Beat the heat this summer!
BY JESSICA DAILEY AND MATTHEW MARANI
When the mercury rises, the first reaction for many New Yorkers is to flee to the nearest public pool or beach (or to flee the city altogether), but sometimes the best solution is some good ol’ fashioned, ice cold air conditioning. Museums and movie theaters are an obvious respite, but who wants to shell out $15 just to stop sweating? In addition to the city-designated cooling centers, there are dozens of places in New York where you can bask in refrigerated air for free. If your personal A/C comes in the form of a crappy window unit that only succeeds in increasing your electric bill, this map is for you——and heat-stroked tourists.
Know a great spot that we missed? Leave a comment or send a note to the tipline, and we’ll add it to the map.
1 Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry is one of the best free activities in New York even if you’re not on the hunt for refrigerated air. It’s a leisurely 30 minute ride across the harbor with intimate views of the Statue of Liberty. While the sea breeze is often enough of a cool down, you can also duck inside the cabin and enjoy the A/C in peace as the crowds outside clamor for the best views. When you depart, linger a little longer in the Whitehall Terminal, where there are concessions and seating.
4 South St
New York, NY 10004
(718) 815-2628
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2 New York Public Library
The famed Rose Reading room may still be closed for renovations (pesky asbestos!) but there are plenty of other areas to explore in the main library. The map room is a delight, and multiple galleries offer a wide range ofexhibits. The photography exhibits often rival those you’ll find at the Met or MoMA.
476 5th Ave
New York, NY 10018
(212) 930-0800
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3 Grand Central Terminal
This one is a no-brainer. Grand Central is a glorious respite from the outside world, and while the main concourse will be filled with tourists craning their necks to see the celestial ceiling, the space is so huge that you’ll rarely feel claustrophobic (unless, of course, it’s rush hour). To escape the masses, browse the shops or grab a drink in the elegant Campbell Apartment, and be sure to stop by the annex of the Transit Museum, located just off the Main Concourse in the Shuttle Passage, next to the Station Master’s office. While the museum charges admission, this gallery is completely free.
87 E 42nd St
New York, NY 10017
(212) 532-4900
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4 World Trade Center Transportation Hub (The Oculus)
It may be a glorious boondoggle, but it’s one that comes with the benefit of free air conditioning. Bask in the cool air, and once the hub’s retail spaces open (which should, in theory, happen this year), you’ll have something to keep you occupied other than gazing at Santiago Calatrava’s “bird in flight” architecture.
Liberty St & Church Ave
New York, NY 10007
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5 Brookfield Place
The Winter Garden at Brookfield Place is a lovely, day-lit atrium with palm trees and Hudson River views. There are plenty of tables and chairs, free wifi, and when you tire of your Netflix queue, you can do some shopping or grab a bite in the newly opened Hudson Eats food court.
230 Vesey St
New York, NY 10281
(212) 945-0505
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6 David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center
Privately-owned public spaces are like little secrets hidden throughout the city, and there are dozens inside with climate-controlled environs. The Municipal Art Society keeps a database of them all, and the atrium at Lincoln Center is one of the best-ranked. There’s a 20-foot tall living wall designed by Tod Williams Bille Tsien Architects, as well as a floor-to-ceiling fountain, seating, free wifi, a ‘wichcraft cafe, and an exhibition space. Lincoln Center also uses the space for shows.
61 W 62nd St
New York, NY 10023
(212) 875-5350
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7 Bank of America Tower
Designed by Wallace Roberts & Todd, the lobby of the Bank of America tower at 1 Bryant Park is a much appreciated respite from Midtown’s relentless summer heat. The lobby itself contains thousands of hand-planted ferns, mosses and lichens. This space is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
1 Bryant Park
New York, NY 10036
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8 Trump Tower
Whatever your thoughts are on Donald Trump (who recently came under fire for removing a bench in the atrium to sell campaign merchandise because, well, he is kind of the worst), there’s no denying that this atrium is still a great place to duck in to escape the elements.
725 5th Ave
New York, NY 10022
(212) 832-2000
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9 Ford Foundation Atrium
Arguably the loveliest POP in the city, the 160-foot-tall atrium at the Ford Foundation is a verdant retreat in the middle of Midtown East. You’ll find trees, shrubs, hanging plants, ferns, and gardenias, with a square pool as the atrium’s centerpiece. Visitors are welcome between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays, making it ideal for mid-day A/C-enjoyment.
320 E 43rd St
New York, NY 10017
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10 Storefront for Art and Architecture
Even if you don’t need to escape the heat, you should hit up the Storefront for Art & Architecture. This wedge of a gallery, designed by Steven Holl, hosts exhibits and events about—you guessed it—architecture, art, and design that are completely free and open to the public.
97 Kenmare St
New York, NY 10012
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11 Brooklyn Public Library (Central Library)
The main branch of the Brooklyn Public Library is like a wifi-equipped refrigerator during the summer. Among the stacks on the upper level, there are plenty of seats and outlets, many of which are tucked into semi-private corners. Large windows let you still enjoy the nice weather and offer views over Grand Army Plaza.
