The New York Pubic Library (NYPL) next to Bryant Park is New York's main library hub. Also known as the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, this NYPL outpost houses the famous Rose Main Reading Room, Rare Book Division, General Research Division, as well as other collections in the humanities and social sciences. They maintain free and open access to all collections in the building. However, only New York residents, students or workers may be eligible for an NYPL library card.
Parking and public transportation at NYPL
Parking is limited around NYPL. Street parking is hard to find and private garages are expensive. The best way to visit is to walk or take the subway train. The closest station is 42 St station off the B, D, F and M trains. The 4, 5, 6 and 7 trains stop at Grand Central-42 St station, which is only three blocks away.
Must see/do at NYPL
The Children's Center on the ground floor is a major attraction for all kinds of visitors. NYPL is the proud owner of the original Winnie the Pooh, as well as the other stuffed animals that inspired the classic story. There are also major research divisions that are free to peruse. Some divisions require a temporary library card for non-New York residents, but they are easily attainable. Occasionally, there are free exhibitions for the public.
Admission to NYPL
There is no cost to enter any building that is part of NYPL. A library card is required to check out books, but anyone is free to peruse the collections. This building in particular has two main entrances: one on 42nd Street (leading to the Children's Center) and one on 5th Avenue. Two iconic lion statues guard the 5th Avenue entrance.
Best and worst time to go to NYPL
The library opens at 10 a.m. Monday-Saturday. It closes at 6 p.m. every day, except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when it closes at 8 p.m. On Sundays it is open from 1-5 p.m.To avoid crowding in the research divisions, it's always best to arrive early. There are also fun after-hours events that are publicized on the building's website.
Other places to visit near NYPL
Bryant Park, one of the most iconic parks in the city, is right behind the NYPL. There is a large field in the center that attracts people from all over, and in the winter it is turned into an ice-skating rink. Plenty of restaurants and cafes are nearby as well.
Insider tip for visitors to NYPL
Historic items are held at small rooms at this NYPL location, including the first printing of the Declaration of Independence, a centuries-old Bible and Jack Kerouac's glasses. You only have to wander to find them.
Author's bio: Emilia Navarro is a Brooklyn-based travel writer. Follow her blog at www.emilianavarro.com to read about her adventures.
Not everyone knows that the grand French Renaissance-style chateau on the southeast corner of Fifth Avenue and 79th Street is actually open to the public. But it is: the Ukrainian Institute of America promotes the art, music and literature of Ukraine by hosting art exhibits, concerts, film screenings, poetry readings, literary evenings, children's programs, lectures, symposia and other programs. Each of these events provides an opportunity to glimpse the splendors of this grand 19th century town house.
Best and worst times to go to the Ukrainian Institute of America
If you can, visit the Institute during the summer when the Art Show and Sale takes place. Not only are the hours longer during this exhibition, giving you more flexibility to fit a visit into your schedule, but you'll have more room to move around and explore than you would during the busier and more time-constrained evening events.
Must see/do at the Ukrainian Institute of America
Take some time to admire the details of the ornate façade of the building before heading inside. The elaborate decorations continue inside—note in particular the carved woodwork of the lobby staircase and the ceiling in the Chandelier Room.
Admission to the Ukrainian Institute of America
The Institute's hours and admissions fees vary according to what events are taking place. For the 2015 Summer Art Show and Sale (through September 8, 2015), hours are 12 noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is free.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Ukrainian Institute of America
The Institute is located on the southeast corner of Fifth Avenue and 79th Street. To reach the Institute by subway, take the Lexington Avenue 4, 5, or 6 lines to the 77th Street Station and then walk 2 blocks north and 3 blocks west. By bus, take the M1, M2, M3, or M4 buses on Fifth and Madison avenues. The Institute does not have a parking garage, but on-street parking is available in the neighborhood (just be prepared to feed the meters on the avenues) or you can park at the nearby Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Food at the Ukrainian Institute of America
The Institute occasionally serves food at event receptions. If you are attending an event that does not include a catered reception but you want a snack, consider grabbing a hot dog or ice cream from one of the street vendors in Central Park, which is across the street.
Insider tip for visitors to the Ukrainian Institute of America
Even if the event you are attending doesn't include a tour of the exquisitely paneled Members Room, ask if you can peak inside to admire the woodwork.
Other places to visit near the Ukrainian Institute of America
The Ukrainian Institute of America is like a tiny jewel-box located near the enormous and sometimes overwhelming Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Author's Bio: Victoria Franzese is a proud New Yorker who owned, operated, and wrote for a successful online travel guide for 15 years. Now, thankfully, all of her travel is purely for fun. See where she's going next at @VOFranzese.
The Museum of Arts & Design (MAD) is devoted to the artistic handicrafts tradition with items made from fabric, ceramics, metals, and wood. As you'd expect, the collection includes wonderful jewelry and quilts, as well as many other creative, innovative and quirky items.
Best and worst times to go to the Museum of Arts & Design
The items on display vary widely, since the museum tends to show changing exhibitions rather than devoting space to permanent collections. Recent exhibitions have included Pucci's mannequins, fine watchmaking, photographs, contemporary ceramics, and the art of scent. To make sure you are interested in the current exhibitions, be sure to check the Museum's website in advance of your visit.
Must see/do at the Museum of Arts & Design
MAD's mission is to collect, display, and interpret objects that document contemporary and historic innovation in craft, art, and design. This broad objective and the fact the museum's exhibitions and educational programs are constantly changing, mean that you never know exactly what you're going to see at MAD. So the best thing to do is to follow the Museum's leading in celebrating the creative process and all things whimsical. Keep an open mind and enjoy the possibilities!
Admission to the Museum of Arts & Design
The Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours to 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. It is closed Mondays and major holidays. The fee for admission is $16 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $12 for students. Members and children 18 and under are free.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Museum of Arts & Design
To get there by subway, take the E or F train to the Fifth Avenue stop. For details about hours, admission and current exhibits, visit their web site.
(between 5th and 6th Avenues)
Food at the Museum of Arts & Design
Located on the top floor, the Museum's restaurant, Robert, is open daily for lunch, tea service and dinner (even on Mondays when MAD is closed). As you'd expect in a museum devoted to design, the space and the cuisine are innovative and delightful. And the view is not to be missed.
Insider tip for visitors to the Museum of Arts & Design
Two tips:
- Admission is pay-what-you-wish on Thursday evenings from 6 PM to 9 PM.
- Use the stairwells to move from floor to floor, if you can. You'll find a number of hidden treasures and surprises.
Other places to visit near the Museum of Arts & Design
The south end of Central Park is across the street from MAD. A short stroll will take you to a number of Park landmarks, including Belvedere Castle, Bethesda Fountain, and the Carousel.
Author's bio: Victoria Franzese is a proud New Yorker who owned, operated, and wrote for a successful online travel guide for 15 years. Now, thankfully, all of her travel is purely for fun. See where she's going next at @VOFranzese.
