Exploring Manhattan and its grandeur is still a matter of gazing at and from the dizzying heights of skyscrapers that defy the laws of gravity: like the new Summit OV, observation deck at One Vanderbilt, already a leading attraction. Through the full-height glazing you can admire details of the Empire State and Chrysler buildings, with 100-km vistas and an experiential installation of digital art; the sensation is one of floating in space, soaring over the enchanted landscape of New York.
Holiday time takes on magnificence with the impressive Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, the famous dancing lights of Saks Fifth Avenue, the exceptional window displays of Macy’s and Bergdorf Goodman, the evocative atmosphere of Bryant Park, all the way to the light installations at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.
Discovering the new destinations in New York in just 24 hours is a titanic undertaking, taking you from one neighborhood to another: in the Flatiron District, graphic design buffs will find the Poster House museum, presenting the “The Push Pin Legacy” (until 6 February 2022 -), a voyage in the graphic revolution created by Seymour Chwast, Reynold Ruffins, Edward Sorel and Milton Glaser.
Nearby, the new showroom of DeMuro Das – the studio founded by Brian DeMuro and Puru Das – displays furnishings based on tradition, heritage and international inspirations. At Madison Avenue, Moooi reveals the restyling of its space, prepared for the November edition of NYCxDesign, while Poliform, Roche Bobois, Natuzzi, B&B Italia, Blu Dot, Molteni&C., Minotti, DDC Domus Design Collection convey the quintessence of design culture.
A culture that extends to Soho and Tribeca, featuring the refinement of Poltrona Frau, the updated showroom of Tom Dixon, the lighting design of Foscarini, Artemide, Flos and Original BTC, the creations of Atelier de Troupe, Moroso, Kartell, MoMA Design Store and Society Limonta, the new treasure chest Made in France opened by Emblem Paris, the Brazilian heritage of Espasso, the opening of Stellar Works with Calico Wallpaper.
The mecca of American interior design RH-Restoration Hardware opens in a luxurious building in the Meatpacking District, where you can also visit the exhibition on Jasper Johns organized at the Whitney Museum (until 13 February 2022), and the surprising Little Island, the new park “suspended” over the Hudson River, by the award-winning architect Thomas Heatherwick. A true oasis perched on tulip-shaped supports, where you are immersed in local botanical species, an open-air theater for performances, and panoramic terraces.
Close by, the amazing architecture along the High Line includes the Lantern House, luxury residential towers with large windows made with a lantern-like form. Walking along the former rail line, amidst lush vegetation and totemic installations, you can see the art galleries of Chelsea, like Pace, Dia Art Foundation and the design experience of Friedman Benda, presenting a solo show by Michael Anastassiades on view until 18 December 2021.
The nearby Hudson Yards, with the performing art center The Shed, offers the spectacular exhibition “Drift: Fragile Future,” in collaboration with Superblue, to plunge viewers into a kinetic and sculptural installation of unexpected charm. To cover all the cultural bases, of course, a stop at MoMA is a must, to see its dynamic seasonal transformation with 350 new installations, as well as “Automania,” focusing on the icons that have made the history of car design.
The Italian Cultural Institute on Park Avenue presents the exhibition “Aporίa” by the fashion designer and artist Antonio Marras, including the site-specific installation “Up the Ancient Stairs.” The spectacular facility of Fotografiska hosts “Photo Factory” by Andy Warhol; the MAD-Museum of Arts and Design at Columbus Circle welcomes the finalists of the Burke Prize for 2021; and the intersection between nature and design is investigated at the Cooper Hewitt.
At the Brooklyn Museum, until 20 February 2022, you can see the exclusive vision of Monsieur Dior as the protagonist of a monumental show with the evocative title “Christian Dior. Designer of Dreams,” conceived as a dreamy path through period videos, sketches, shots by famous photographers, haute couture garments and vintage perfumes, of a brand that has revolutionized the concept of elegance.
Those in search of collectible design should head for the mall in Chinatown, at 75 East Broadway, where Superhouse has opened an enchanting showcase, alongside the vintage store of James Veloria, a favorite for celebrities. Casa Perfect, in the West Village, offers fascinating New York ambience; Salon 94 on the Upper East Side (until 18 December 2021) stages Brazilian Design; R&Company in Tribeca examines the brilliance of Verner Panton (until 8 January 2022, while Carpenters Workshop Gallery, on Fifth Avenue, explores the next generation of design culture (until 22 January 2022).
Not to be missed: Zanotta House – recently opened in a historic townhouse where Taylor Swift resides – is an authentic house to inhabit, featuring iconic furnishings and new collections by the historic Italian brand. The location? The heart of Greenwich Village, with its bohemian charm.