10 Grand Army Plz
Brooklyn, NY 11238
(718) 230-2100
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12 60 Wall Street
The architect behind the Ford Foundation’s lush atrium, Kevin Roche, also designed this space at 60 Wall Street downtown. The open airy space features “gridded ceiling that recalls English garden pavilions, striped Egyptoid columns, and craggy stone fountains that seem to be of Chinese origin.” There’s plenty of seating, free wifi, and public bathrooms, though Yelp reviewers warn to approach the latter with caution.
60 Wall St
New York, NY 10005
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13 875 3rd Avenue
This multi-level arcade isn’t much fancier than your average mall—and it has the chain stores and restaurants to match—but that also means that it will be quieter and less crowded than other privately-owned public spaces, making it ideal for some alone-with-the-air-conditioning time. It’s situated just off the 6 train at east 53rd Street.
875 3rd Ave
New York, NY 10022
(212) 319-3929
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14 Bronx Museum of the Arts
There are a lot of “pay what you wish” museums in New York, but there are few truly free ones. The Bronx Museum of the Arts is one of these rarities. Its permanent collection holds more than 800 pieces, and exhibits focus on contemporary and 20th century works created by American artists. In 2006, an accordion-like addition by architecture firm Arquitectonica doubled the institution’s size.
1040 Grand Concourse
Bronx, NY 10456
(718) 681-6000
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15 National Museum of the American Indian
As it is a Smithsonian Institution, the National Museum of the American Indian is also completely free. Located at the tip of Manhattan, this museum is often overlooked for more popular Downtown destinations, but that just means you’ll be able to browse through the exhibits and take in performances (and cool down) without elbowing your way through crowds. Plus, the building that it’s house in, the 1907 Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, is a real treat.
1 Bowling Grn
New York, NY 10004
(212) 514-3700
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16 Park Avenue Plaza
Tucked between 52nd and 53rd Street (and not actually on Park Avenue, despite its name), this block-long arcade features 16 trees, lots of seating, two water features, and during the weekdays, a piano player from noon to 3 p.m.
55 E 52nd St
New York, NY 10055
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17 The Hispanic Society Of America
A Yelp reviewer describes the Hispanic Society of America as “one of those places you just stumble on and get your mind blown by.” The institution has a surprisingly vast collection of works relating to the arts and cultures of Spain, Portugal, and Latin America, and it’s so off-the-beaten path that it’s not unusual to have the place to yourself. The Beaux Arts building is beautiful, and the ornate interiors will certainly impress.
613 W 155th St
New York, NY 10032
(212) 926-2234
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18 Le Parker Méridien New York
Located just south of Central Park, Le Parker Meridien Hotel has perhaps the most luxurious public plaza in New York City. Although the hotel has come under fire due to “diner discrimination” and its guarded appearance, it is indeed open to the public. So if you find yourself in the neighborhood, bask in the air conditioning of a space that features polished marble floors and and mighty pastel pink columns.
119 W 56th St
New York, NY 10019
(212) 245-5000
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19 550 Madison
This three-story, through-block public space designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects sits at the base of the Sony Building on Madison Avenue. It’s heavily used, thanks to the adjacent Sony Wonder Technology Lab, but that doesn’t mean it should be avoided. There’s plenty of seating, shops, and eateries, and it connects to the public space at 590 Madison Avenue.
550 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10022
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20 590 Madison Avenue
This indoor arcade, which connects to the space at 550 Madison, is so open and airy that there are literally birds flying around inside. It’s filled with bamboo thickets, moveable tables and chairs, a sculpture garden, water feature, and few places to grab some snacks.
590 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10022
(212) 554-0555
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21 601 Lexington
The public lobby and retail atrium of the former CitiGroup Tower will likely be getting a renovation thanks to its new owners. Currently, there are shops, restaurants, and moveable seating, as well an art gallery on the upper floor.
601 Lexington Ave (Citigroup Center)
New York, NY 10022
(212) 751-1007
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22 BRIC House
Located in the BAM Cultural District, the BRIC Houseoffers 3,000 square feet of art-filled, air-conditioned goodness. Leeser Architecture recently gave this institution a new look, and the public gallery is free and open six days a week.
647 Fulton St
Brooklyn, NY 11217
(718) 683-6500
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23 A Train to Rockaway
Hopping on any subway line is a fantastic way to escape the heat (unless it’s rush hour), but the A train to Rockaway provides one of the loveliest rides in the city, gliding over the Jamaica Bay and through a wildlife refuge. Grab a window seat and keep an eye out for dozens of herons, cranes, and sea birds.
W Rd.
Broad Channel, NY 11693
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24 120 Park Ave Atrium
This atrium may not be as verdant as some others, but it’s conveniently located just across the street from Grand Central, offering a welcome A/C-ed escape from Midtown. It also features sculptures from the Whitney Museum’s permanent collection and plenty of seating.
120 Park Ave
New York, NY 10017
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25 115 East 57th Street
Lying between 57th and 58th Street, this public plaza is nearly concealed from the passing pedestrian. However, stepping inside one is confronted with an eight story atrium with public seating as well as private culinary establishments. If you are feeling particularly bold, the public space also contains a health and fitness club.
New York
NY
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THERE IS 1 COMMENT.
sharhar
RE:Trump Atrium – Zoe, you’re contributing to a real-estate blog. Keep your political comments out of it. I completely disagree.
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