An emerald expanse in the thriving, concrete jungle that is New York City, Central Park lies in the heartland of the Manhattan borough. It commences its labyrinthine stretch from Midtown, all the way to Harlem. It was created in 1857 by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, who envisioned a sprawling green space in the center of the island. The park spans 843 acres (341.15 hectares) and bustles with life throughout the day, even as the layered, multi-hued fold of the city's skyline unfolds at its hem. The park's 21 playgrounds are speckled with ornate fountains, sculptures, myriad bridges and arches, together forming an urbane respite where several come to find peace from the city's chaotic pace. Attractions within the park include the Bethesda Fountain, the Conservatory Garden, Belvedere Castle and Central Park Zoo.
The Lincoln Center for Performing Arts is a massive venue when it comes to live entertainment. The Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors has something for everyone: internationally recognized dances, high-level performances, special events and jazz. Watch out for Live From Lincoln Center, a program that has famous orchestras and artistes performing. Lincoln Center holds about 400 live performances a year, ranging from classical to modern productions. And as if that wasn't enough, the Center also hosts many events put on by the Film Society at Lincoln Center. There are guided tours on a daily basis that explore the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera House, Avery Fisher Hall, the New York State Theater (home of the New York City Opera) and the Vivian Beaumont Theater. During the tour, your guides will entertain you with fascinating stories and give you a glimpse of a rehearsal in progress.
With a permanent collection numbering over two million individual works of art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or simply the Met, is not only a New York City landmark, it is the United States' largest art museum and the fifth-most visited museum of any kind in the world. Designed by Richard Morris Hunt, the museum encompasses more than 1.5 million square feet (139,355 square meters) of exhibition space. European paintings on display include those by world-renown masters like Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Titian, and Vermeer. The vast collection has been split between several galleries, arranged by geographic origin and other thematic schemes. The Egyptian art gallery is especially enticing, as are the Met's repositories of Asian, African and Medieval art. Others include Islamic, Roman, and Greek art, the Arms and Armory section, the Costume Institute, and European Decorative arts. When weather permits, contemporary sculptures are displayed at the open-air roof garden. Apart from being a treasure trove for art lovers, The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers a fun-filled and educational experience for all ages.
The High Line is an urban oasis filled with beautifully manicured landscapes. It sits above the city on old train tracks that were installed as part of the West Side Improvement Project back in 1929. The line was primarily used to transport goods along the Lower West Side, but with the advent of vehicles in the 1950s and more accessible routes elsewhere, the last train eventually ran in 1980. Thereafter, the elevated tracks fell into disrepair, and the whole structure was nearly demolished. It was instead converted into an innovative public park, delighting locals and visitors alike. Today, the High Line is a cherished sanctuary away from the bustle of city life.
Tucked away in Queens is an old-fashioned testament to film and television. The actual studios of the one-time Paramount East Coast production house are closed, but the museum provides tours about film making where you can see makeup, costumes and well-known movie sets. There are several theaters for film screenings and a gift shop for souvenir hunters.
This massive cathedral, situated across from Rockefeller Center on Fifth Avenue is regarded as one of the largest Catholic cathedrals in the United States. With its soaring 140-foot (43 meters) spires, St. Patrick's Cathedral is also one of the city's most spectacular architectural sights. Construction on the neo-gothic structure had started in 1850 and completed in 1878. Inside, it boasts of numerous altars and stained glass windows, and a giant organ with over 7,300 pipes. Services are held throughout the day, and many New Yorkers stop in for a moment of serenity in their otherwise hectic lives.
This Arte Primitivo gallery specializes in pre-Columbian art, as well as Classical, Egyptian and Asian antiques. It has been in existence since 1961. The current owner, Howard S. Rose, acquired the space in 1996. He has auctioned over rare pieces of pre-Columbian art since that time. Information on ongoing auctions can be obtained online at the gallery's website, or by calling for a printed catalog. Admission to the gallery is free.
Built in 1924 for the American Radiator Company, this building was the first major design in New York by Rockefeller Center architect, Raymond Hood. Its stepped-back pyramidal roof was one of the first of its kind, and the stark black brickwork helps it stand out as a familiar landmark of the New York skyline. At 21 stories, the tower is topped by gold terra-cotta trim. When originally lit in honor of the heating company, the stories were supposed to resemble fired coals.
This gallery features works of art from various artists in the fields of painting and photography. But that's not all, their focus is also on mixed media and sound installation. Artists who were otherwise ignored are now being recognized and appreciated. These spellbinding creations are sure to lure every eye. So here's calling all you art enthusiasts, do make a trip and enjoy yourselves.
Alternately known as Avenue of the Americas, 6th Avenue is the American equivalent for London's Oxford Street or Paris' Champs Elysee. Controversial in nature, the extension of this avenue in the 1920's sent several Italian immigrants scurrying with nowhere to go however, over the decades it gained tremendous commercial importance. A number of Gothic structures, historic squares, flower markets and art centers dot the nearby surroundings so make sure to come down here while in the Big Apple.
The Hillel House is a Jewish recreation zone, located within the Brooklyn College. This fantastic place features several interesting places to visit such as a kosher cafeteria, 17 Jewish clubs, a conference room, a synagogue, an auditorium and a well-equipped recreation room. This place was created so that Jewish students feel at home, while getting educated at the Brooklyn College. A beautiful and interesting place worth a visit, during a trip to the city.
Debarred of all the extras, Ontological-Hysteric Theater brings forth total theater. This theater is all about works with extremely complex theatrical themes. It combines hard-hitting performances with auditory and visual effects for a completely different experience. Most of the shows here are produced by 'Richard Foreman'. The OHT has been a starting point for many artists making their mark in New York City and internationally. They also have the facility of an 'Incubator' which is programming that guides artists from workshop phases to fully realized productions. So this is a must-visit place if you want to experience theater with a difference.