The Whitney’s Christine Zheng shares her top 5 culture spots in New York City
August 22, 2024
Summer in New York City is coming to an end, but there is still so much art and culture to explore. To help inspire your next visit to NYC, or your weekend plans if you’re local, we’ve asked Christine Zheng to share her top five places across the city.
Christine Zheng is the Content Coordinator at the Whitney Museum of American Art, overseeing digital content and production for the Whitney’s Bloomberg Connects guide. She connects a wide array of audiences with art through digital engagement, education, and communications work at art institutions in New York City and beyond.
From art and museums in NYC to outdoor activities and parks, let’s take a look at the culture spots Zheng has selected for you to explore with the Bloomberg Connects app.
1. Hudson River Park
Hudson River Park is a stunning escape from the busy city— spanning four miles along the west side of Manhattan. If you’re looking for outdoor activities in New York, there’s plenty on the water as well as event season highlights such as the New York Latin Food Festival. Or if you’d prefer to take in the scenery and history, why not try a relaxing wander through Greenwich Village or Little Island.
“Not only is the Hudson River Park a lovely place for a stroll or picnic” shares Zheng, “it’s also the site of David Hammons’s permanent public art installation Day’s End, which is situated across the street from the Whitney by Gansevoort Beach. The monumental work traces the silhouette of a pier that formerly occupied this site and was an important fixture to many artists and the neighborhood community.”
Note that app links work best on your smartphone with the Bloomberg Connects app downloaded.
2. The New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is one of the largest public libraries in America. Founded in 1895 to give free and open access to knowledge and opportunity to everyone, it has been an essential provider of information and resources for more than 125 years.
Zheng recommends making time for The Polansky Exhibition—the library’s first permanent exhibition highlighting its expansive collection. “Discover The New York Public Library’s Treasures at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building featuring manuscripts, artworks, and more that tell stories across 4,000 years.”
“In addition, NYPL librarians lead Storytime on Free Second Sundays at the Whitney, featuring songs, rhymes, and favorite read-aloud books for young kids and their grown-ups.”
3. New York Botanical Garden
New York Botanical Garden is another tranquil place to visit. This iconic living museum was founded in 1891 and is now a National Historic Landmark. As Zheng points out “The NYBG is a great excuse to spend time outdoors, relax, and discover interesting plants.”
“Many plants and parts of the garden have served as inspiration for artists throughout history, including Joseph Stella, who has multiple works in the Whitney Museum’s collection. In addition to all of the plant life, there are also unique cultural and art exhibitions.”
Why not take a tour of the gardens to see what inspires you: if you’re looking for something for the whole family, head to NYBG before October 21 to catch “Wonderland: Curious Nature”. It celebrates the beloved story Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by transforming 250 acres through the sights, settings, and scents of the series.
4. Public Art Fund
“Being able to discover art throughout New York’s public spaces is a testament to the city’s vibrant cultural fabric” shares Zheng. “From Brooklyn Bridge Park to City Hall Park to LaGuardia Airport, Public Art Fund ensures that groundbreaking contemporary art is free and accessible to all.”
Whether it’s large-scale sculptures, new media, performances, or interactive art experiences, these public art works and exhibitions invite you to see the space through the artists’ eyes.
“On view this summer are some incredible artists who have also been represented in the Whitney Biennial and the Whitney collection, including Cannupa Hanska Luger, Karyn Olivier, and Sarah Sze.” Recommends Zheng.
You can hear directly from a range of artists and the Public Art Fund team on the app.
5. The High Line
“Another neighbor to the Whitney Museum, the High Line’s southern terminus is just steps away from the Museum.”
This park above the streets is a world-renowned inspiration for civic transformation. It was built on an old freight rail line constructed in the mid 1800s. The construction of the High Line saved it from demolition in the 2000s and opened as a public space in 2009.
“The High Line walking path features exciting outdoor art projects, views of nearby neighborhoods, and diverse gardens. The best way to explore it is to walk the route, using the app to discover its history and engage more deeply with the artwork you spot along the way.”
That brings us to the end of Christine Zheng’s New York City recommendations! Where will you go first?
Don’t forget to explore the Whitney Museum of American Art and so many more institutions with Digital Museum Guides on Bloomberg Connects—discover more cultural spots in New York City and beyond.