Spotlight on: New York

Next week our consultant Lisa will be in New York, meeting with clients and candidates alike. Ahead of her trip, we are shining a spotlight on New York.

This vast city has so much to offer and endless options for places to stay and eat. While this does come at a price, it is well worth the trip. Comfy shoes are a must for marching the streets and crossing endless roads. The walk along the High Line is a fantastic way to see the city from a different angle and explore the art installations up there. Start in Chelsea to visit the many commercial galleries there, including David Zwirner, Gagosian and Michael Rosenfeld before heading along to The Whitney and wandering through the Meatpacking District. For wide open spaces and fresh air take a trip to Central Park and explore the beautiful green space. It’s also a handy location to break up a visit to The Met and Guggenheim. If you are more interested in exploring the food scene then the Lower East Side is where you want to be, with a plethora of top rated food establishments covering all international cuisine, it is well worth a trip on the subway. Double Chicken Please should be on your radar for the best chicken burgers, fried chicken and unique, savoury cocktails – be prepared to queue!

New York City boasts an astonishingly diverse range of art galleries, each reflecting the city’s dynamic cultural tapestry. From the avant-garde spaces in Chelsea that push contemporary boundaries, to the historic galleries of the Upper East Side that showcase classical and modern masterpieces, the city’s art scene caters to every taste and interest. SoHo’s vibrant gallery scene often features emerging artists, while Bushwick’s warehouses have become a haven for experimental and street art. There are endless commercial galleries spread all around the city, so no matter where you are staying there will be art nearby! Lévy Gorvy Dayan on the Upper East Side is worth a trip for the building alone, pop around the corner to visit Di Donna gallery and then head further north to White Cube. The commercial spaces in Chelsea are endless so make sure that you block out an afternoon to wander around as many spaces as possible.

TriBeCa (short for Triangle below Canal Street) has become a recent addition to the ‘must visit’ list for art lovers. With over 70 galleries populating the landscape of Tribeca, known as one of the most expensive and luxurious neighbourhoods of New York, historic buildings offer unique and varied spaces for exhibitions. As we speak, Marian Goodman is opening a major new space, as are Blum and James Fuentes. Whilst you are in the area, venture above “the triangle” to Henry St and Pike St, another fairly new hub of galleries who are enjoying less expensive rents and exploring more experimental and cutting edge ideas. Some readers might have been around long enough to reminisce of the 1980s Lower East vibe!

Additionally, institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art offer expansive collections that span centuries and continents. Whether you’re drawn to cutting-edge installations, traditional paintings, or eclectic sculptures, New York’s art galleries provide a rich and ever-evolving landscape that celebrates artistic innovation and heritage.

Places to eat:

Chelsea Farmers Market for a diverse range of food choices and independent retailers. Go there to grab some gelato to take to enjoy on the High Line or for a quick and easy lunch spot. The Modern at MoMa is a two Michelin starred restaurant with a refined seasonal menu. The perfect place to refuel between art trips in a more luxurious setting! For a sweet treat check out Levain Bakery for their melt in the mouth cookies. If you have a sweet tooth check out BonBon, a Swedish sweet shop with an amazing pick and mix selection that you can take home in pink, candy striped bags. As a sprawling, cosmopolitan city there is no end of choice for places to eat and drink.

Art destinations:

The Met, MoMA, Guggenheim, The Whitney,  Brooklyn Museum

MoMA PS1, Frick Collection  (temporarily closed and re-opening early 2025), NewMuseum (also temporarily closed and re-opening early 2025)

Travel:

The city is well connected with two main airports JFK and Newark that are easily accessible as New York has a good subway system and trains.

If you are a New York local we would love to hear your recommendations!