Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
changing exhibits. Usually the progression is counterintuitive: from
the first floor up, rather than from the sixth floor down. If you're not
sure, ask a guard before you begin. Permanent exhibits of 19th- and
20th-century art, including strong holdings of Kandinsky, Klee,
Picasso, and French Impressionists, occupy a stark annex called the
Tower Galleries, an addition (accessible at every level) that some crit-
ics have claimed made the entire structure look like a toilet bowl
backed by a water tank (see what you think).
The Guggenheim runs some special programs, including free
docent tours daily, a limited schedule of lectures, free family films,
avant-garde screenings for grown-ups, and curator-led guided gallery
tours on select Friday afternoons.
1071 Fifth Ave. (at 89th St.).
&
212/423-3500.
www.guggenheim.org. Admission
$18 adults, $15 seniors and students, free for children under 12, pay what you wish
Fri 5:45-7:15pm. Sat-Wed 10am-5:45pm; Fri 10am-7:45pm. Subway: 4, 5, 6 to
86th St.
Staten Island Ferry
In 2006, the Staten Island Ferry cel-
ebrated its 100th anniversary. Over the years it has been one of New
York's best bargains—sometimes costing a nickel and most of the
time, like now, costing nothing at all. It's New York's best freebie—
especially if you just want to glimpse the Statue of Liberty and not
climb her steps. You get an hour-long excursion (round-trip) into the
world's biggest harbor. This is not strictly a sightseeing ride but com-
muter transportation. As a result, during business hours, you'll share
the boat with working stiffs reading and drinking coffee.
You should go on deck and enjoy the busy harbor traffic. The old
orange-and-green boats usually have open decks along the sides or at
the bow and stern; try to catch one of these if you can, since the
newer white boats don't have decks. Grab a seat on the right side of
the boat for the best view. On the way out of Manhattan, you'll pass
the Statue of Liberty (the boat comes closest to Lady Liberty on the
way to Staten Island), Ellis Island, and from the left side of the boat,
Governor's Island; you'll see the Verrazano Narrows Bridge spanning
from Brooklyn to Staten Island in the distance. Once you've docked,
there's usually another boat waiting to depart for Manhattan. The
skylight views are awesome on the return trip.
Departs from the Whitehall Ferry Terminal at the southern tip of Manhattan.
&
718/
727-2508.
www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/dot. Free admission. 24 hr.; every 20-30 min.
weekdays, less frequently during off-peak and weekend hours. Subway: R, W to
Whitehall St.; 4, 5 to Bowling Green; 1 to South Ferry (ride in one of the 1st 5 cars).
Value
Statue of Liberty
For the millions who came by ship
to America in the last century—either as privileged tourists or needy,
Kids
