New York for Arties & Smarties
Forget mainstream museums and galleries, there is so much more going on in New York for chic geeks and arty types. The alternative resides on every block - whether it’s finding a rare and dusty treasure in an old basement bookshop, admiring graffiti on the street or perusing the city’s edgiest art galleries. nyma, the new york manhattan hotel is a fresh and frugal option for those seeking contemporary accommodation in Midtown Manhattan. What’s more, the hotel has collaborated with Sidetour.com, to offer guests an endless choice of cool and cultural experience packages this autumn.
From discovering MOMA’s scandalous past to swapping photography tips with former Rolling Stones tour photographer, Sidetour.com offers a selection of unique and unusual tours and experiences, led by an eclectic bunch of local experts. Learn about fakes, forgeries and MOMA’s less-than-perfect reputation with art historian Erin Thompson – who boasts a PHD along with a self-proclaimed ‘dirty mind’, promising an untraditional approach to art history. While rock-star photographer Michael Halsband will open up his studio to dish the dirt on the good, bad and crazy world of working with his high-profile clients, which have also included Andy Warhol, Iggy Pop and Al Pacino.
Alternatively why not turn the conservative art world on its head with a visit to one of the largest street art exhibitions in the world? Nicknamed the ‘Graffiti Mecca’, 5Pointz is an outdoor exhibition space in Long Island. Curator Meres One will narrate the colourful scenes and explain each artwork’s history and purpose, before hitting the rooftop for a demonstration, with the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop. While more centrally, local sculptor and artist Sascha Mombartz offers walks through the streets of Manhattan, chronicling the evolution of NYC’s public art before finishing with a drink at McSorley’s, the oldest bar in the city – which was visited by Abraham Lincoln in 1859.
Conveniently situated on 32nd Street between Broadway and Fifth Avenue, nyma underwent a stylish transformation and re-launch last year and now boasts eco-friendly design features and a bright and modern interior. In addition, the hotel offers a host of free amenities including continental breakfast, wi-fi and national phone calls, as well as a fitness suite open 24 hours a day and a mezzanine area with informal seating offering free cappuccino, tea and weekday newspapers. For a great night’s sleep, guest rooms feature comfortable bedding with memory foam mattresses, a flat-screen television and an iPhone docking station.
The exclusive Cool & Cultural package is available to book until 30 November, from just $294.99 per room per night (which equates to £91 per person) based on two sharing. The price includes one night's accommodation at nyma, the new york manhattan hotel and $20 credit per person, towards any Sidetour experience. For more information, visit thenewyorkmanhattanhotel.co.uk and to book call freephone 0808 178 6363 and quote the code SIDETOUR.
