Public Art & Free Pop-ups
Lots of free art tO explore - some of it touchable & climbable – at NYC's site-specific art installations in parks, galleries and stores. Also see our kid-friendly museum guide and ideas for making art at home.
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SEAPORT/FIDI
Giant steel and acrylic dandelion flowers by artist Abram Santa Cruz and LA-based art collective Liquid PXL evoke an endless display of colorful fireworks. The 10 elegant 28-foot structures are pretty flowers in the daytime, then LED animations to work their magic when the sun goes down. Perfect for Lunar New Year.
Find some light this dark winter at two Downtown Alliance-sponsored public art projects on loan from Amsterdam’s Light Art Collection is at the public plaza adjacent to 85 Broad.
The sculpture “C/C”, designed by Singapore-based artist Angela Chong, doubles as a bench for seating, casting complex shadows by day and transforming into…
Street artists from around the world vibrantly transformed the streets surrounding 3 World Trade Center with fun, colorful murals, bringing love and joy to a place of mourning.
Cheerful sculptures by Scott Gerber, artist and founder of Tube Dude have been moved to the edge of the East River, framing dramatic views. The Heart is a perfect Valentine photo-op, accompanied by the giant Peace Sign and Smiley Face.
Nearby, climb on the geometric, rainbow colored Ziggy by Hou De Sousa and see…
DOWNTOWN
East Village/Lower East Side Street Art
Look for lots of cool murals around this hip neighborhood, on walls, sliding metal gates and on the sidewalk. Current favorite include a I ❤️ NY mural at The Jones NYC (Great Jones Street & Bowery), a swing you can sit on among tulips at Bloomeffects (Bowery & Bleecker), a heart door at
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Mural
See a colorful three-story-tall celebrating RBG’s life and achievements by New York-based street artist “Elle.” Look for the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge among symbols representing this born-in-Brooklyn hero.
Lazy Oaf at Galeria Melissa
Chill in a groovy pastel recreation of the Lazy Oaf studios in London with daisy pillows and checkered mirror at a friendly shoe store Galleria Melissa in celebration of the the return Melissa x LazyOaf sandal collabs, available in adult and kid sizes in a range of colors.
John Russell: Well
The floor is lava – walk on an 87 x 22 foot depiction of Hell with accompanying audio. Look for cool/creepy details.
On the second floor; stair access only.
CHELSEA/MEATPACKING
Tom Fruin’s Bombora House
Walk through a large, illuminated, stained glass-like house dubbed “Bombora House,” surrounded by smaller “satellite” house-shaped sculptures. Interact with it via text, prompting a unique programmed light reaction. The latest installment of Tom Fruin’s Icon series of everyday objects reimagined and reinterpreted in steel, colored acrylic glass, and specialized lighting.
Lots of great dining options…
Joyce Pensato Fuggetabout It (Redux)
Explore New York artist Joyce Pensato’s installation “Fuggetabout It” commemorating her move from her beloved studio on Olive Street in East Williamsburg after three decades of work. Look for stuffed animals; figurines; posters, books, invitation cards, and other paper ephemera; milk crates; furniture, both broken and intact; paint cans and paintbrushes – most of them…
Tara Donovan Intermediaries
Look at and through perception-bending, large-scale sculptures made of commonplace transparent materials that refract light and distort their surrounding space. Continue exploring patterns and interruptions in Tara Donovan’s drawings and wall-bound pieces.
Online timed appointment required.
High Line Nine
Explore a collection of sky-lit galleries with a rotating cross-section of culture. Watch resident artists create (behind glass) and see finished work in a variety of mediums. Through the end of February, play a Steinway & Sons Grand Piano vinyl wrapped in the gorgeous florals of artist Tricia Paoluccio of Modern Pressed Flower.
Take a…
iLLUSiONAL
Chashama’s latest exhibit in unused real estate examines the role of the artist as magician/manipulator of reality. This group exhibition includes site-specific installations, video projections, assemblage, sculptures with projected light and 3-D photography.
Red Grooms
See over 30 of of Red Grooms’vibrant paintings and “sculpto-picto-ramas.” Look for interesting details in these vibrant, these inventive and witty depictions of New York.
MIDTOWN
King Nyani
Midtown-30sNestle in the hand of King Nyani, a 23 ft long bronze gorilla sculpture by world-renowned public artists Gillie and Marc Schattner. Nyani will lounge in Bella Abzug Park, already a colorful, engaging place to play, near Hudson Yards for 11 months to bring awareness and raise funds for the critically endangered gorilla species through…
Tom Friedman’s “Looking Up”
Midtown-50sSee a 10-foot tall stainless steel sculpture by American artist Tom Friedman, depicts a quasi-human figure gazing up to the heavens. Created from the use of crushed aluminum foil pans through a process of molding and lost wax casting, the sculpture retains the imprint of the original materials.
