When it comes to New York City boroughs, Staten Island often gets left out of conversations, and its old transit system is no exception. The Staten Island Railway, which crosses the entire island and is an essential part of many of its residents’ day-to-day lives, hasn’t gotten any new train cars in fifty years.

That’s about to change, though: new train cars made by Kawasaki, the MTA’s primary manufacturer, are going to be tested on the railway starting in mid-August if everything goes according to plan. 

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The new trains are going to be the R211 models that are also replacing several of the old trains in the other boroughs. Out of the MTA’s 400 R211 orders, 75 are going to the Staten Island Railway, per the MTA. 

The new cars feature 58-inch-wide door openings—eight inches wider than the older cars common throughout the system—which will make boarding and exiting the cars easier and more efficient, especially during rush hours. 

These new models also include more accessible seating options, digital displays, and brighter signage and lighting.  

“The R211 cars are a welcomed upgrade to the Staten Island Railway, which has maintained its 70ss design and operational abilities since the current R44 cars entered service in 1973,” said Assembly Member Sam Pirozzolo in an official statement. “I hope Staten Islanders enjoy this modernized experience, and I look forward to seeing them in action.”

The MTA still doesn’t know when, exactly, the Staten Island public will be able to hop on these shiny new train cars, but the full 75-piece order is expected to be delivered by the end of the year. They still need to be tested throughout the summer and fall before they officially replace the current R44s, which were created in the 1970s. 

Although confirmation that the trains are finally going to be put on the track in August is good news, the delivery is actually already two years late, which the MTA blamed on delays by the manufacturing company, as reported by Gothamist.

The first cars were delivered to Staten Island in October of last year and have been sitting in a storage facility on the island since then.

Some Council Members have opposed the addition of these new trains on Staten Island, considering potential budget cuts by Governor Kathy Hochul, and have called for more of them to be added to the C line that runs across the other, more populated boroughs. 

Regardless of how many of the new trains end up in Staten Island, they’ll be a welcome addition to the borough’s crumbling transit system.

Considering the MTA’s messy track record and painfully slow improvements, “better late than never” definitely applies here. 

* This article was originally published here

We know food halls in NYC—hell, we have one of our very own—so we’re always interested when we hear of a new multi-vendor dining court opening in the city, especially when it’s at a notable address. The General Electric Building at 570 Lexington Avenue has already played host to one of the city’s most high-profile food halls, UrbanSpace, since 2018 and now a fresh new food-hall concept is moving on in.  

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Earlier this spring, it was reported that New York restaurant giant Stephen Hanson (Dos Caminos, Bill’s Bar and Burger, Ruby Foo’s) and international hospitality operator Alex Gaudelet would be taking over the UrbanSpace food halls. Per The New York Post, Hanson and Gaudelet’s recently formed HF Brands and Markets would be relaunching all five UrbanSpace locations, “acquiring each of the halls individually and rebranding them,” starting with the Vanderbilt location. 

And now the team has signed a 25-year, 11,400-square-foot lease with The Feil Organization, which will bring top food brands into the Midtown East skyscraper. 

“We’re excited to welcome a new food hall concept that will elevate the quality of food offerings for our tenants and the surrounding neighborhood,” said Randall Briskin, Vice President of Retail Leasing at the Feil Organization. “At the historic 570 Lexington, the introduction of this exciting retail program by the industry’s premier tastemakers once again showcases our ability to meet the demand for upgraded tenant needs, which are fundamental to the success of their business and talent.”

Eschewing the typical business model of similar food-hall operators, HF Brands and Markets are planning to stand out from similarly focused competitors by running the majority of the food stands in-house. The full food-and-drink lineup is still to come but per a press release, the HF Team will tap into the vast restaurant network of Hanson, who was the former owner of the fine-dining empire B.R. Guest. 

“As we seek to inject new life into the food hall industry, we’re materializing our game-changing food halls in strategic, central locations,” Hanson said in a press release. “We felt magnetized to the iconic allure of 570 Lexington, located near a major transit hub and surrounded by landmarks and cultural destinations. Additionally, the Feil Organization provided us with specialized attention to detail and worked with us to bring our vision to reality, making them an invaluable partner to our future success.”

* This article was originally published here

Nestled in the heart of Manhattan, the Society of Illustrators (SOL) has been a cherished institution since its inception in 1901. This historic venue celebrates the artistry of illustration with its rich history, iconic collections, and vibrant exhibitions. A beacon in New York’s cultural landscape, it continues to showcase the evolution of visual storytelling, attracting artists and enthusiasts alike to explore its galleries and events.

Background on the Society of Illustrators

Founded in 1901 during the Golden Age of illustration, the Society of Illustrators is the oldest non-profit organization dedicated to this vibrant art form in America. Originally showcasing the best illustrations from children’s books, magazines, and advertisements, the Society continues this tradition today.

