NYC Arts: The Complete Guide to Art and Culture

Brooklyn Bridge Park - Pier 6

Brooklyn

Pier 6 adds approximately seven acres of new park, including a 1.6 acre destination playground. A 30-foot wide promenade leading onto the pier features views of lower Manhattan and New York Harbor.

Brooklyn Bridge Park - Tobacco Warehouse

Brooklyn

The Tobacco Warehouse, originally built by the Lorillard family, sits on the upland of Empire-Fulton Ferry Park, just north of the Brooklyn Bridge, and just south of the Empire Stores. Together, these landmark 19th century warehouses are vivid reminders of the shipping activity that once defined the downtown Brooklyn waterfront.

Constructed in the 1870s as a tobacco customs inspection center, and saved from demolition in 1998, the roofless rooms of the Tobacco Warehouse provide one of the most compelling public spaces in Brooklyn Bridge Park. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation repaired and stabilized the warehouse in 2002.

The total size of the warehouse is approximately 25,000 square feet, offering an 18,000 square-foot, column-free footprint.

Bryant Park

Manhattan

Bryant Park is behind the New York Public Library. In summer, crowds attend lunchtime performances of Broadway excerpts and screenings of classic films on Monday night, and children ride the carousel. In winter, a skating rink is installed.

Bryant Park

Manhattan

Byrant Park in midtown frequently hosts free, public art events.

Bryant Park Reading Room

Manhattan

The original Reading Room began in August of 1935 as a public response to the Depression Era job losses in New York. Many people did not have anywhere to go during the day, and no prospects for jobs. The New York Public Library opened the "Open Air Library" to give these out-of-work businessmen and intellectuals a place to go where they did not need money, a valid address, a library card, or any identification to enjoy the reading materials.

The 1935 Reading Room consisted of several benches, a few book and magazine cases, and a table with a beach umbrella for the five librarians who ran it. It operated every day except Sunday from mid-morning until mid-evening. Most of the books were from the New York Public Library’s circulation, but all magazines and trade publications were donated by publishers or individuals. When it rained the books and periodicals were quickly put in a large water-proof chest and readers and librarians took cover. No cards were required – patrons were simply asked to sign in and out. The Reading Room was closed in 1944 due to an increase in jobs and World War II.

The Bryant Park Corporation has repeated history by recreating the Bryant Park Reading Room. It is modeled after the original with the additions of custom-designed carts for an extensive and eclectic selection of books, periodicals and newspapers; readings and programs at lunchtime, after work and for kids; movable furniture to create a more intimate environment; and kid-sized carts and furniture for children to use. The programming, publications, and environment of the Reading Room are available to everyone for free, without any need of cards or identification.