“See” listings
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19th-Century Modern
Go back to a more ornate time before the simple aesthetics of modern design with this exhibit, which features more than 40 items from the museum’s American and European decorative arts collection. Items on display include furniture by John Henry Belter and silver work by Tiffany & Company. (09/2011)
At the Brooklyn Museum 200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn
718- 638-5000
brooklynmuseum.org -
Bryant Park Accordion
On weekdays, you can relax at the park and people-watch as you enjoy a live musical performance. Some of the best accordion players in the city gather to perform French musette-style music from 12:30 to 2:30pm. Through Sept. 30. (09/2011)
40 W 40 St
212-768-4242
bryantpark.org -
Movies With A View
This free summer event features a new series of New York City-themed films every year, projected on a large screen beneath the backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge and an inimitable city skyline. Microwave some popcorn, pack your favorite blanket and arrive early for a good spot on the lawn. This month, enjoy classics like Ghostbusters and Manhattan under the stars. Thursdays, 6–11pm. (07/2011)
At Pier 1, Harbor View Lawn 334 Furman St, Brooklyn
718-802- 0603
brooklynbridgepark.org -
Peoples Improv Theater
No two shows are alike at this house of funny. Stop by to enjoy—or partake in—an original, unscripted performance any night of the week. Most shows—including those performed by polished improv students—are $5 or less. Happy Hour Fridays feature free shows and $4 drinks. (05/2011)
123 E 24th St
212-563-7488
thepit-nyc.com -
Azalea Garden Grand Opening
This brand-new 11-acre crack in the sidewalk—located at the New York Botanical Garden—is a lovely reminder that spring has sprung in a city that many consider a concrete jungle. Nearly 3,000 azalea varieties from around the world have been planted as an extension of the park’s permanent collection, established in the 1930s. Known as the “royalty of the garden,” these colorful blossoms erupt into flower for two festival weekends this month. Pack a picnic and enjoy the stunning stroll while you can. May 7-8, 14-15. (05/2011)
Bronx River Pkwy at Fordham Rd
718-817-8700
nybg.org -
Hanami
Every spring, the garden's 220-tree collection of flowering cherry trees—the world's largest and most diverse outside of Japan— bursts with bright-pink blossoms over the course of four weeks. Hanami is the Japanese cultural tradition of viewing and cherishing the trees, and the show culminates with the two-day Sakura Matsuri Festival (April 30 to May 1), when the petals carpet the ground like an ethereal, technicolor snow. April 2 to May 1. (04/2011)
900 Washington Ave, Brooklyn
718- 623-7200
bbg.org -
The Cloisters Museum & Gardens
Perched above the Hudson River in Fort Tryon Park, this branch of The Met showcases the art and architecture of Europe dating from the 12th to the 15th century. The building incorporates elements of five authentic medieval cloisters that were shipped from France to the US. (03/2011)
99 Margaret Corbin Dr
212-923- 3700
metmuseum.org/cloisters -
The Craic Fest
This fest eschews green beer shenanigans in favor of a more authentic celebration of Celtic culture. Each night, new Irish films are shown at Tribeca, followed by Q+As and after-parties with actors and directors. Over at Mercury Lounge, emerging musicians conjure an evolving, contemporary Emerald Isle. Special guests this year include Gemma Hayes and Colin Devlin. March 10-12. (03/2011)
At Tribeca Cinemas 54 Varick St and Mercury Lounge 217 E Houston St
212-941-2001/212-260-4700
thecraicfest.com -
THE MERCHANT’S HOUSE MUSEUM
Come see what life was like for New York’s wealthy mercantile class in this preserved 19thcentury home, which features three fl oors of period furniture and clothing—oh, and the ghosts of the Tredwells, who all that stuff belongs to. (01/2011)
29 W Fourth St
212-777-1089
merchantshouse.com -
PREMIERE VISION PREVIEW
Look into the future of fashion at this lively Manhattan workshop, where top designers head to source fabric and fashioning materials from the world’s leading textile houses for upcoming collections. Buy your own materials, or just witness a “trend tasting.” Jan. 11-12. (01/2011)
At the Metropolitan Pavilion & Altman Building 125-135 W 18th St
646-351-1942
premierevis...newyork.com -
5POINTZ
Graffiti artists have always worked outside of the limelight and, whenever possible, outside of the police searchlight, rarely getting credit for their painstaking work. At 5Pointz, an outdoor exhibit space dedicated to aerosol artists, they can work in broad daylight, covering the walls of a 200,000-square-foot factory with vibrant murals. It forms the perfect backdrop for occasional performances by artists, hiphop DJs and breakdancers. (12/2010)
45-46 Davis St, Queens
317-219-2685
5ptz.com -
HUSH HIP-HOP TOURS
See hip-hop’s hallowed ground and hear about its birth (they know the time, day and address) from the pioneering DJs and MCs who created the genre, like GrandMaster Caz and JDL of the Cold Crush Brothers, Kurtis Blow and DJ Kool Herc. Choose a tour to match your musical taste: Bronx covers the first years; Queens revisits hip-hop’s first commercial successes, and Brooklyn tours the neighborhoods of Notorious BIG, Jay Z and Mos Def. (11/2010)
292 Fifth Ave, Ste 608
212-209-3370
hushtours.com