Posted: 4/12/19 at 9:43pm
What you really mean is that some musicals have become museums themselves. The reason some have been running for 30 years or more is because people from every where have got to see them like the Metropolitan or Modern!
Posted: 4/13/19 at 2:58pm
Posted: 4/13/19 at 3:20pm
Maybeel said: "Have you ever been to the Frick Collection in New York? That museum would probably interest a Pittsburgher especially."
I have been to the Frick Museum in Pittsburgh and found it to be a superb little museum with a wonderful collection of cars. I didn’t get the chance to tour the Frick family’s historic Clayton Mansion on the property, just ran out of time on a day I had a matinee show downtown. The Frick in NYC has been on my list for a long time, but unfortunately it looks like I won’t be able to visit it this time around.
Posted: 4/14/19 at 6:34pm
Has anyone seen the Gerhard Richter exhibit at the Hudson Yards complex? Are timed entries involved? We're heading there this Friday afternoon. (The Vessel is out of reach for us-- apparently you need a 2 week head start to get timed entries to that online.)
Posted: 4/14/19 at 7:44pm
If you have a legit FULL day, you can do a museum in the morning and a show at night. It's to hard to impossible to do both if you want to do a matinee however due mostly to the museum hours. But Museum and an evening performance is totally doable especially on a weekday since Sunday-Thursday they are closed by 5:30. Open later on Friday and Saturday but that doesn't meant you HAVE to stay there until close. But either way, trust me... you are gonna be super tired, but it's doable never the less.
Now I have not been to the Guggenheim but I have been to the MET a few times. It really it a FULL day's experience and you still likely will not see all you wish to see. I have been a few times and I always end up having to skip at least one or two galleries by the end of my day because it's just so massive. I don't know if I have ever actually been into the American Wing in all my visits as it always ends up being the last place we need to go to and we always are to tired to explore it.
Yet at the end of the day, it's a personal preference for sure because while some people will tell you museum over musical, I personally would ALWAYS pick musical over museum if I had to because while the art in the galleries will change, those museums are not going anywhere anytime soon. A Broadway show usually have a year or two of a time frame you will have to see it. I'm going for the small window of opportunity to witness performing art rather then something that's going to be there an indefinite amount of time.
Posted: 4/20/19 at 11:45am
After a lot of great advice and personal thought into this 60th birthday trip, and trying to squeeze in too many shows, sightseeing, and some museum time into a single 18hr day, I’ve (somebody twisted my arm) added an overnight at a nice little hotel that’s 90-seconds off of Times Square. I didn’t mean to highjack the other thread, and my thanks as well for all the TKTS tips and insights into applying Telecharge codes.
For Day 1 (arriving by MegaBus 6:40am Saturday) I’m still planning on The Donut Pub (7am), Top of the Rock and Rockefeller Plaza (8am-10am), and now have added St. Patrick’s Cathedral (10am-11am) since it’s in the area. Lunch (11:30am) at Junior’s Times Square with a free slice of birthday cheesecake, hotel check-in, and then two shows (working on these, but still adamant about seeing Beetlejuice). Dinner in between shows TBD.
For Day 2 (Sunday) I’ve purchased the two-part Harry Potter and the Cursed Child tickets. Very excited to see this one. In the morning I’m planning on hitting up The Donut Pub (7am) again. I want to walk the Brooklyn Bridge (7:30-8:30am), quickly photograph the Flat Iron Building (9:00am), and visit The Guggenheim (10am-Noon) in the morning. Uber back to Times Square, grab a quick lunch (12:30p) near the Lyric Theatre before jumping in the Will Call line for my 2pm Part 1. All of that, along with the 5hr 15min HP shows, pretty much takes up the entire day when I squeeze in mealtime.
Bus leaves at 11pm, so it’ll be a quick walk to the pickup point.
All in all, two full days of shows, sightseeing, and a museum. Sounds like a plan. 
