
Throughout the year, there are several top-notch, special events, so be sure to check the Performance calendar. Works & Process: In an intimate theater space, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this performing arts series gives you the opportunity to see new works by some of the most acclaimed, international creators and performers in the world.
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| Peter & the Wolf, The Guggenheim |
For the Holidays: Don't miss the divine Isaac Mizrahi production of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf and the Rotunda Holiday Concerts--fun for children and adults!
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
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| Fuentidueña Chapel, The Cloisters |
1000 Fifth Ave (at 82nd St); www.metmuseum.org
There is always something cultural happening at the museum from concerts to lectures to site-specific performances.
MetLiveArts: This series offers interesting performances, commissions, and world premieres in the museum's theater. Site-specific events are set in unique gallery spaces throughout the museum.
THE MET CLOISTERS - Concerts www.metmuseum.org/visit/met-cloisters
In the beautiful, medieval Cloisters' museum in Fort Tyron Park, concerts are held in the splendid, 12th-century Fuentidueña Chapel, with wonderful acoustics. (Concert tickets include free, same-day museum admission.)
THE JEWISH MUSEUM
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| The Jewish Museum |
1109 Fifth Ave (at 92nd St); www.thejewishmuseum.org
The museum offers an amazing range of cultural programs from interesting discussions with artists and curators, to talks by contemporary authors and thinkers, concerts, and other performances and workshops inspired by exhibitions on view.
MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
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El Museo del Barrio
(photo: Michael Palma Mir) |
This museum, devoted to New York City history, presents fascinating events and talks illuminating New York's past and imagining the city's future. Check out the Stories & Events calendar.
EL MUSESO DEL BARRIO
1230 Fifth Ave (at 104th St); www.elmuseo.org
The museum focuses on Latino arts and culture. Its' bilingual programs, festivals, and special events celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean and Latin America. Get ready to party!
THE FRICK COLLECTION
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| The Frick, Living Hall (photo: Michael Bodycomb) |
Henry Clay Frick was a successful, robber-baron, industrialist during the Gilded Age who had a passion for art. His magnificent 1914 Beaux-Arts mansion on Fifth Avenue, designed by Carrère and Hastings, was turned into a museum in 1930. Now, after an impressive, major renovation, it’s like walking through a “lifestyle” rather than a museum. In addition to lush 16th- to 18th-century furnishings, paintings (Rembrandts, Van Dykes, Vermeers, Turners, Fragonards, Gainsboroughs, etc.), sculptures, and decorative objects, the family’s former, private rooms on the 2nd floor have been turned into exhibit space. Concerts will be held in a new, state-of-the-art auditorium and a lecture series in a new education center. Welcome to a beautifully-updated, Gilded Age experience!
DOWNTOWN
In a downtown area, recently made hip by the fabulous High Line walkway, 20th- and 21st-century American art is celebrated in the museum's new building abuzz with activity. The Whitney Biennial is one of the museum's signature exhibits, along with an exciting, eclectic mix of performances and talks on a regular basis that are tied into current exhibits. Plus, check out the cool events on Free Friday Nights & Free 2nd Sundays. Best feature: The "art terraces" on every level with stunning views of New York and the Hudson River.
MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE
Edmond J. Safra Plaza, 36 Battery Place; mjhnyc.org
While not as well known as The Jewish Museum, MJH, located downtown by Battery Park, presents a broad tapestry of Jewish life in the 20th and 21st centuries—before, during, and after the Holocaust. Hence, the engrossing programs include discussions, films, plays, and concerts that highlight the richness of Jewish culture and ideas. (There's also an Andy Goldsworthy stone garden really worth seeing and great views of the Statue of Liberty.)
SOUTH STREET SEAPORT MUSEUM
12 Fulton St & 213 Water St; https://southstreetseaportmuseum.org
The museum, on Schermerhorn Row in the historic seaport district, presents the story of New York as a great port city through an extensive collection of maritime artifacts and a fleet of historic vessels. Their newly-renovated A.A. Thomson & Co. building, around the corner on Water Street, is now a hub for any number of engaging, public programs such as lectures, live music, films & special events. And, from May to September, enjoy a sail on the Hudson River onboard the Pioneer schooner or the W.O. Decker tug boat!
WESTSIDE
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
Central Park West at 79th St; www.amnh.org
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| Apex Stegosaurus, AMNH |
The museum is a treasure trove of discoveries. In addition to all the interesting exhibits and dioramas, there are wonderful activities for kids and adults: the Astronomy Live series; the annual Margaret Mead Film Festival; cocktails & conversation at the after-hours SciCafe evenings; and family-fun cultural events, themed to tie-in with current exhibits. There's a lot more going on here than dinosaur bones! (And, after a 5-year hiatus, "A Night at the Museum Sleepovers" for kids 6-12 are back!)
BROOKLYN
BROOKLYN MUSEUM OF ART
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| The Bang Group, BMA |
200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn; www.brooklynmuseum.org
In addition to way-cool exhibits, BMA offers a variety of interesting events for adults, teens, and kids. These include talks, performances, films, and workshops that enhance the museum’s current exhibits and permanent collection. Every month, there's also free First Saturdays which usually feature music, dancing and a film, plus museum admission.
Editor's Note: Some of these wonderful, special museum events are free with admission, others require a separate ticket and/or booking in advance. Be sure to check the museum's website. And, when you enter any museum, be sure to read the signs ("suggested" admission means pay any amount not the $20+ listed). Also, many museums have free or "pay what you wish" evenings starting at around 5pm. The Metropolitan Museum ticket includes same-day admission to The Met Cloisters. Some events may also be offered online.