Located at the entrance…
Love Letters
Midtown-40sRead and leave love letters inside a double heart sculpture made from repurposed and donated plywood from building façades across New York City. Explore the multiple seating arrangements and levels. Designed by Soft-Firm (from Lexi Tsien and Talitha Liu), curated by Reddymade. Winner of the 13th annual Valentine’s season Love in Times Square Design Competition.
…
OFF THE WALL
Midtown-30sSee and interact with site-specific large-scale art (including the Vessel, currently closed for safety) throughout the Hudson Yards mall and plaza. Activate pieces by 13 different artists that relate back to the site’s past, present or future.
Lots of great food options including Mercado Little Spain and a…
UPTOWN
Sam Moyer: Doors For Doris
Central ParkTry to open massive stone doors in a massive three-part sculpture on the southeastern edge of Central Park. Moyer’s hybrid sculpture unites imported stone with rock indigenous to the New York region with beautiful inlaid marble fragments. The title pays homage to Public Art Fund founder, Doris C. Freedman (1928-1981)
The Peace Fountain & Children’s Sculpture Garden
HarlemSee charming small bronze animal sculptures created by K-12 students from NYC and tri-state area around a 40-foot high bronze sculpture by Cathedral Artist-in-Residence Greg Wyatt that weaves together several representations of the conflict between good and evil. Also look for peacocks roaming around the lovely grands of the grand Cathedral.
François Morellet In-Coherent
Upper East Side-60sSee innovative geometric abstraction (creative, cool shapes) by prolific self-taught painter, sculptor, and installation artist François Morellet. Paintings, giant installation and several neon works bring Dada- infused irreverence, irony, and joyful lightness to his aspiration of dismantling traditional hierarchies and embracing elements of randomness and chance within the framework of pre-established systems.
To visit,
BROOKLYN/QUEENS
Reverberation
Brooklyn-DUMBO, Downtown & HeightsUse foot pedals to ring five cast bronze symphonic bell structures along the Brooklyn waterfront. Each bell has a unique pattern of drilled holes and distinct tones that match evocative titles: Reflector, Singer, Dreamer, Listener, and Mother.
Artist Davina Semo intends for these bright orange bells to sound an optimistic note. As we “ring out…
Monuments Now
Queens-LICThis outdoor exhibition seeks to address the role of monuments in society and commemorate underrepresented narratives such as diasporic, Indigenous, and queer histories. Part I features Jeffrey Gibson’s massive technicolor ziggurat ‘Because Once You Enter My House It Becomes Our House‘ and works by Paul Ramírez Jonas and Xaviera Simmons.
Events Search and Views Navigation
List of Events
Friday, November 1
Joe’s Pizza
Get a classic NY slice to go at this Greenwich Village institution (established in 1975 ), still owned and operated by 75-year-old Neapolitan native Joe Pozzuoli.
Storyline Online
Watch videos of celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creative footage of the illustrations. Readers include Oprah Winfrey Viola Davis, Lily Tomlin, Kevin Costner, Annette Bening, James Earl Jones, Betty White and dozens more.
Wow in the World
Join hosts Guy Raz and the hilarious Mindy Thomas on a journey into the wonders of the world. Go inside brains, out into space and deep into the coolest new stories in science and technology - with lots of wacky fun along the way. One of our family's faves.
Circle Round
Hear sound- and music-rich radio plays based on folktales from around the world. Explore important issues like kindness, persistence and generosity with guest stage and screen stars. Each episode ends with an activity that inspires a deeper conversation between children and grown-ups. My daughter's favorite at bedtime.
Here Wee Read
Find great books recommendations for all ages in all sorts of diverse & inclusive categories, from Harlem Renaissance picture books to graphic novels talking about race. Includes themed collections like Halloween, Weddings,, Kids with Disabilities and RBG. Find links to buy at bookshop.org, an alternative to amazon that supports independent bookstores.
Unisphere
The iconic Unisphere from the 1939 World's Fair is the centerpiece of a lovely park with lots of green space, a skateboarding park, and some interesting structures to explore.
Billy Johnson Playground
This rustic playground hosts an amazing 45-foot granite slide nestled into a rocky hill, bucket and tire swings, and an amphitheater and miniature stone bridge made of natural materials like plants, stone, and wood at a child’s scale.