Updated On: 4/20/19 at 11:45 AM
Posted: 4/20/19 at 3:06pm
dmwnc1959 said: "After a lot of great advice and personal thought into this 60th birthday trip, and trying to squeeze in too many shows, sightseeing, and some museum timeinto a single 18hr day, I’ve (somebody twisted my arm) added an overnight at a nice little hotel that’s 90-seconds off of Times Square. I didn’t mean to highjack the other thread, and my thanks as well for all the TKTS tips and insights into applying Telechargecodes.
For Day 1 (arriving by MegaBus6:40am Saturday)I’m still planning onThe Donut Pub (7am),Top of the Rock and Rockefeller Plaza (8am-10am), and now have added St. Patrick’s Cathedral (10am-11am) since it’s in the area. Lunch (11:30am)at Junior’s Times Squarewith a free slice of birthday cheesecake, hotel check-in, and then two shows (working on these, but still adamant about seeing Beetlejuice). Dinner in between shows TBD.
For Day 2 (Sunday)I’ve purchased the two-part Harry Potter and the Cursed Child tickets. Very excited to see this one. In the morning I’m planning on hitting up The Donut Pub (7am) again. I want to walk the Brooklyn Bridge (7:30-8:30am), quicklyphotographthe Flat Iron Building (9:00am), and visit The Guggenheim (10am-Noon) in the morning. Uber back to Times Square, grab aquick lunch (12:30p) near the Lyric Theatre before jumping in the Will Call line for my 2pm Part 1.All of that, along with the 5hr 15minHPshows, pretty much takes up the entire day when I squeeze in mealtime.
Bus leaves at 11pm, so it’ll be a quick walk to the pickup point.
All in all, two full days of shows, sightseeing, and a museum. Sounds like a plan. "
dmwnc1959, I hate to be that person.....but there is at least one item that needs to be corrected on your itinerary. You need to allow more than one hour to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. First, you need to take the subway or other means from Times Square to Brooklyn. That can take up to a half hour. Then to walk from the subway station to the entrance of the Brooklyn Bridge is about a 15-20 minute walk. Of course, if a car has dropped you off at the entrance, disregard this.Then to walk from one side to the Manhattan side and take pictures is another 30 minutes. If you are not taking the subway and a Uber, your times can decrease, but I think you need at least an hour and a half allotted time. Don't get me wrong. It is a nice adventure especially if it is a pretty day. But you need to allow more time. If I am incorrect in my timings (it's been years since I did this) others can feel free to correct me.
Posted: 4/20/19 at 3:37pm
^ ^ ^ I was using Google Maps and their subway data to calculate transit times on a typical Sunday morning at 7am. From the Donut Pub to the entrance of the Brooklyn Bridge comes up as approximately 14 minutes total including walking time. I hadn’t planned on strolling across the entire bridge, just far enough (maybe 20-30 minutes in one direction or to the halfway point) to get some pictures, then back to the subway station to head up to the Flatiron Building. I’m sure I could spend hours walking the entire bridge over to the other shoreline and back. But since I’m more restricted in my time, a partial journey is good enough for now.
Posted: 4/20/19 at 3:41pm
Posted: 4/20/19 at 4:00pm
This is all of course weather dependent. If it’s way too hot, or rainy, or whatever comes up, I’ll adjust my schedule accordingly. Lots to do in a short amount of time, and even if all goes according to plan, I’ll be busy pretty much all day with little down-time.
The USA Network is running a Harry Potter marathon today and tomorrow. It’ll give me a chance to revisit the ones I’ve already seen, and catch the final three movies which I never saw. I’m recording several of them to rewatch later before heading to NYC.
In preparation for this trip, and as a goal for my 60th birthday, I wanted to try and lose 35 lbs between January 1st and mid-July. My regular semi-annual doctor’s appointment was yesterday. I’ve lost 32 pounds since I started. Very happy with that. I’ve adjusted my weight goal to continue with maybe losing 1/2 lbs per week until I lose maybe another 10 lbs, then maintain that.
