The Whitney Museum of American Art have announced a brand new series of on-site public programs called Decade Downtown, celebrating one decade in the Meatpacking District.
Over the course of 10 weeks spanning from May – mid July, the museum will invite New Yorkers to explore a range of various programming and events, including free museum admission, live DJ sets, art-making activities, and so much more.
Starting with free admission, the museum’s beloved Free Friday Nights will return during this time period (5 – 10 pm), as well as Free Second Sundays on each month.
In terms of activities, expect live music, dance parties, and DJ sets in the lobby throughout the ten weeks…including a special pop-up listening lounge on the museum’s 7th floor presented by Public Records in May.
Looking for something a little more artsy? Experience artist-led programs, art making activities, and more as you explore the brand new exhibitions rotating through the museum – including the upcoming Amy Sherald: American Sublime on April 9th.
Decade Downtown also coincides with two beloved annual celebrations at the Whitney, Pride and West Side Fest.
During Pride in June, the museum will welcome free activities like performances by New York City Gay Men’s Chorus, queer history walking tours of the Meatpacking District, and much more.
Meanwhile in July during West Side Fest (July 11 – 13), admission will be free alongside special indoor and outdoor programming, crafts for kids and families, artmaking activities for all ages, performances, and much more.
Take a look at the detailed schedule below!
May
- Decade Downtown Kickoff Celebration (May 1, 7:30 – 10 pm)
- Celebrate The Whitney’s 10 years with the museum’s new spring exhibits, music, artmaking, gallery tours, pop-up bars, neighborhood walking tours, and more! Tickets start at $51
- Decade Downtown Free Second Sunday (May 11, 10:30 am – 6 pm)
- Enjoy free admission to the museum as well as a pop-up listening lounge presented by Public Records on Floor 7 and free story times in the lobby at 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm.
- Embodying Eastman: Speculative Listening with Isaac Jean-François (May 11, 1 – 2:30 pm)
- Take in a live performance by BlackBox Ensemble with a Q&A after, Free with tickets
- Decade Downtown DJ Set with Lovie and Honeybun (May 11, 2:30 – 5:30 pm)
- Chill in the 7th floor listening lounge and listen to house, techno, and global club sounds from Lovie and Honeybun. Free with tickets
- Decade Downtown Dance Party with DJ Justin Strauss and Public Records (May 16, 5 – 10 pm)
- Dance the night away in the 7th floor listening lounge while Justin Strauss spins hits. Free with tickets
- Decade Downtown Neighborhood Walking Tours (May 1, 11, 16, various times)
- Explore the museum’s neighborhood with free walking tours
June
- Whitney Pride Celebration Free Second Sunday (June 8, 11 am – 4 pm)
- Celebrate Pride at The Whitney with programs dedicated to LGBTQ+ artists and communities. Free with tickets
- Queer Teen Night with The Center (June 13, 4 – 7 pm)
- Museum night for teens with artmaking, music, performances, dancing, giveaways, gallery tours, and a mini ball led by Haus of Us. Free
- Radical Joy Ball with ADAPT (June 18, 4 – 6 pm)
- Enjoy music, dance, and runway performances celebrating LGBTQ+ and disability pride with ADAPT Community Network. Free
- New York City Gay Men’s Chorus at Free Friday Nights (June 27, 5 – 10 pm)
- Watch a live performance of the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus. Free with tickets
- Queer History Walks (June 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29)
- Stroll through The Whitney’s neighborhood with LGBTQ+-themed guided walking tours. Free, registration required
July
- West Side Fest (July 11 – 13)
- Coinciding with the Whitney’s July Free Second Sunday and a Free Friday Night, enjoy free admission, special indoor and outdoor programming, crafts for kids and families, artmaking activities for all ages, performances, and much more.
- Decade Downtown Neighborhood Walking Tours (July 11, 13 various times)
- Explore the museum’s neighborhood with free walking tours
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