|
|
|
The Best
in
New
York State Culture:
You can't
make a mistake in the Empire State!
New York is a state that takes its
art, music, and literature seriously. It's hard to go anywhere in the state
without finding some kind of a cultural museum or performing arts center.
We have selected our twelve favorite places to go to experience the finer
points in life. It's not meant to be an inclusive list, so if you disagree
with our choices that's fine. Just get out there and experience New York
culture today!
Here is
a short description of each of the twelve cultural gems of New York:
1. The Apollo Theater: This Harlem
landmark has been the center ofAfrican-American culture since the early
20th century. Most of the best musicians made their debut performances
here. The Apollo’s influence on American music cannot be overstated. For
more information visit: http://www.apollotheater.com/index.asp
2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art:
Certainly one of the premier cultural institutions in the world, the “Met”
has an incredible collection of art, ranging from Egyptian sculptures to
Monet’s landscapes. No trip to NYC is complete without seeing this amazing
museum. Visit their website to find out what special exhibitions are in
town: http://www.metmuseum.org/
3. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum:
This museum (pictured at the left) is nearly as famous for its architect
(Frank Lloyd Wright) as for its collection of modern art. The spiraling gallery
enhances the experience. Website: http://www.guggenheim.org/new_york_index.shtml
4. The American Museum of Natural History:
On the other side of Central Park lies another New York landmark. Not only
are there displays of life (including dinosaurs) from all over the globe,
but you can also enjoy a star show at the Hayden Planetarium. Don’t miss
the Rose Center, a wonderful resource for physical geography. Visit them
online at http://www.amnh.org
5. Planting Fields Aboretum
State Historic Park: Located near Oyster Bay (Long Island) is
a garden encyclopedia. Not only are the gardens beautiful for their exquisite
blending of color and texture, but you will also learn about plants that
will grow in your own yard. Remember that horticulture is an artform, too.
6. Olana: This fascinating Persian
mansion was built by Frederic Church, one of the great artists of the Hudson
School. From the grounds you get some great views of the Hudson Valley and
the Catskills beyond. Some great artwork is also on display as you tour
the home.
7. The New York State Museum: Located
on the Mall in Albany, this museum has great displays on the Empire State,
especially New York City and the Adirondacks. The most poignant section
is devoted to the tragedy of 9/11 (see photo at the left).
8. The Adirondack Museum: Nestled
in the Central Adirondacks overlooking beautiful Blue Mountain Lake is
the best place to learn about the challenging lives residents have in these
beautiful mountains. It is also a great place to bring kids, since they have
special engaging activities especially for them.
9. National Baseball Hall of Fame: Any
fan knows the importance of Cooperstown to the game of baseball. Not only
are the best players of all time enshrined here, but the diplays about the
National Pastime are interesting to even the most casual fan. Maybe football
is more popular, but no sport has more history and more cultural tradition
than baseball.
10. Museum of the Earth: This
is one of New York’s newest museums, opening in 2003. You might not think
a science museum is cultural, but this museum displays the fossils of ancient
life in the Northeast that rival any art gallery. You see this from the
start, and you pass by the geologic timeline. (Pictured at left: ammonites,
extinct molluscs related to squids and octopus).
11. The George Eastman House: This
mansion on East Avenue in Rochester was the home of the founder of Kodak
and modern photography. Not only has his home and garden been restored to
their original beauty, but it also contains one of the largest collections
of photographs and motion pictures in the world. The Dryden Theatre shows
classic movies that often can’t be seen anywhere else.
12. The Chautauqua Institution: This
has been a popular summer cultural experience for over a century now. People
come here from all over the world to learn about an incredible variety of
topics. You can visit for a day or stay for the season.
|
|
|
|
|
Great places
to go to see New York Geography
up close and personal.
Click
on the links below!
|
|
|
|
|
