Lori Zimmer - Art Hiding in New York: An Illustrated Guide to the Citys Secret Masterpieces

Youve made it through the book! Now that youve discovered some of New Yorks best arty secrets, it is time to treat yourself to an eyeful. Take an afternoon or a long lunch with one of these curated itineraries to rediscover the city. Each route is totally walkable and encircles some of New Yorks finest restaurants and barsperfect for having a drink or bite to eat to discuss all that youve seen along the way!

EXPLORING SOHO

Artists first turned their eyes to Soho in the 1970s, enticed by the floor-through lofts and large windows of the former industrial buildings. Officially welcome yourself to Soho by passing by Forrest Myerss Wall, lovingly nicknamed the Gateway to Soho, then zigzag your way through the streets. Head down Greene Street and keep your head down to see Francoise Scheins Subway Map Floating on a New York Sidewalk embedded in the ground in front of 110. Make an appointment with the Judd Foundation at 101 Spring for an artist-led tour to see how Donald Judd lived and to take in his collection of art and rotating exhibitions. Now, head up to Wooster Street and stop by the corner where Gordon Matta-Clarks FOOD Restaurant (at the corner of Prince) fed Sohos bohemians before walking to number 141 (closed in summer months). Head upstairs to see the Dia Foundations fantastic preservation of Walter De Marias Earth Room. Finish your walk by heading over to 393 West Broadway to experience De Marias other piece, Broken Kilometer.

OLD OLD NEW YORK IN LOWER MANHATTAN

Lower Manhattan is a mesh of Revolutionary-era history, Minimalist public sculptures, and of course, thousands upon thousands of tourists. But braving the crowds is definitely worth it to take a spin through history. Lower Manhattan feels like no other place in the city. Theres Old New York herethe time of glamour, supper clubs, and evening gowns. But this is Old Old New York, where founding fathers roamed, worried about the British, and planned exit strategies through Governors Island. The artistic highlights may not reach as far back as the eighteenth century, but juxtaposed against the deeply historical architecture from that time, the contrast makes for an awesome way to spend an afternoon.

Theres a lot of ground to cover, so weve chosen a few highlights. First, head to the Financial District to immerse yourself in sculpture. Have a seat in the center of Louise Nevelson Plaza (73 Maiden Lane) to enjoy the monochromatic sculptures by that glamorous artist, then head nearby to One Chase Manhattan Plaza to marvel at Jean Dubuffets playful Group of Four Trees sculpture (its bigger than youd think!). Take a somber turn to honor those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks with the sculptures that became monuments after surviving the attacks themselves. First visit J. Seward Johnsons Double Check, which now sits at the northwest corner of Liberty Street and Broadway. Pass by Mark di Suveros Joie de Vivre in Zuccotti Park and head over to Liberty Park just south of the 9/11 Memorial South Pool and look up at Fritz Koenigs Sphere, which sits in the elevated park at 155 Cedar Street. Finally, head over to Coenties Slip and try to imagine James Rosenquist and others painting in an old sail factory that was considered the first artist loft colony. End your day, give yourself a break, and have a drink or snack in one of the restaurants along the picturesque Stone Streetjust a stones throw away.