Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Broadway Stars
Given the city's endemic light pollution, it would seem that whoever came up with the idea of building an observatory in
Manhattan wasn't totally clear on the concept. Amazingly, however, some celestial sights do seep through our glowing
night skies. On a Columbia University rooftop you can see for yourself. Select nights during the school year, professors
and graduate students gloss the stars at the historic Rutherfurd Observatory, starting off with a lecture and slideshow.
There are also family nights for kids ages 6 to 10. The price for all this isn't astronomical—it's totally free.
PupinPhysics
Laboratory,
550 W. 120th St., btw. Broadway and Amsterdam Ave. Follow the signs to the lecture hall.
212/854-1976,
www.astro.columbia.edu
.
Subway: 1 to 116th St./Columbia University. After sunset and weather permitting, of course
(lecture and slideshow go rain or shine). For a more informal look at the heavens, check out
StargazingontheHigh
Line,
a Tuesday night progam hosted by the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York. Come dusk, high-powered
telescopes train on stars, planets, and the Moon. On the High Line, btw. Little W. 12th and 14th sts.
212/206-9922.
www.thehighline.org
. Subway: A/C/E to 14th St.; L to Eighth Ave. Free, weather permitting.
Storefront for Art and Architecture
Designed with odd panels that expand into the street, this idiosyn-
cratic institution does a lot with its very narrow space. Always intelligent exhibits explore architecture, art, and
design.
97 Kenmare St., btw. Mulberry St. and Cleveland Place, near Lafayette St.
212/431-5795.
www.storefrontnews.org
. Tues-Sat 11am-6pm. Sub-
way: 6 to Spring St.; N/R to Prince St.
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
An asthmatic son of a prominent New York family, Theodore Roosevelt
transformed himself into a symbol of fortitude, becoming a rancher, a soldier, a governor, and eventually the only
New York City native elected president. His original birthplace was demolished in 1916, but 3 years later friends
and family built a replica town house on the site. Period pieces, the majority of which belonged to the Roosevelts,
fill the stately rooms. Take one of the informative hourly tours and you'll learn Eleanor Roosevelt's maiden name
(it was Roosevelt), the origins of the teddy bear, and that T. R. survived the loss of his wife and mother on the
same day.
28 E. 20th St., btw. Broadway and Park Ave. S.
212/260-1616.
www.nps.gov/thrb
. Tues-Sat 9am-5pm (tours hourly 10am-4pm). Subway: N/R
or 6 to 23rd St.
Tibet House U.S.
This blah apartment house seems an unlikely place for inspiring Tibetan art, but the
second floor holds a vibrant collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts. The art is intricate and the quiet
rooms encourage lingering. A large gallery space hosts rotating shows with a Tibetan angle.
There's a
donation box for goodwill offerings; $5 is suggested.
22 W. 15th St., 2nd floor, btw. Fifth and Sixth aves.
212/807-0563.
www.tibethouse.org
. Mon-Fri noon-5pm. Subway: L/N/Q/R/4/5/6 to 14th St./
Union Sq.
United Nations Visitors' Center
This is it, the literal capital of the world. After going through the security
line, which moves with all the efficiency and enthusiasm of an American airport's, you'll enter the Visitors'
Lobby. Built in 1950, it's a little dated but still impressive. Multiple U.N.-related art exhibits fill the space. For
$16 you can take a full tour of the building, but for cheaper thrills, the Headquarters Park is a worthy diversion.
Sculpture is scattered across a grassy expanse built on a scale rarely found in Manhattan.
First Ave. at 46th St.
212/963-4475.
www.un.org
.
Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm (entrance closes at 4:45pm); Sat-Sun 10am-4:15pm; closed weekends
Jan-Feb. Subway: 4/5/6 or 7 to Grand Central.
Sometimes Free
Several museums that won't give up their goods for free full-time do set aside special hours and days where you
can pay what you wish. Beware the last free day before an exhibition ends, though. More than a few procrastin-
ators call New York home, and you'll find them gathered en masse for final free windows of opportunity.
