What to do after you visit MoMA & Summit One
Two of New York’s premier cultural destinations are located in Midtown Manhattan: the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and Summit One Vanderbilt.
But there’s much more to do in the area than just visiting these two destinations.
In this article, we’ll explore some top things to see and do near MoMA and Summit One, from world-class dining and shopping to scenic walks and hidden gems.
So whether you’re an art lover, a foodie, or just looking for a unique way to experience the city, read on to discover the best of Midtown Manhattan.
Museums
New York City is home to some of the world’s best museums, attracting millions of visitors annually.
In this section, we’ll explore some of the top museums to visit near two popular art destinations in the city: the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and Summit One.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
One of the world’s largest and most comprehensive art museums, The Met offers an incredible collection of art and artifacts from around the globe.
The museum’s collection includes ancient Egyptian artifacts, European paintings and sculptures, Asian art, Islamic art, and American art.
In addition to its extensive collection, The Met hosts special exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing works from specific artists or cultures.
The museum also offers a variety of educational programs, including lectures, tours, and workshops for visitors of all ages.
American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) is a world-renowned museum in New York City.
The museum’s collections include over 34 million specimens and artifacts, including fossils, minerals, meteorites, and cultural objects worldwide.
Some famous exhibits are the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs, the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, and the Rose Center for Earth and Space.
The museum also offers guided tours, behind-the-scenes tours, and special experiences like sleepovers and evening events.
The Whitney Museum of American Art
The Whitney Museum of American Art was founded in 1930 by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney and moved to its current location in 2015.
Whitney’s collection features over 25,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, videos, and installations.
The museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year that feature emerging and established artists working in various mediums.
Architect Renzo Piano designed the museum’s building, which features indoor and outdoor galleries with views of the Hudson River and High Line Park.
The Guggenheim Museum
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this iconic museum is as much a work of art as its collection.
The Guggenheim’s collection includes modern and contemporary art, focusing on non-objective art.
The Guggenheim exhibits the work of artists such as Wassily Kandinsky and Jackson Pollock.
The Frick Collection
The Frick Collection is housed in the former mansion of industrialist and art collector Henry Clay Frick, built in 1914 and opened as a museum in 1935.
The Frick Collection’s permanent collection features work by artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Goya, Renoir, and Whistler.
The museum is also known for its beautiful interior spaces, like the grand Oval Room, which houses Frick’s collection of 18th-century French furniture, and the Garden Court.
The museum also offers a range of educational programs and events, including lectures, concerts, and tours.
Landmarks
For those visiting the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and Summit One, there are plenty of iconic sites in the surrounding area to add to your itinerary.
From historic buildings and public art installations to picturesque parks and urban landmarks, there is no shortage of attractions to discover.
This section will highlight some of the top landmarks to visit near MoMA and Summit One, offering a glimpse into this iconic city’s rich history and vibrant culture.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is a skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It was completed in 1931 and, at the time, was the tallest building in the world.
Today, it remains an iconic symbol of New York City and a popular tourist destination.
The Empire State Building is 1,454 feet tall and has 102 floors. Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck on the 86th and 102nd floors.
The building is also illuminated with different colors and patterns at night, making it a popular spot for photographers and sightseers.
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and dedicated on October 28, 1886.
The statue is 151 feet tall, including its pedestal, and its torch, restored and reopened to the public in 2019, is 305 feet above the ground.
Visitors can take a ferry to Liberty Island to see the statue up close and visit the museum inside the pedestal, which showcases the statue’s history and construction.
The statue is also visible from Battery Park in Manhattan and the Staten Island Ferry, a free boat ride offering great views of the statue and the harbor.
Times Square
Times Square is a major commercial and tourist hub in the heart of Manhattan, New York City.
It is known for its brightly lit billboards, bustling crowds, and vibrant energy.
It is a popular destination for visitors worldwide and has been featured in countless movies and TV shows.
The area has many Broadway theaters, restaurants, shops, hotels, and iconic landmarks like the TKTS Booth and the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop.
One World Trade Center
One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower, is the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan, New York City.
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill designed the tower and it stands at a height of 1,776 feet, making it the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
One World Trade Center features a public observation deck called the One World Observatory on the 100th, 101st, and 102nd floors.
Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views of New York City and the surrounding area.
Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn in New York City.
It was completed in 1883 and was the longest suspension bridge in the world.
