It’s time to check the list and register for The Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS) annual Jane’s Walk NYC, highlighting treasured places in all five boroughs with volunteer-led, free tours from May 3-5.
There is a tour in every part of town and for every interest, from Advocacy, Art, Architecture, Environment, and Food to Entertainment, History and Culture. Make sure to Reserve your Spot, since tours fill up quickly. Here are a few Tours we hope to add to our list.
Audubon Bird Murals Project. Inspired by the legacy of the American bird artist John James Audubon, and the specific birds threatened by a warming climate, local artists painted gates of local businesses from 133rd Street to 165th Street. While you’re there, check out Birds on Broadway by artist Nicholas Holiber. It is the latest large-scale art installation by Broadway Mall Association, and will run from 67th Street to 168th Street. Check out more of the Audubon Mural Project.
Manhattan’s Little Syria: The Hart of Arab America has a deep and rich history we learned about while researching a lower east side park dedicated to the Arab community. Now is our chance to learn more.
The Real Brooklyn Heights ~ New York’s first suburb, that you won’t find in guidebooks. While you’re there, visit the Brooklyn Women’s Exchange in the heart of Brooklyn Heights, and the Promenade with its stunning views of lower Manhattan.
Herstorical Monuments of Riverside Park, and hear about plans for more public art celebrating women coming to our parks in the near future.
Dumbo and Brooklyn Bridge to Winter Garden Atrium at World Financial Center (all my favorite places) ending at Ground Zero. While you’re there, don’t miss The Mural Project located near the Oculus.
Freewheelin’ through Dylan’s Village ~ I didn’t know that Jane Jacobs and Bob Dylan co-wrote a song protesting the development of the Lower Manhattan Expressway.
Contemporary Art and Historic Architecture in Harlem Parks guided by Marcus Garvey Park Alliance President, Curator Connie Lee and artist José Carlos Casado, highlighting 10 current sculptures in the Park and a walk up to the Acropolis to view progress on the historic Harlem Fire Watchtower (joined by artists Maren Hassinger (sculpture image above), Jorge Luis Rodriguez and Kathleen Granados).
East Harlem’s First Historic District! Now approved for inclusion in the State Register of Historic places and will soon be listed on the National Register of Historic Places ~ the Tour ending at Patsy’s Pizza (another historic site). More about the Historic Designation.
Since Jane’s Walk encourages people to share stories about their neighborhoods, be sure to visit the current installation in East Harlem’s Art Park, Present Histories, because it does just that. View images taken by residents of this community, some dating as far back as the early 1900’s.
Queensbridge Post-Amazon ~ exploring Long Island City waterfront at sunset. It is also a treat to view this by Ferry.
A tour billed as short on distance and long on history, Discover Jefferson Market will highlight the food market in the 1830s to a courthouse and women’s prison ~ and ultimately a public library and garden. This tour will also explore notable sites like Patching Place, Milligan Place + more.
Sex, Love and Romance at Washington Square in the 19th century from bohemians and bourgeoise to artists and rock stars.
Check out the full roster of Jane’s Walks and plan your weekend.
#JanesWalkNYC