Almost every museum in New York City has a special “pay-what-you-wish” time, and Thursday evenings just happen to be that special time for the Museum of Art and Design (or, as we New Yorkers like to call it, the MAD Museum.) From 6pm to 9pm, you and your date can skip the usual $16 admission and peruse the collections absolutely free of charge. Afterwards head over a block west to the Hudson Hotel, and spend that cash on some fancy cocktails with a view.
The Museum
Along with its regular exhibitions, the MAD Museum has some other fun and interactive features that will keep you and your date engaged and talking long after. Hop on one of the free docent led tours that leave from the lobby, and get a greater appreciation of the art you’re about to see. (Just be sure to check the calendar in advance for the times that day.)
Or you can join in on one of the Open Studios, and interact directly with working artists as they create their work in a public environment. I had the opportunity to meet and talk with jewelry designer David Mandel, and not only was he a totally cool guy, but our dialogue game me so much better of an understanding of the man behind the necklaces, so to speak.
Don’t leave without checking out the museum’s high-flying restaurant. Even if you don’t grab a drink here, definitely pop in for a stunning view of Columbus Circle, Central Park, and Central Park West. The restaurant is a pink-lover’s paradise, sure to make the girly-girl pleased as punch.
The Cocktails
If you’re a fan of Sex & The City or Gossip Girl, you’ll probably recognize The Hudson Hotel from some of your favorite scenes. Located a block away from the MAD Museum at 356 West 58th Street, the hotel is unmarked, but when you see the yellow windows, you’ll know you’re at the right spot.
If it’s a nice evening, definitely take advantage of the (very secretive) Sky Terrace located on the 15th floor. Technically this outdoor oasis is just for guests of the hotel, but as long as you’re okay with telling the staff you’re a guest of a guest, all is okay. With unobstructed views of the Hudson River all the way down to the Statue of Liberty, plus couches and lounge chairs adorned with pillows, you’ll be sure to make your date starry-eyed even before the cocktails start flowing.
If the weather is shoddy (or you don’t want to explain how your cousin is staying in room 432, you promise), the hotel’s 2nd floor Library Bar is another sure spot. Complete with pool tables, books galore, and a cozy fireplace to snuggle up in front of, it’s the perfect spot to reminisce about all that great art you just viewed together…and to discuss future plans of what free museum you want to take advantage of next.
The Cost
If you hit up the MAD Museum on a Thursday evening, the cost is free. Be prepared to drop around $16+ per cocktail at the Hudson. But the view from the terrace: priceless.
Photo Credit of top: http://www.missbuttercup.com
Jessica Tiare Bowen lives in the juicy Big Apple with her adorable pink-nosed chihuahua, Gillman. He’s the inspiration for her first published children’s book, “Park Avenue Pound Puppy.” The book is the combined result of her two greatest passions: pooches and penning stories.
Her passions include art, urban hikes through Manhattan, drinking coffee with 3 creams and 6 sugars, making extremely detailed itineraries and traveling to far away places, singing along to Broadway shows, Netflix movie nights, discovering incredible treasures at Goodwill and thrift stores, and listening to stories from little people under 7 and big people over 70.
She started her career as New York City Teaching Fellow, teaching elementary school and theater arts at a special education school in the South Bronx for 6 years. She is now a Special Education School Improvement Specialist working in public schools throughout New York City. She is the Editor-In-Chief of the online New York City travel magazine, Used York City. The magazine focuses on finding the best of New York…as used by New Yorkers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and an ASPCA Ambassador.