The bridge features Gothic-style arches, decorative towers, and intricate cable patterns, making it a masterpiece of engineering and design.
Visitors can start their walk across the bridge from either Manhattan or Brooklyn and explore the surrounding neighborhoods, such as Brooklyn Heights, etc.
The Chrysler Building
The Chrysler Building is an iconic skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
It was completed in 1930 and stands at 1,046 feet (319 meters), making it one of the tallest buildings in the city.
The Chrysler Building was designed by architect William Van Alen and is known for its Art Deco style, featuring sleek lines, geometric shapes, and intricate ornamentation.
Today, it is primarily used for office space and is not open to the public except for occasional guided tours.
Despite its limited access, the Chrysler Building remains a beloved New York City landmark and a popular subject for photographers and artists.
Restaurants and Street Food
New York City is a food lover’s paradise, with an abundance of culinary options to choose from.
Whether visiting the MoMA or the Summit One skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, you’ll be in the heart of one of the city’s most vibrant dining scenes.
Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, we’ve got you covered with some delicious recommendations around to MoMA and/or Summit One.
The Modern
The Modern is a Michelin-starred contemporary American restaurant at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.
The restaurant is known for its elegant and inventive cuisine and extensive wine list, which features over 3,000 selections worldwide.
In addition to its main dining room, The Modern also features a bar and lounge area and private dining rooms that can accommodate groups of up to 64 guests.
The Modern has been awarded three Michelin stars and numerous other accolades, including a four-star review from The New York Times.
A few must-try items on the menu include Foie Gras Terrine, Grilled Octopus, Lobster Tartine, Dry-Aged New York Strip etc.
Tao
Tao is a high-end Asian restaurant in New York City’s Meatpacking District.
The restaurant features a menu inspired by traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Thai cuisine, and its interior is known for its grand scale and luxurious decor.
Some of the must-try items at Tao include Crispy Rice Tuna, Lobster Wontons, Satay of Chilean Sea Bass, etc.
Tao also has an extensive drink menu, including specialty cocktails, sake, and wine, making it a great spot for a night out with friends or a romantic dinner for two.
The restaurant’s stylish decor, which includes a 16-foot-tall Buddha statue, adds to the overall experience.
Fig & Olive
Fig & Olive is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with multiple locations throughout New York City, including Midtown, the Meatpacking District, and the Upper East Side.
The restaurant offers a menu of refined Mediterranean cuisine, using high-quality ingredients and a focus on fresh herbs, vegetables, and olive oil.
Some must-try items at Fig & Olive include Crostini, Truffle Risotto, Grilled Branzino, Paella del Mar, Chocolate Pot de Crème etc.
Fig & Olive also offers a variety of cocktails, wine, and beer to complement the meal and a selection of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie.
Halal Guys
Halal Guys is a popular fast-casual restaurant chain based in New York City, known for its delicious and flavorful Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
One of the must-try items is the classic platter, featuring grilled chicken or beef gyro meat over fluffy rice and topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.
The platter is also served with pita bread and the restaurant’s famous white and hot sauces, which are creamy, tangy, and spicy.
Another popular item at Halal Guys is their falafel sandwich or platter!
Overall, Halal Guys is a great spot to try delicious and authentic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine in a fast and casual setting.
Wafels & Dinges
Wafels & Dinges is a food truck and cafe chain in New York City that specializes in Belgian waffles, also known as “wafels” in Belgian Dutch.
Wafels & Dinges offers a variety of sweet and savory waffle creations using a traditional Belgian recipe made with yeast-leavened dough, pearl sugar, and butter.
Some of their must-try items include Classic Wafel, Speculoos Spread Wafel, Wafel of Massive Deliciousness, etc.
In addition to their waffles, Wafels & Dinges also offers a range of toppings and dips, including fresh fruit, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream.
They also serve a selection of Belgian-style fries, double-fried for extra crispiness, and a variety of Belgian beers and other beverages.
Galleries
New York City is a hub for contemporary art, with countless galleries and museums to explore.
If you’re in the city and looking for art destinations near the (MoMA) or Summit One, several galleries within walking distance are worth visiting.
Read on to find out what these splendid galleries hold for you!
Gagosian Gallery
The Gagosian Gallery is a contemporary art gallery with locations worldwide, including New York City.
