For one weekend in October every year, Open House New York gives the public a chance to explore some of the city’s most important buildings and structures. This year on the 15th and 16th, unseen sites across the five boroughs are unlocked and made accessible to those interested in finding more out about the historical and architectural relevance of our structurally impressive city. OHNY also holds a number of talks, tours, performances and special events over the course of the weekend, as well as having over 275 sites made accessible. Here are just a couple of highlights.
Lowline Lab
The Lowline Lab, is a full-scale mock-up of the future Lowline park. The concept behind the community -based organization is the desire to preserve, nurture and build on the Lower East Side’s already rich history and culture. Using fancy solar technology, the Lowline itself is intended to become the world’s first underground park, providing the neighbourhood with a unique green space. You can visit the Lab over OHNY to get a taste of the future.
When: Sat 15 & Sun 16 October, 11.00am – 5.00pm
140 Essex Street, Lower East Side, Manhattan
Nowadays
When: Sat 15 2.00pm – 6.00pm
56-06 Cooper Avenue, Ringwood, Queens
New York State Pavilion
The New York State Pavilion, which the cultured amongst you may recognise from the blockbuster 90’s movie Men in Black, is still standing tall since the 1964 World’s Fair. The fair closed the following year, but since then, the pavilion was used for various concerts until it was deemed officially unfit in 1976. Don’t worry the, because the structure has since been stabilised, so those intrigued enough to see it won’t be at risk.
When: Sunday 16 12.00pm – 4.00pm
Flushing Meadows and Corona Park, Queens
Alexander Hamilton US Custom House
This early 20th Century house, which was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in the 70s, is home to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, the National Archives and Records Administration, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, and other federal agencies. The building is well worth a visit, if only to stare at those gorgeous ceilings.
When: Sat 15 1.00pm – 5.00pm & Sun 16 10.00am – 5.00pm
1 Bowling Green, Financial District, Manhattan
New York Botanical Garden
This oasis within the city, as well as being a part of OHNY, is open to explore all year round. Over this weekend, however, the grounds will be openly accessible (as opposed to costing $20 per person). Set 250 acres of lands, the New York Botanical Garden is the perfect place to escape to if you need an easy-access, tranquil break from the city.
900 Southern Boulevard, Fordham, Bronx
When: Sat 15 & Sun 16 10.00am – 6.00pm
To find out more about the weekend, visit the OHNY website.