Posted: 4/20/19 at 4:12pm
Posted: 4/20/19 at 4:17pm
Miles2Go2 said: "Congratulations! NYC doesn’t know what fabulousity is getting ready to hit it!!!"
I am one in a million! But there I’ll be one in millions. Another face in the crowd celebrating a milestone birthday. And I plan on making the most of every second. :)
Posted: 4/21/19 at 11:19am
I hate to be that person #2. :)
I strongly suggest you rethink the Guggenheim unless there's a specific exhibit you want to see there. Instead of spending your precious time in NYC traveling from Times Square all the way downtown, then all the way uptown to 5th and 88th, then back down to Times Square again, I suggest doing MOMA or the Whitney, or walk the Highline.
Whatever you do, enjoy your trip and happy 60th!
Posted: 4/21/19 at 3:24pm
^ ^ ^ One part of New York City I oddly enjoy the most, other than Broadway of course, is riding and being in the subways. It’s one of the most extensive and unique systems in the world - and yes, I’ve been to others like London, San Francisco, DC, Paris, Tokyo, etc. in Europe, Asia, and the US. The time spent going from one part of NYC to the other isn’t so much as wasted, but experienced. I don’t want to spend a lot of time getting from Point A to Point B. I also don’t mind transiting from Times Square to the lower Manhattan area then back up to Central Park. Some of that has to do with the opening times of the places I’m going to, the best time to photograph something based on the angle of sunlight, mealtime, etc.
As for The Guggenheim Museum, I’ve been interested in architecture since I was a small kid, and have always fancied this masterpiece of Frank Lloyd Wright. It’s not so much the exhibits specifically, but being in the building, experiencing this building, and seeing the exhibits that are there too, which I’m sure I’ll enjoy very much as well. After all, it is still a great art museum. Since I can’t dedicate an entire day, or even a half-day, for the Met, this is what I want to see most. Having already seen Falling Water and Kentuck Knob, this has always been next on my list of Wright designs. This trip affords me the opportunity and time to visit The Guggenheim and appreciate it’s museum pieces. Another one of my life’s Bucket List items checked.
Updated On: 4/21/19 at 03:24 PM
Posted: 4/21/19 at 4:26pm
Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I'm from Pittsburgh too, so I totally understand loving Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob, and wanting to see the Guggenheim. Personally I think it's more impressive as an architectural design than an art museum, but you'll get to see and judge for yourself.
Enjoy!
Posted: 4/21/19 at 4:39pm
amaklo said: "Personally I think it's more impressive as an architectural design than an art museum, but you'll get to see and judge for yourself."
I feel the same way!
Posted: 4/21/19 at 5:42pm
amaklo said: "Personally I think it's more impressive as an architectural design than an art museum, but you'll get to see and judge for yourself."
Miles2Go2 said: "I feel the same way!"
I still visit NYC with wide-eyed and child-like wonder, despite having been there several times even in the past year. I absolutely love Broadway and the shows, the sights and sounds of NYC, and when I’m not there, watch the Live webcams just to hear the noise of the city. Sometimes living in all this peace and quiet of West Virginia isn't all it’s cracked up to be.
Seeing anything with your own eyes, to me at least, is always more impressive than the one-dimensional pictures. It’s all in how we perceive things. Back in March when I visited the Charging Bull statue, walked underneath the Washington Square Arch, revisited the many Broadway marquees, and saw the mainstays of Kinky Boots and Phantom of the Opera, it was the most invigorating 16-1/2 hours I could possibly imagine. It was wonderful!
I’ve never been to a bad art museum, regardless of the size and content. I want to experience it all. So, you see, appreciating the Guggenheim and it’s art, witnessing both existing in harmony together, could never be disappointing. At least not to me.
Updated On: 4/21/19 at 05:42 PM
Posted: 4/21/19 at 7:44pm
Posted: 7/24/19 at 8:46pm
THANKS again to all who gave advice and PM’d with tips. Had a SUPERB time for the two days I was in NYC for my birthday. Can’t wait to go again...
