Top New York Arts & Design - page 12

I have lived in both Amsterdam and New York City and speak both Dutch and English, which gives me an extra advantage in reading the history of the Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam in great richness and context. I also am an archaeology undergraduate.

Discover the birthplace of New York City on a guided walk through Lower Manhattan, where American history, architectural ambition, and resilience collide! This tour traces the city’s rise from its earliest civic buildings to the rebirth of the World Trade Center site. Pass iconic landmarks including City Hall, the Woolworth Building, and the Canyon of Heroes before visiting St. Paul’s Chapel, a sanctuary during the aftermath of 9/11. Stand at Ground Zero and reflect at the 9/11 Memorial, see the Survivor Tree, and explore the powerful symbolism behind the Oculus. Complete the experience with an optional upgrade to One World Observatory for sweeping views of the city that rose again.

Skip the big group tours and explore Brooklyn at your own pace with this self-guided tour. Using just your smartphone, you'll follow GPS directions to top landmarks including the Grand Army Plaza, Mount Prospect Park, and more. Solve fun challenges, tick off attractions, and learn about the city's rich history. This tour is perfect for exploring at your own speed, with the freedom to take breaks whenever you like.

Visit the International Center of Photography (ICP) on the Lower East Side, where three floors of dynamic exhibitions celebrate photography and visual culture. Explore a curated selection of both contemporary and classic photobooks in the shop, and discover resources for students and alumni. This ticket offers an enriching experience for art enthusiasts and anyone keen on the power of visual storytelling.

Explore the Oculus, one of New York's most stunning modern landmarks designed by Santiago Calatrava. This 45-minute indoor tour takes you through the soaring white structure that symbolizes rebirth after 9/11, revealing the stories and symbolism behind Lower Manhattan's most breathtaking spaces. **Tour Highlights:** • Discover the meaning behind Calatrava's bird-in-flight design • Explore the Oculus as both transit hub and "memorial to life" • Learn about the Twin Towers' engineering legacy and controversies • Step into the majestic Winter Garden Atrium with Hudson River views • Experience Eataly and Le District's culinary offerings • View the 9/11 Memorial and reflect on tragedy and rebirth Beginning at Church Street, you'll descend through multiple levels while uncovering how this visionary design connects to New York's grand architectural traditions.

Combine your love for rock music with your interest in local history on this private tour around New York City. Check out sightseeing highlights like one of Cleopatra’s Needles and Strawberry Fields, enjoy musical performances, and enjoy plenty of time to stop and take photos. Get to know a new side of the Big Apple.

Every day, three quarters of a million people rush through Grand Central Terminal without ever looking up, looking closer, or hearing the wild stories tucked inside its walls. We're here to fix that. Led by a licensed NYC guide from Bowery Boys Walks (the team behind the long-running NYC history podcast), this two-hour indoor tour pulls back the curtain on one of America's most iconic buildings. Discover where television news was born, hear how a haunted cocktail lounge earned its reputation, find the surprising whispering gallery, and meet the architects, dreamers, and famous First Lady who saved this beaux-arts masterpiece from the wrecking ball. This isn't a march through dates and dead names. Small group size means real conversation, not a megaphone and a flag. By the time you walk out onto 42nd Street, Grand Central won't just be a station you pass through. It'll be a place you actually know.

The New York Hall of Science, where all ages can learn about STEM and Sustainability from interactive exhibits, Live Stage Demonstrations, to the Big Bubble Experiment and more! NYSCI New York City's only hands on science center for Design, Make, Play. Located in Queens, America's most diverse county in the iconic Flushing Meadow Corona Park home of the World's Fair.

Discover the charm of Park Slope, one of Brooklyn's most historic neighborhoods, where stunning mansions echo the Gilded Age. This tour showcases the elegant homes, vibrant tree-lined streets, and the rich history that shaped this area. Start at the iconic Montauk Club and learn about the neighborhood's development influenced by nearby Prospect Park, designed by the creators of Central Park. Explore Victorian architecture and hear stories of notable residents, including the creator of Chiclets gum and the Coney Island hot dog. A perfect outing for history buffs and architecture lovers alike. Explore the historic Montauk Club and its unique architecture Walk through tree-lined streets and view stunning brownstones Learn about influential figures like C. P. H. Gilbert and Charles Feltman What is the social history of the neighborhood and it's people Tour lasts approximately 2 hours, ending near delicious local pizza spots

