Spring in New York City
Spring in New York is full of excitement. When the sun comes out, the flowers start blooming and the weather warms up, New Yorkers can head out and explore new exhibits, flower shows at the botanic gardens and there are always new public art displays outdoors to brighten up a spring day. Check out our curated list below on what’s happening in NYC.
Visit the iconic landmarks and landscapes that make Central Park the world’s most famous park. Join Central Park Conservancy guides and see the Manhattan skyline from Sheep Meadow, walk under the gorgeous American elms that line the Mall, capture a picture at the movie-perfect Bethesda Terrace, and gaze on other memorable landmarks like Bow Bridge, Cherry Hill, and the Lake.
Discover an architectural wonder with numerous passages, fascinating history iconic shops, restaurants, and convenient transportation options. The zodiac ceiling in the massive, cathedral-like Main Concourse features 12 constellations painted in gold leaf plus 2,500 stars—59 of them illuminated by LEDs.
From classic musicals to cutting-edge productions, New York City has something for everyone. Plan a night to remember on Broadway with dinner in the theater district followed by some of the world’s most talented performers live.
Georgia O’Keefe Exhibition at the MoMA
This new exhibition at the MoMA features Georgia O’Keeffe’s works on paper. The artist used materials such as charcoal, watercolors, pastels and graphite to explore everything from abstract rhythms to nature’s cycles. In cases where the drawings became paintings, the final pieces are displayed alongside the more than 100 works on paper (through August 12, 2023)
Players of the nation’s fastest-growing new sport has opened 14 courts for daily play in Central Park’s Wollman Rink (April 7 – October 9, 2023).
The Roof Garden Commission: Lauren Halsey
American artist, Lauren Halsey, transformed the Met’s roof garden with inspiration drawn from Los Angeles. The installation is meant to be inhabited, explored, and create a sense of community (April 18-October 22, 2023).
Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty
As the Met Costume Institute’s 2023 exhibition and the theme of this year’s Met Gala, don’t forget to visit this iconic exhibit. Some 150 objects will explore the designer’s work and creative process with drawing always at the center. The show spans the designer’s his 65-year career at brands such as Chloe, Fendi, Chanel and his own company (May 5-July 16, 2023).
New this Spring, visit Pamela Rosenkranz Old Tree, a man-made bright red and pink sculpture standing at a height of 25 feet atop the Plinth. Old Tree provides a social space, creating shade while casting an ever-changing, luminous aura amid New York’s changing seasons.
Commissioned by Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in collaboration with The Studio Museum in Harlem and Public Art Fund, discover the Hall’s 65th Street façade San Juan Heal, which artist Nina Chanel Abney has transformed into a captivating tribute to the vibrant history and culture of San Juan Hill.
In #solotogether artist Paula Crown’s exhibition displayed at Rink Level Gallery presents a new series of photographs, audio work, site-specific wall artwork, and crushed cup sculpture floor installation.
Created by Artist Daniel Anderson, The XO World sculpture is inspired by the universal game of Jacks, which dates back to ancient times and has created happiness amongst various cultures worldwide. The ‘X’ of the sculpture illustrates crossed arms each representing the four pillars of equality, unity, peace, and love. The ‘O’ is represented by a globe bringing humanity together as one. Made from 20,000 lbs. of stainless steel, XO World is 12-feet high and spans 24-feet long and is located at One World Trade Center on the West Plaza at 285 Fulton Street.
Through paintings, urns, bookcases, and varied pieces, the Permanent Collection at Gracie Mansion highlights the beauty, culture, and character of New York. Learn about the history dating back to 1799 through a private tour and how Gracie Mansion has reclaimed its place as what Mayor La Guardia described as New York’s “little White House.”
Ellsworth Kelly: A Centennial Celebration
From a bird outside his window to the shadow cast by a balcony—Ellsworth Kelly used them as inspiration for abstract paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures, and even buildings. Over his seven-decade career, Kelly committed himself to studying line, form, and color, transforming some of the key concepts and conventions of modern art. On display at The MoMA through June 11.
Yayoi Kusama Infinity Mirrored Room
One of the most celebrated contemporary artists, Yayoi Kusama, will unveil her latest works on May 12, 2023 in her largest gallery exhibition to date, at the David Zwirner Chelsea galleries in New York City. This exhibition will feature new paintings, new sculptures elaborating on her signature motifs of pumpkins and flowers, and a new Infinity Mirrored Room.
Van Gogh’s Cypresses New Met Exhibit
Van Gogh’s Cypresses is the first exhibition to focus on the trees—among the most famous in the history of art—immortalized in signature images by Vincent van Gogh. For the first time in more than a century, two of Van Gogh’s most beloved paintings—”Wheat Field with Cypresses” and “The Starry Night”—will be on display together in a new exhibition at The Met (May 22 – August 27, 2023).
The 2023 Tribeca Film Festival will take place from June 7 – June 18, 2023. For over 20 years, Tribeca has worked to bring the community together through innovative storytelling across film, TV, immersive, games, talks, audio storytelling, and more.
Central Park Conservancy Tours
Schedule a private tour with official Central Park Conservancy guides for a unique and exclusive experience with loved ones and friends. Choose from Seneca Village Tour, Hidden Highlights of the North End or Iconic Views of Central Park for a once in a lifetime adventure through New York City’s 843-acre backyard.
Rock Pass
Take the Rockefeller Center Tour, and learn about its incredible art and history, with a visit to all its major landmarks and artworks. Then visit Top of the Rock for the incredible 360-degree views of the NYC skyline. It’s two one-of-a-kind Rockefeller Center experiences in one.
High Line: Public Art Tour
Stroll along The High Line to the Public Square & Gardens, checking out the art installations along the way designed by national and international artists.
The Met Cloisters
The Cloisters, also known as the Met Cloisters located in Fort Tryon Park, is the perfect day escape this spring. Roam the halls with fascinating exhibits from the European medieval art and architecture period, with a focus on the Romanesque and Gothic periods.
Classic Harbor Line Cruises
Enjoy savory cocktails while you watch the city pass by relaxing in your private seating area surrounded by large windows. Take in endless views of the city’s skyline as well as iconic landmarks.
Whitney Museum of American Art
The Whitney’s Collection: Selections from 1900 to 1965, is a mesmerizing exhibit with more than 120 works, drawn entirely from the Whitney’s collection, and inspired by the founding history of the Museum.
Little Island at Pier55
Explore Manhattan’s new park – Little Island at Pier55 floating above the Hudson River. Discover lively performances, self-guided audio tours of the park’s landscape and free art activities in The Glade with the family.
Central Park Zoo
Another great zoo to explore in the city. A little bit smaller than the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo is located right in the park with exciting animal exhibitions and a playground for the little ones.
Museum of the City of New York
The place to explore NYC’s past, present and future. The Museum of the City of New York takes visitors on a tour of the city’s 400-year history, through rotating exhibitions and its extensive collection of vintage photographs, costumes, theater memorabilia and more.
Chelsea Market
Spend the day exploring Chelsea Market, which is a cool indoor open space market located in the heart of the Meatpacking District of Manhattan. There are tons of cool restaurants, shops, as well as exciting pop-up events happening throughout.
One World Observatory
Experience the United States tallest building, One World Trade Center also known as the Freedom Tower and climb all the way to the top of the Observatory Deck to take in draw dropping views of lower Manhattan’s skyline.