Posted: 7/25/19 at 7:19pm
I find museums in the USA really expensive. Like everyone in San Francisco was 25 dollars per a person. Some were good California Academy of Sciences , Disney Museum. Some were laughable the SFMOMA is one of the worse I had been to. The MoMa in NYC is way better.
But in London most if not all are free and better
Posted: 7/27/19 at 12:41am
Pizza3 said: "I find museums in the USA really expensive. Like everyone in San Francisco was 25 dollars per a person. Some were good California Academy of Sciences , Disney Museum. Some were laughable the SFMOMA is one of the worse I had been to. The MoMa in NYC is way better.
But in London most if not all are free and better"
You're comparing apples and oranges. The reason many of the museums in London are free and might have bigger collections than museums in San Francisco is because they are Great Britain's National museums not regional private museums like the ones you mentioned in San Francisco. A country's national museums are almost always going to have bigger collections and a better chance of being free. Our national museums are in Washington D.C., their collections match anything in London and most are free. If you go outside of London, you'd certainly be paying admission and even in London, many things have very high admission prices. A ticket to the Tower of London is over $30 now and seeing Buckingham Palace, the Royal Gallery and Royal Mews on a one day combo ticket will set you back $56.
Posted: 7/27/19 at 1:19am
The Museum of Natural History is not only the best museum in NYC, it's the best museum on the east coast except for the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
Posted: 7/27/19 at 7:26am
Figured I do a trip report being as everyone was so kind to help with suggestions.
Since I arrived very early Saturday (the 20th, my birthday!) morning (6:35am) it gave me a chance to catch the #1 subway line up from the Megabus drop off point at 7th Ave and W. 27th to the 50th Street station, and then walk over to a little place called Bouchon Bakery at Rockefeller Plaza for a light breakfast (chocolate croissant). En route to the bakery I snapped pictures of the Beetlejuice marquee, the Stardust diner, entrance to The Tonight Show, marquee of Radio City Music Hall, some of the fashion shop store fronts (Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Saks 5th Ave.), Channel Gardens and fountains, and the statue of Prometheus.
After inhaling breakfast I headed to the entrance of the Top of the Rock. There was already a small crowd, so while waiting for the doors to open I bought a ticket online. When the doors did finally open I was the only one directed immediately upstairs where everyone else was directed towards the ticketing area. I was the very first one in line through security and the only one of two people in the elevator for the ride up. I had the top open-air observation deck almost to myself for about 15 minutes (the view is stunning) while lots of others arriving seemed to stay down on the glass-enclosed deck or the interior observation area.
Once I had all the pictures I needed it was off to The Metropolitan Museum of Art. I wanted to be there early before the crowds massed, so I grabbed a city bus and arrived at 9:30am, took pictures of the building’s exterior, and promptly made my way to the top of the stairs through crowds of folks all sitting on the steps. There were two very long lines that eventually formed - courtesy of the buses that were parked out front of the museum - one line at each of the main front entrance doors. I had purchased my ticket online the day prior, since the weather forecast was expecting temps near 100 degrees and I wanted to be inside where it was cool, and once the doors opened bolted to the Temple of Dendur. Again, oddly enough, I was the first person there, and had the entire room to myself for about 20 minutes (except the security guy) giving me the chance to take lots of pictures people-free. It was wonderful.
After spending about 3-1/2hrs in The Met, including a very pricey lunch at the Great Hall Balcony Cafe, I was off to the Lyric Theatre to pick up my Will Call tickets for Sunday’s Harry Potter shows. I grabbed a couple of Playbills at the Lyceum (Be More Chill) for my neighbor’s kids back home, and checked into my hotel to get cleaned up.
