Tourists who flock to Manhattan’s lovely and often crowded High Line, the elevated former railroad spur turned into a stunning park for strolling and gawking, can spend several hours near it in art galleries or on it doing fitness routines. The pace is leisurely and can be as long as visitors wish.
The most dense collection of contemporary art galleries and spaces in all of Manhattan is in Chelsea, a neighborhood at the north end of The High Line. The best exit from The High Line is the current final one at West 20th Street because such large numbers of galleries are located from 22nd Street and 24th Street, between Tenth and Eleventh Avenues.
Guided Tours of Chelsea and Galleries
Prefer a guide who knows art? Big Onion Tours does a good job of explaining the history and gentrification of Chelsea, which only a few years ago was largely an industrial wasteland. This tour covers a lot more than just art and covers such places as the Chelsea Hotel, along with The High Line itself. There is a special discount for seniors.
Want just art? According to NYGalleryTours.com, Chelsea is home to about 300 galleries. Expert guides select the top exhibits, whether they are painting, photography, sculpture or something totally different, like electronic arts. This is a good tour on a not-so-nice day because the tour takes place almost entirely indoors. Some “openings” tours take place at 6 p.m. while others are in the afternoon. Check NYGalleryTours.com to collect a discount ticket.
Guided Tours on The High Line
The Friends of the High Line conduct historical, art and other themed tours right on the elevated walkway itself. Every Tuesday visitors can go on gardeners’ tour during the day, an astronomy tour at night and even take part in a Pilates or yoga class. See the High Line calendar for details and bring your own mat. On summer Wednesdays, there is a free 6:30 p.m. stroll and lecture with Peter Mullan, Friends of the High Line’s Vice President of Planning & Design who points out its “unique design elements,” according to a press release.
Evenings Near The High Line
For those not familiar with New York geography, The High Line is at the western edge of the trendy Meatpacking District, sits very close to the western part of Greenwich Village and leads right into Chelsea, so you can spend many hours dining and sightseeing in the vicinity. For a guided entertainment tour of Chelsea, try the one from Uncle Sam’s New York.
Listings of Events
Finally for all special events, look in the listings of the Friday New York Times arts section, in New York Magazine, or in Time Out Magazine.
Grace Lichtenstein - I prefer "seasoned" to "senior" but whatever term you use, I have been an outdoor adventurer for most of my adult years. I am a cycling ...