Discover a side of New York that many visitors—and even locals—overlook on a guided walk through the Upper East Side's beautiful gallery district. Step inside elegant townhouses and historic buildings that house world-class art galleries, where admission is free and everyone is welcome. Designed for curious beginners as well as art lovers, this tour demystifies the gallery experience by showing you how to explore exhibitions with confidence. Along the way, you'll learn how galleries differ from museums, why they're free to visit, and how they help artists connect with collectors—all while discovering remarkable art in some of the city's most beautiful and unexpected spaces. Whether you're looking for a unique cultural experience or simply want to explore beyond New York's famous museums, you'll leave seeing the Upper East Side—and the art world—in a whole new way.

Joan Didion had a huge impact on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, and this self-guided audio tour helps you delve deeper into her life and work at a pace that suits you and your party. Offline access to maps and GPS means you won’t have to use your data, while exploring independently means you can stop for photos whenever you like.

Avoid the risk of getting lost walking between New York City’s East and West Villages by taking a self-guided, app-based audio tour. Learn more about these must-visit neighborhoods without having to keep up with a live guide—or struggle to hear them above traffic. See where musicians and artists including Bob Dylan and Taylor Swift have hung out, and see landmarks you might miss on your own.

This tour is for people who love to wander — to people-watch, slow down, and notice the city as it unfolds around them. Together, we’ll make time for looking deeply instead of moving quickly, allowing space for serendipity within New York’s fast-paced, bustling rhythm. We’ll begin with a few quick sketches to loosen the hand and ground ourselves in the neighborhood, paired with short stories about the streets and spaces we’re moving through. From there, we’ll travel in gentle 30-minute intervals to a series of pre-selected spots around Brooklyn Bridge Park. Along the way, you’ll discover my favorite corners of the area alongside a small group of curious, creative people. You’ll hear stories, share observations, and experience the city— a quiet counterpoint to the rush. Whether you’re visiting New York for the first time or seeing it anew, this walk is designed to slow you down, sharpen your eye, and help you begin your time in the city with intention.

Step into ancient Rome like never before. From bustling marketplaces to the depths of the Colosseum, follow Caius on a journey through the heart of the Empire and witness the legendary battles of Flamma—the famed gladiator who fought in more than 30 combats and chose glory over freedom. Relive the ferocity of the arena: the clash of steel, the roar of the crowd, and the thunderous vibrations beneath your feet. Through a powerful narrative grounded in historical rigor, this experience combines authenticity with cutting-edge virtual reality technology to bring Rome’s greatest spectacles to life. Encounter gods, senators, and citizens as you stand at the center of Rome’s legendary events. From the tiers of the Colosseum, feel the intensity of Flamma’s battles and the overwhelming power of the Empire at its height. Perfect for history lovers and VR enthusiasts alike—this is Rome as you’ve never experienced it before.

Finding an efficient route to explore the city is a goal. Walking through a hidden tunnel that leads to New York’s most iconic spaces, now thats an adventure. Meeting at hidden entrance, we take an elevator down to a [new] underground tunnel. A newly built space that feels like a gallery and even holds Art from globally recognized artists and photographers. After immersing ourselves in Art, we’ll walk into Grand Central Terminal, the worlds largest train station. A nice time to slow down as you gaze up at the 125-ft high ceilings, listen for secrets in the whispering gallery, and peer outside at the once-tallest building in the world. Then we'll take a light stroll to a palace of knowledge and inspiration: The New York Public Library.

Explore iconic sites and hidden history of New York’s elegant Upper East Side with a self-guided scavenger hunt that combines games and sightseeing. Unlike traditional walking tours, there’s no fixed schedule—that means you can enjoy a curated experience while still staying flexible. Choose from dozens of challenges tied to neighborhood sites, from the Metropolitan Museum of Art to landmarks within Central Park.

