I have old friends in San Francisco who grudgingly tell me that the High Line is everything that's wrong with New York. Well, too bad. To me, it embodies a culture that's constantly reinventing itself: a defunct elevated railway that was becoming a burden to the city ("we used to climb up there to throw garbage bags full of rotting Korean food at the Hasids!", noted a successful photographer's assistant) becoming a startling example of urban greening for the public good. The expert landscaping makes it feel like walking on a Montauk beach - but a stone's throw from some of New York's most progressive galleries and hotels.

Needs no introduction.

The Ford Foundation Atrium houses a miniature tropical rainforest. Its glass walls create a temperate environment for the garden, while also creating a seamless flow of green space between the atrium and Tudor City Park to the east. The Ford Foundation Gallery shines a light on artwork that wrestles with difficult questions, calls out injustice, and points the way toward a more fair and just future. The atrium is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. when the gallery has an exhibition on view.

Originally named the New York State Theater and designed by Phillip Johnson in the 60’s, this building has been home to both the New York City Ballet and New York City Opera since its opening. This is a view of the promenade at intermission, during a ballet performance celebrating the birthday of George Balanchine.

The only graphic design bookstore in New York City. Shameless plug—it's also my company! Our design office, Order, is operated in the back, in full view of all visitors. Come say hi!