The gallery represents some of our time’s most celebrated contemporary artists, such as Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, and Ed Ruscha.
The Gagosian Gallery’s exhibitions and installations are known for their scale and ambition, often occupying multiple rooms and featuring large-scale sculptures and paintings.
The gallery’s roster of artists is diverse and includes established masters and up-and-coming talents.
David Zwirner Gallery
The David Zwirner Gallery is a contemporary art gallery in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
The David Zwirner Gallery represents a diverse group of artists worldwide, including established figures such as Yayoi Kusama, Jeff Koons, and Dan Flavin, as well as emerging talents.
The gallery is known for its ambitious exhibitions and installations, often exploring timely and thought-provoking themes.
Hauser & Wirth
Hauser & Wirth represents a diverse roster of artists, such as Louise Bourgeois, Mark Bradford, Paul McCarthy, and Pipilotti Rist, and emerging artists.
The gallery collaborates with artists on special projects and exhibitions, including outdoor installations and performances.
The gallery also operates an art advisory service for collectors, guiding, acquiring and managing art collections.
The New Museum
The New Museum is a contemporary art museum located in the Bowery neighborhood of New York City.
It was founded in 1977 and is dedicated to showcasing the work of emerging and under-recognized artists from around the world.
The New Museum’s exhibitions and installations are known for their experimental and unconventional approach, often challenging traditional notions of what art can be.
The museum’s permanent collection includes works by over 400 artists, and its exhibitions rotate regularly to feature new and emerging artists.
Pace Gallery
Pace Gallery is an international contemporary art gallery founded in 1960 by Arne Glimcher.
The gallery’s exhibition program features solo and group shows, as well as special projects and installations.
Pace Gallery also publishes art books and catalogs and hosts various public programs, including talks, lectures, and panel discussions.
Parks
New York City is a bustling metropolis with countless attractions and things to do, but sometimes you need a break from the concrete jungle.
If you’re visiting MoMA or Summit One in New York, you’re lucky – several great parks in the area are worth checking out.
Central Park
Central Park is a large public park in the heart of Manhattan, New York City, covering over 843 acres (341 hectares).
Central Park is a popular destination for tourists and locals, offering various recreational activities and attractions.
The park has several lakes, walking paths, gardens, playgrounds, and sports facilities, including baseball fields, tennis courts, and ice-skating rinks.
The park also has several famous landmarks, such as the Central Park Zoo, the Central Park Conservatory Garden, and the Bethesda Fountain.
Bryant Park
Bryant Park is a public park located in the heart of Manhattan, New York City and covers over 9.6 acres (3.9 hectares).
Today, Bryant Park is a popular destination for locals and tourists, offering a wide range of activities and events throughout the year.
Visitors can enjoy free outdoor movies, concerts, performances, and food and drink from various vendors in the warmer months.
The park also features a carousel, a reading room, and a wide range of seating options.
Hudson River Park
Hudson River Park is a public park located along the Hudson River in Manhattan, New York City.
The park stretches for 4.5 miles, from Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan to 59th Street in Midtown.
Hudson River Park offers a range of recreational activities, including biking, jogging, rollerblading, fishing, and kayaking.
The park also hosts several events throughout the year, including outdoor movies, concerts, and festivals.
Hudson River Park has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city,
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park is a waterfront park located in Brooklyn, New York City.
It stretches 1.3 miles along the East River, from the Manhattan Bridge in the north to Pier 6 in the south.
The park features a variety of recreational facilities, including playgrounds, sports fields, a roller skating rink, and a picnic area.
One of the park’s most iconic features is the Brooklyn Bridge Park Greenway, a pedestrian and bike path that runs the park’s length.
The path connects to other biking and walking trails in Brooklyn and Manhattan, making it a popular route for commuters and tourists.
High Line
The High Line Park is a public park located in New York City, built on a former elevated freight rail line that runs along the west side of Manhattan.
The architecture firm James Corner Field Operations designed the park in collaboration with Diller Scofidio + Renfro.
The park features a landscaped pathway that winds through various sections, each with unique features such as gardens, seating areas, art installations etc.
One of the park’s distinctive features is the use of the original rail tracks and other industrial elements, which have been integrated into the park’s design.
The High Line has become a popular destination for tourists and locals, offering a unique urban green space and a distinctive perspective on the city.
Featured Image: MOMA.org, FaceBook.com(SummitOV)