Explore Manhattan’s vibrant west with a self-guided tour encompassing four of New York’s most iconic public spaces. Start at the iconic Vessel in Hudson Yards, enjoy a walk along the High Line adorned with outdoor art, savor delights at Chelsea Market, and culminate in the charming Little Island Floating Park. This tour is perfect for architecture and urban art enthusiasts, offering spectacular views of the Hudson River along the way. - 3 to 4 hour tour covering approximately 3.5 km on foot. - Includes free admission to all attractions with stops at Chelsea Market for lunch. - Low or moderate difficulty, wheelchair accessible. Ideal for enjoying innovative architecture and views of the Hudson River.

NYC Skyscraper Walking Tours offers an expert-guided walking tour devoted to the engineering and architecture of New York’s signature architectural form — the skyscraper. A NYC structural engineer, explains the structural engineering challenges, architectural innovations, and even legal disputes that shaped New York's skyline. The walking tour extends from the Flatiron District to Southern Midtown, and we discuss the history of high-rises from 1880 to today.

At the edge of Manhattan, where the city meets the river, stands the Brooklyn Bridge, New York City’s most iconic crossing. As the sun begins to set, the skyline transforms into a glowing masterpiece of light, steel, and history. In this two hour tour, you will explore the charm and beauty of Brooklyn and Manhattan at golden hour. Wander the cobblestone streets of DUMBO, visit Jane’s Carousel, admire historic brownstones and waterfront views, and cross the Brooklyn Bridge itself as day turns into night. Discover stunning photography locations, breathtaking skyline views, and the art, architecture, and stories that make this one of the most unforgettable experiences in New York City.

Walk the streets that launched Bob Dylan and defined a generation. This small-group Greenwich Village tour covers the folk clubs, hidden history, and iconic landmarks that shaped American music and culture — with three classic food tastings included. Fans of A Complete Unknown will recognize many of these locations from the film. Over 20 stops in two hours at an easy pace, you'll visit the Bitter End, Cafe Wha?, the Gaslight Cafe, Stonewall Inn, the Friends building, Washington Square Park, and more. Your guide brings the neighborhood to life through stories, music, and a few great local bites from Village institutions that have been feeding New Yorkers for decades. Tastings include a full falafel sandwich from Mamoun's (NYC's oldest falafel shop), arancini from Faicco's Italian Specialties (open since 1900), and a mini cannoli and rainbow cookie from Rocco's Pastry. No lectures. No big crowds. Just Greenwich Village the way it deserves to be experienced.

An entry ticket and a self-guided audio tour through the highlights of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Central Park are available in the WeGoTrip app. After booking, you’ll receive an email with a download link, your ticket, and a digital guide featuring maps, photos, scripts, and audio commentary. The journey starts at The Met, where ancient artefacts and modern masterpieces await. This in-app audio tour will guide you through the selected 40 artworks: Egyptian artefacts, medieval sculptures, Renaissance innovations, and modern masterpieces. Walking along a planned route, you will learn about artistic techniques, cultural influences, and groundbreaking inspiration that defined these eras. After that, transition into Central Park’s serene green spaces, finding picturesque stops like Bethesda Terrace, Strawberry Fields, and Belvedere Castle. Stroll through Sheep Meadow and visit the Central Park Zoo for memorable experiences with nature and wildlife.

Discover holiday magic in New York City on this small-group guided walking tour around Midtown Manhattan. See some of the best holiday light and seasonal displays, including Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Tiffany & Co, admire the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, and browse the holiday market at Bryant Park Winter Village. Enjoy a hot cocoa and snack included to keep you warm along the way.

Explore Lower Manhattan’s most influential landmarks on this immersive walking tour. From the World Trade Center complex and the 9/11 Memorial to the streets that shaped global finance, this experience connects New York’s most pivotal moments. Visit Ground Zero, the Survivor Tree, and the Oculus before continuing to Wall Street, Federal Hall, and the New York Stock Exchange. See legendary symbols including the Charging Bull and Fearless Girl, then finish at Battery Park. Upgrade your experience with a Statue of Liberty Ferry ticket for a complete New York story.

Unlock 5,000 years of human history without the overwhelm. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a labyrinth of over two million masterpieces. On this private, expertly curated tour, you won't just "see" the Met, you will understand it. Led by a professional art historian or licensed specialist, this 2.5-hour journey bypasses the aimless wandering and takes you straight to the heart of the world’s most significant cultural treasures. From the ancient majesty of Egypt to the brushstrokes of the European masters, experience the Met as it was meant to be seen: intimately and in-depth.