14 May THE LOWDOWN ON NYC’S MUSEUM MILE FESTIVAL
ADD THIS NEW YORK CITY TRADITION TO YOUR SUMMER CALENDAR
For the past 37 years, New York City has hosted its incredible Museum Mile Festival, where 23 city blocks are roped off so art displays, live music and tons of activities can take place.
Museum Mile Festival is taking place this year on Tuesday, June 9 from 6-9 pm and is sure to attract thousands of visitors and residents.
It’s a great way to spend a summer night, and the festival itself is free of charge; whether you’re enjoying the festival as part of a date, with a group of friends or with your kids, there’s plenty of art and musical performances to keep things rolling.
Here are a few specifics about this amazing annual festival.
9 OF THE MOST NOTABLE MUSEUMS IN NEW YORK WILL PARTICIPATE
There are nine incredible museums that will take part in the festivities this year, providing patrons with a range of art across a variety of mediums. The museums on the roster?
- The Africa Museum
- El Museo de Barrio
- Museum of the City of New York
- The Jewish Museum
- Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution
- National Academy Museum and School
- Neue Gallery New York
- Solomon R. Guggenheim
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
This festival gives a number of NYC residents and visitors a chance to experience Museum Mile for the first time, to see a side of the city that has always been part of its foundation. The Museum Mile Festival aims to expose as many New Yorkers and visitors as possible to the rich history, present and future of New York’s art culture, a culture that many consider to be one of the city’s strongest support beams.
ACTIVITIES FOR THE KIDS
Another thing that’s a draw for attendees to the Museum Mile Festival is the number of activities that are perfect for kids.
Sammie and Tudie’s Imagination Playhouse will take place on 93rd street, where it’s lighthearted, clowning namesakes will perform one of their delightful routines. This duo has a longtime presence on the birthday party circuit and have even published a children’s book.
Silly Billy the Very Funny Clown will be giving a kid-friendly performance on 91stStreet, full of his signature schtick, magic tricks and plenty of laughs for the kids.
On 88th Street, your kids can enjoy Daisy Doodle’s magic and face painting, brought to you by one of New York’s most notable children’s entertainers.
On 82nd street, you can enjoy sidewalk chalk and a photobooth to help you and your group commemorate the occasion.
If you have an artistic or creative child, or you simply want to inspire your kids to consider the artistic side of life, these children’s artists and entertainers are the perfect way to do so.
Getting There (and Where to Eat)
Museum Mile will be blocked off to cars during the festival, but that doesn’t mean you have to park your vehicle miles and miles away to enjoy the festivities. You can book a chauffeured car, be dropped off near the entrance, and enjoy your festival experience knowing you have a chauffeur waiting to pick you up at the end of the night.
If you’re hungry before or after the festivities, there are a few notable restaurants near Museum Mile to help you refuel. Here are some of our favorites:
- The New Amity Restaurant: Classic diner fare populate the menu. The place is well-lit and clean, with a distinct New York diner atmosphere; think booths and stools at the diner bar.
- Guzan: Open until 11:30 pm, Guzan offers a variety of sushi and Japanese dishes, as well as a full bar.
- Rizzo’s Fine Pizza: A New York City staple, Rizzo’s has been named one of the best pizzerias in the city by multiple publications. Stop in for a pie, be it the classic Rizzo’s square with toppings of your choice or a personal pizza like the Bandiera or the Carciofo.
So now you know what to expect from the Museum Mile Festival: what’s in it for the kids, how to get there and a few choice places to stop for a bite, before or after. We hope your experience is perfect from beginning to end.
Photo Credit: Katie Killery