Gotham West Market
Sample some of the best eats in the city including Ample Hills Creamery ice cream, Ivan Ramen Slurp Shop noodles, Jianbing Company's Chinese seasoned pancake/omelet, Corner Slice’s square pizza, Choza’s vegetarian tacos and more in an indoor, weather-proof hall.
Bella Abzug Park
Climb on rope webs in a colorful structure surrounded by undulating soft surfaces. Communicate through underground pipes, relax on tables and chairs, splash int he fountain and admire the Hudson River view.
New York at Its Core
Follow the story of NYC’s rise from a striving Dutch village to today’s “Capital of the World,” and consider its future in a changing world through more than 400 objects as well as interactive digital experiences. Framed around the key themes of money, density, diversity, and creativity, New York City’s history comes alive through the…
DeSalvio Playground
This recently upgraded park has cool design, a big includes a big jungle gym with monkey bars atop rubber matting, lots of shaded seating area, a basketball court (with two hoops), checker board tables and sprinklers.
Dominique Ansel Kitchen
Choose from sophisticated pastries, seasonal croissants, inventive sandwiches. soups and salads at this outpost of legendary cronut source Dominique Ansel Bakery. More than 70% of the selections made, finished or assembled to order. Indoor and outdoor seating available.
Dumpling Galaxy
Choose from than 100 kinds of delicious dumplings plus noodles & other Chinese dishes in a striking, modern interior with bold Chinese red across walls. Deep semiprivate booths have individual TV screen showing highlights of the extensive menu.
DiMenna Children’s History Museum
Ride an orphan train, play a newsies video game nd explore lots of other interactive exhibits on a entire floor devoted to kids. Pick up a printed scavenger hunt or just explore the many installations covering centuries of New York history. Lots to learn for older kids and lots to touch including a train table…
Garden Court Café at Asia Society
Lunch on brunch on seasonal dishes that reflect elements of the diverse cultures of Asia in the modern, glass-enclosed space filled with light, flowering vines, trees, and art. Gorgeous bento boxes. Tuesday—Sunday, 11:30 am—3 pm
Kefi
Dine on reasonably priced tradtional Greek cuisine including tasty mezes, fried meatballs, slouvaki, house-made Greek yogurt and more among cheerful, rustic decor in chef Michael Psilakis' friendly cafe.
Sebastian Brecht’s Obsessive Chocolate Disorder
Try unique, small batch, handmade chocolates and pastries, made fresh every week in a small, quirky East Village shop with rotating art on the wall. The constantly evolving menu featuring unusual and delicious combinations of flavors and textures with fun names like bob’s dark passion, the pucker and looky cookie snookie was created by the…
Thursday, January 2
BRAINPOP
Watch short, well-written animated films on a variety of topics including antiracism & Black history, STEM, arts, math and much more starring a very funny robot. Take quizzes and play games to test what you learned. Two editions, for ages K-3 or 4th -12th Grade (which can thoughtfully address some weighty topics, so monitor…
Wednesday, April 1
Treehouse Shakers
This local family-friendly theater/dance company offers its charming shows online: Hatched (designed for babies through preschoolers) the story of a newborn chick who emerges from her shell to a strange, busy world told through movement, music, and puppets and Under the Tangle (ages 8+), the story of a young orphaned girl lost in a mysterious…
Art For Kids Hub
Follow along step by step as a professional artist and his kid draw animals, emojis, people, vehicles and more. Clear, simple steps turn anyone into an illustrator.
Children’s Museum of the Arts
Children's Museum of the Arts' blog features how-to videos and detailed instructions for art projects like Paper Chains of Kindness and Collaborative Drawing Games. Projects can be adapted for different ages and made with materials around the house.
Tuesday, April 28
EduHam at Home
Explore the world of the Broadway phenomenon Hamilton and America's founding era. Access free materials to create songs or scenes inspired by history. Follow in Lin-Manuel Miranda's footsteps, learning how he incorporated primary sources into the songs he wrote for the show. Includes video clips of the show; interviews with Miranda, Alexander Hamilton biographer Ron…
Friday, May 1
Cards For Seniors
Make cheerful cards for isolated seniors. Use big print (not cursive) so the card is easy to read. Provide stickers and stencils to help the younger kids. Adults can make cards too. A great use for all the artwork kids bring home. Join the NYC-based Caring By Card Nursing Home Project, donate through
Audible Kids
Find hundreds of free audio books handpicked by Audible editors. Choose from a mix of stories to entertain, engage, and inform young people, ages 0–18. Spanish, German, French, Japanese and Italian selections also available.