Once that’s done it’s already 4pm, and I head for dinner at Bubba Gump’s. Calamari, coconut shrimp, and a no room for dessert put me back into Time’s Square for tons of pictures (can’t ever get enough of this place), a chat with a lady dressed up as Waitress handing out flyers for the show, plus pics of the marquees of The Hudson (Sea Wall / A Life), Belasco (Network), The Broadhurst (Frankie and Johnny), Al Hirschfield (Moulin Rouge), Walter Kerr (Hadestown), Longacre (The Prom), and the Broadway (King Kong). I did also notice that the Gary marquee was still there at The Booth. Made me sad as I did have a ticket to see the matinee show for today, but its performances closed early. After more pics of the marquees along W. 45th it’s off to my show.
I’m at the Winter Garden (Beetlejuice) before 7pm (show is at 8pm) and they begin to let people into the entrance lobby to cool off (it was still feeling like over 100 degrees outside).
The show was fantastic! Just nuts. Best time ever.
Once that ended (around 10:30pm) it was back to Time’s Square for some night pictures and then back to the hotel, but not before passing the Lyceum and a huge crowd of people stage-dooring. Out comes the guy that plays the lead, Michael (George Salazar), and they go nuts! Everyone is taking selfies and getting autographs.
It’s 11:30pm now and I’m off to bed. It’s been a long day, and another one is expected Sunday (21st). More about that later...
Updated On: 7/27/19 at 07:26 AM
Posted: 7/27/19 at 5:03pm
Woke up Sunday (21st) at 6am, not much sleep after a last minute midnight run to Walgreens, and getting to sleep around 1am.
Headed out for breakfast at 6:30am. Wanted something quick and cheap, and there’s a brand new, multi-story, state of the art (compared to what we have here in WV) McDonald’s in Time’s Square that was at the end of the block, so I had the Big Breakfast with Hotcakes. Out again to take some early daylight pics of the billboards and signs of Time’s Square before heading back to the hotel at 8am to repack - and was checked out by 8:30am.
Walked past the Stephen Sondheim Theatre and the beautiful exterior of the Fred F. French Building entranceway before ending up on Madison Ave., and was on the northbound city bus by 8:55am.
Arrived at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum with plenty of time to get lots of exterior pictures from all different angles. This structure, one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most iconic landmark buildings, is truly gorgeous. And there’s already three different lines of people - those with passes/members, general admission sales, and advance ticket holders.
Once the museum opened I headed up to the 6th floor via elevator and worked my way down. Spent just over and hour seeing the main building and its various exhibits. I absolutely and truly loved this museum, and would love to go back again in August to see more of it. It’s either that or the Whitney Museum of American Art.
It’s now 11:30am and I’m on the city bus heading back towards the theatre district. When the bus passes St. Patrick’s Cathedral I decided that there was time to see it too. Arrived while the noon mass was getting ready, walked around the ground floor of the interior taking about 30 minutes, then headed off for some lunch. Snagged a few pictures of the Atlas Statue across the street, more pics of Rockefeller Center plaza, and navigated a massive crowd of folks waiting to get inside the Top of the Rock. Glad I did that yesterday.
There’s a little sandwich shop called Europa Cafe not far from The Lyric Theatre, so I grabbed a quick bite (Cuban Sandwich, chips, and a caramel nut brownie) before getting in line at the Lyric Theatre (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two) just before 1pm.
Once Part One was over, and before heading back to the Lyric Theatre for Part Two, I wanted to enjoy the chaos of Time’s Square some more (can you tell I love that area), so another quick bite at McDonald’s and then off to enjoy the stifling heat, humidity, and crowds. Back to the theatre at 6pm, doors reopened at 6:30pm.
After Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Part Two was over, and the curtain calls were done, it was a marathon 25 minute run-walk to the Megabus departures location at 34th St. and 12th Avenue to get in line to board to bus. And I’m drenched in sweat, again.
The bus departed on time just after 11pm, where the last views I had of NYC were of the Empire State Building as we headed for the Lincoln Tunnel, and home.
Cant wait to go back in August. Won’t spend as much time in Time’s Square.
