Posted by Patrick Moreau on February 27, 2021 in Travel
New York travel recommendations in 2021 by Tripadvisor? This new exhibition that has taken over almost the entirety of the New Museum and is set to stay put until June 6, explores the history of racist violence all throughout the United States. Back in 2018, curator Okwui Enwezor began working on the project, hoping to mount it by last year’s Presidential election. Unfortunately, the curator’s passing in 2019 and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic forced a shift in plans that delayed the show’s opening to last week. In total, the work of 37 Black artists currently fills the museum’s lobby, its three main viewing floors, the building’s exterior and the South Gallery found in the building next door. Expect to browse through the amazing works of artists the likes of Kara Walker, who is the brain behind an entire wall filled with sketches and drawings; LaToya Ruby Frazier, who contributes over a dozen photographs from her “The Notion of Family” series; and Jean-Michael Basquiat, whose “Procession” can be glanced at as soon as the elevator doors open on the third floor. The show is a powerful one, with images ranging in style, theme and scope, but one that is necessary to delve into today more than ever. Given COVID-19-related guidelines, visitors have to purchase timed tickets ahead of their trip.
If there is one crucial piece in the set of this show, it is the objects that didn’t even exist on the stage which gave the show the most dimension, setting, and emotion. These digital realities were pictured on a giant wraparound screen which posed as the backdrops for all scenes. This rapidly accelerated the set changes such that it seemed like a film in itself. The screen flicked between classrooms in a fraction of a second, and the lighting levels with it, establishing a realistic picture and making the stage so much larger. There was almost no turnaround time between scenes, keeping the audience constantly engulfed in the happenings. Its novelty and spectacle represented a new and improved future for Broadway in which screens can display the way to film-like reality onstage!
I bet your kids will love The Lion King. We’ve seen it all, but watching it on stage is a completely different experience. The characters are as lovable as they are on screen. The show is adored by both kids and parents. Kids love it as much as they love Frozen and the parents feel especially nostalgic, since many of them have grown up watching Simba, Timon, Pumbaa, and Nala. It’s almost certain that The Lion King will return. It is super popular and would quickly cover its losses. I found a great review some time ago, here’s a link to it. Your best bet would certainly be Hamilton. It has the highest probability of returning, since its producers made the most of the pandemic and are supposed to be financially stable enough. The rumored date for its first performance after the pandemic is the 4th of July (how patriotic, haha). Just keep in mind that Hamilton was sold-out like half a year ahead, so tickets might be scarce. Find more details at TripAdvisor Broadway 2021.
When it comes to New York attractions, Rockefeller Center is on almost all tourist’s itineraries. This vast entertainment and shopping complex in the middle of Manhattan is home to NBC-TV and other media, but the centerpiece is the 70-story 30 Rockefeller Plaza, an Art Deco skyscraper that offers awesome views over Manhattan from the famous Top of the Rock Observation Deck. The “deck,” as it’s known, includes three floors, located on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors. Indoor and outdoor viewing spaces offer spectacular views by day or night. You can buy a Top of the Rock Observation Deck Ticket in advance. These tickets come with a flexible voucher redemption policy, so you can change the date if your plans change or the weather doesn’t cooperate. Skating on the outdoor skating rink at the base of the tower is one of the most popular things to do in winter in New York City and a fun activity for families and couples. The rink is typically open from October to April. After Thanksgiving, a huge Christmas tree is erected in front of the skating rink, lighting up the complex for the holiday season. Many people visit New York in December just to see this site. Another point of interest in this area is the famous bronze sculpture of Atlas in front of the International Building. It’s a popular subject for photographers.
Trinity Church is one of the oldest churches in America. The original building burned down in 1776, but the current church is still beautiful, with an ornate Gothic style structure. The church is most famous for its colonial graveyard, where you’ll find many famous Americans, including Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s founding fathers. The recently opened “Freedom Tower” gives you a panoramic view of the city, and there is also a lot of information about the 9/11 terrorist attacks. On the elevator up, you can also see images of the historical development of NYC. At the bottom of the tower is a park commemorating the victims of the attacks along with an extensive museum. The museum houses moving exhibits about the significance of 9/11. For an additional fee (on top of the entrance fee), there are guided tours. See additional information at https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60763-i5-k13476134-New_York_in_Summer_2021_What_should_I_be_aware_of-New_York_City_New_York.html.