BUSY TODDLER
Find a trove of educational, easy-to-set up creative and sensory activities from a K-1 teacher turned SAHM. So many great ideas, quick & easy to messy messy, babies to tweens plus links to useful art supplies. Follow their great instagram account for daily inspiration.
DAYS WITH GREY
An educator and mom to 3 shares daily 'Breakfast Invitations,' easy-to-set-up sensory and art activities for preschoolers and toddlers.
NEW YORK CITY CHILDREN’S THEATER
Lovely local kids theater company provides entertaining and enriching activities for little ones inspired by past productions including art projects, theater games, storytimes, downloadable activity books and video sing-alongs.
VIRTUAL MUSEUM TOURS
Take virtual journeys to over 1,200 museums around the world via Google Arts & Culture. See collections and gallery views of Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, Florence’s Uffizi Gallery, Mexico City's Museum of Anthropology, Paris's Musée d'Orsay and more (plus NYC faves like the Whitney, Guggenheim and MoMA).
New-York Historical Society Online
This fascinating historic museum (now partially open for visits) hosts engaging live educational programs for all ages, audio and video resources (including the inspirational We Rise) and interactive 360 degree tours drawing on its world-renowned collections. Excellent educator resources including videos, remote lesson plans, and media-rich curriculum website Women…
Mission US
Learn American history with a choose-your-adventure interactive, online game. Take the role of printer’s apprentice in 1770 Boston deciding whether to join the revolutionary movement, a Cheyenne teen in 1866, an enslaved 14-year-old girl escaping to freedom in Ohio, teenage farmers in the Great Depression and more young people. Explore rich, historical settings, make choices…
MoMA Families At Home
MoMA provides resources and ideas—from art-making activities to books and films—to spark creativity and fun at home. Explore artworks in MoMA’s collection through activities (available in English and Spanish), watch favorite kid-friendly short films with prompts to spark discussion, dig deeper into Dorothea Lange: Words & Pictures, find favorite Children’s Books about Art, listen…
Ailey All Access
The acclaimed Alvin Ailey dance company shares full length videos of past performances. Also see videos of company members dancing the landmark Revelations and other pieces together from home, join free online dance classes and check out the great Resource Guide for Educators. Find free live and on-demand classes for all ages in a variety of dance…
Carnegie Hall Music Explorers
Learn about musical culture and tradition around the world - African-American Freedom Songs, South African Zulu songs and many more - with lessons plans, music and video featuring global artists. The well-designed site features a world map to explore. Also Learn about symphony orchestras in an animated adventure in Carnegie Hall Listening Adventures.
Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Jazz Academy
Watch curated educated videos on the from Jazz at Lincoln Center's educational programs and learn about it's roots in African-American traditions and communities. WeBop instructors demonstrate fun activities to get families swinging and singing, members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra share performance secrets, and Middle School Jazz Academy instructors break down jazz techniques.…
Black Art Picture Books
Learn about African American art history with curated lists from Culture Type, a website exploring art by and about people of African descent. Find gorgeous books about Jean-Michel Basquiat, fashion designer Ann Cole Lowe, Jacob Lawrence and other great black artists on posts Black Art History: 10 Children’s Books Illuminate the…
The Concious Kid
Learn about parenting and education through a critical race lens. Feature great recommendations for diverse books and smart graphics with easy-to-understand explanations and action items. Join their patreon for comprehensive book lists and in-depth, research-based guidance on anti-racist parenting.
Starfall
Learn letters, reading and math with untimed, sometimes silly interactive games for preschool through second grade. Includes letter recognition, games, stories, and animations that showcase letter sounds, short reading selections that emphasize vocabulary, and online books that provide fluency and comprehension practice. A favorite of our kids from an early age.
FLOCABULARY
Learn about a range of subjects for grades K-12 though catchy, educational hip-hop songs. Watch videos about math, history, science and more, learn new words, take quizzes then (this is the coolest part) write short raps/songs using your new words and knowledge.
KHAN ACADEMY
Watch short videos taught by excellent instructors with an electronic whiteboard in just about any subject for preschool through college. The free Khan Academy Kids app (for ages 2-7) teaches reading, language, writing, math, social-emotional development, and more through open-ended activities and games like drawing, storytelling, and coloring guided by adorable animal characters. Also…
SCHOLASTIC LEARN AT HOME
Find online courses for pre-K to sixth grade+ with four separate learning experiences, each built around a meaningful story or video. Subjects include social studies; English language arts; STEM; science; and social-emotional learning.