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Where the Smart People Go
I kinda heart museums and bookstores.
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7 Places
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Stefanie’s 5-star review: I was a little hesitant to pay a visit to the Frick as I hadn't really heard much about it and--up until that point--thought no museum could surpass awesomeness of the Met. However, I had to go as part of a class project and, as it turns out, I am VERY glad I did. It's much more intimate than the Met or the MoMA but I think that just adds to its charm. It's hard to believe that this used to be someone's house, everything is just THAT pretty. The furniture and decor is simply breathtaking as well as the paintings that adorn the walls. I could easily spend a quiet afternoon there just taking everything in. The Frick Collection is easily my favorite museum. (Also, it's a lot cheaper--$5 with student ID!) -
Stefanie’s 4-star review: Okay, I may not be as artsy as I thought because I just didn't understand some of the exhibits in this otherwise great museum. Three basketballs floating in a tank of water? What's that all about? However, the museum does have some great exhibits as well (the van Gogh and Warhol pieces just to name a few). I love bringing City-visitors here because it's a unique way of showing them the quirkiness of NYC in a mere few hours. Oh, and be sure to go on a Friday evening--it's free! -
Stefanie’s 5-star review: So so so so so SOOO good. I've been to the Met multiple times and have yet to see all of the exhibits (not to mention they are constantly opening a new one). You can't live in/visit NYC without going to this fantastic museum. The Egyptian Art exhibit is by far my favorite. I mean c'mon...there's a mote! The museum itself is big and can be a little intimidating at first. Just know that you probably won't get to see everything in your first visit. Which, in a way, is great because it's more of an excuse to go back! -
Stefanie’s 3-star review: They call their current main exhibit "Sex and the Moving Image". Translation: PORN. Some exhibits are actually quite interesting. Some are just raunchy. Nevertheless, it's a fun way to spend an afternoon. I would head over there again, especially when they reopen the kink exhibit. Oh, and the pop-up book located in the gift shop is a hoot. -
Stefanie’s 4-star review: I could seriously spend all afternoon just browsing the 18 miles of books at the Strand book store. The Strand is bound to have what you are looking for--and at a great price, too. Its mounds of 50% off books are any bookworm's dream. Walking in almost takes your breath away. You see a warehouse-looking shop with books galore. I personally browse through the best-sellers fiction table every time I enter. Plus, the staff members are really helpful. I don't know how they do it, but they seem to know the location of every book in that giant abyss. They tend to offer great suggestions as well. Although I would love to give the Strand 5 stars, I have to knock off one for disorganization. If you don't know exactly what you are looking for and where to find it, then may God be with you. Seriously, unless you get the assistance of an employee, you are looking at hours of rummaging. I for one think that is part of the Strand's charm, but I have brought some impatient friends with me who were less than pleased. Other than that, the Strand is fantastic. But I wouldn't waste my time looking at the $1 bins out front, because they are only $1 for a reason, kids. -
Stefanie’s 3-star review: Another museum outing brings me to the Neue Galerie and, I must say, I was a bit disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I love art museums, and the Klimt exhibit was pretty cool, but how many sketches of a naked woman scratching her crotch do I need to see? Huh? I just wish they had more paintings. It made me miss the Frick a lot. Anyway, getting back to the Klimt exhibit, I thought it was pretty cool how they had Klimt's old painting smock and a replica of the studio he used to work in. More artifacts like that would have been greatly appreciated, in my opinion. The collection definitely overpowered the rest of the museum, so I was a little disappointed that they didn't have more of a variety of artists. However, if you're a big fan of Klimt, this will quickly become your favorite spot. The museum itself is pretty swanky. It's small, but they make good use of the space without having to stuff the rooms floor-to-ceiling with art. Although, that still doesn't make up for the $10 student admission fee (I really don't think the museum is that great to charge that much). Also, I couldn't help but feel as if I was being watched with every step I took. I know, there are security guards there for a reason, but still, they were a little too much up in my grill. Overall, it was a nice way to spend the afternoon. German/Austrian art isn't really my thing, but I rather enjoyed myself nonetheless. Don't know if I'd ever go back though...we'll just have to see. -
Stefanie’s 4-star review: When I can't find what I'm looking for at the Strand (which is rare, but hey, it happens) I usually head a few blocks over to the St. Marks Bookshop. It's small, but they have a nice selection of books at fair prices. The employees are cool and helpful; you can tell they are book nerds, which (being one of them) I can appreciate. It's fun to browse here too, everything is artsy and classic at the same time.