Its museum, established in 1981 within the SOL NYC townhouse headquarters, hosts a rich collection that includes works by luminaries like Newell Convers Wyeth, Norman Rockwell, and Rube Goldberg. Explore rotating exhibits, immersive experiences, and educational programs, celebrating the enduring impact of illustration on visual storytelling.

The Museum of Illustration has all-year events ranging from themed exhibits to juried competitions, virtual tours, and art education programs. There are also periodic displays of the over 2,500 permanent collection pieces. Illustration lovers must visit the MoCCA gallery, which features curated cartoon art and comics exhibits.

Where is the Society of Illustrators and how do you get there?

The Society of Illustrators is located at 128 East 63rd Street in Manhattan, New York. It’s easily accessible by public transportation. Here are some easy ways to get there:

By subway

• From Brooklyn, downtown Manhattan, or Queens, take the F train to Lexington Avenue, exit on the southwest corner of Lexington and 63rd Street, then walk west.
• Connections to the F train in Manhattan are available at Delancey Street (J, M, Z), West 4th Street (A, B, C, D, E, V), and 34th Street (B, D, N, Q, R, V, W).
• Take the 4, 5, or 6 train from the Bronx or uptown Manhattan to 59th Street/Lexington Avenue, then walk uptown to 63rd Street.

By bus

• The closest bus lines are the M98, M101, M102, and M103 on Lexington Avenue and the Q32 on 60th Street. Check the schedules and maps on the New York City Transit website before you go.

What to expect when you visit

The Society of Illustrators remains closed on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. On other days, you can visit between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. You can expect moderate crowds, especially during peak times like weekends and special events. For a quieter time, visit on weekdays.

The main gallery is wheelchair accessible, but there’s no public elevator to access other floors. Spread across the four floors of gallery space, tours are self-guided, with labels accompanying the artwork.

For beverages, you may walk in at the 128 Bar & Bistro. The Hall of Fame Dining Room and terrace are open during museum hours. However, you need admission tickets for bar access.

The Society does not offer coat-check services, and visitors with large bags may not be allowed to enter with their luggage. The building does not allow luggage, sealed boxes, garment bags, bicycles, skateboards, skates, scooters, plants, flowers, food, or musical instruments. You may ask for umbrella bags on rainy days.

What else can you do when you visit the Society of Illustrators?

Apart from admiring the works of art, there are networking opportunities. The Society of Illustrators is a meeting ground for illustrator enthusiasts, professionals, and industry experts. Outside of these, you can explore nearby events and venues, such as:

• NYC Central Park nighttime photography tour
• Central Park walking tour with Yoga meditation
• Immersive Balloon Story experience
• Midtown Manhattan architectural tour
• Visit the iconic Empire State Building

FAQs

What is the Society of Illustrators famous for?

The Society of Illustrators is known for celebrating and promoting the art of illustration. Besides, it provides illustrators a platform to discuss, demonstrate, and exhibit their work.

When is SOL open to the public?

SOL Museum is open from Wednesday to Saturday between 11 am and 5 pm. It remains closed on all the other days. Please note that operating hours may vary, so check the official website before planning a visit.

Is the Museum wheelchair accessible?

Only the main gallery is wheelchair accessible. In addition, there’s no public elevator to access higher floors.

The Society of Illustrators offers a memorable experience exploring and appreciating some of the best artworks from renowned illustrators. Trace the journey of visual storytelling through over 2,500 artworks on display.

The Society offers interactive activities suitable for families, ensuring an inclusive visit for people of all ages. Here, you can engage with creative minds and learn from industry leaders, gaining firsthand insights into the artistic process.

After exploring the Society of Illustrators, continue your cultural journey in the vibrant surroundings of Manhattan, where numerous attractions and dining options await.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a family looking for a day of exploration, or someone seeking inspiration, the Society of Illustrators promises an enriching experience combining art appreciation and creative discovery.

The post Society of Illustrators: An Insider’s Guide to NYC’s Artistic Gem appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

New York strives to be No. 1 in all things, so when we reach the pinnacle, we want to shout it out!

The iconic Empire State Building has just been ranked the No. 1 attraction in the world for the first time ever by Tripadvisor. 

The site just released its 2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Things to Do, which highlights the highest-rated attractions and experiences in the U.S. and around the world based on thousands of Tripadvisor reviews. The Empire State Building has over 60,000 5-star reviews on the site, “reinforcing its claim as the “World’s Most Famous Building,” Tripadvisor states in a press release this morning.

“Reviewers are wowed by the 360-degree view of New York, where they can point out all of their favorite landmarks and see up to six states on a clear day,” it says. “Over 300 reviews deem it a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience.

The Empire State Building beat out the Eiffel Tower in Paris (No. 2), the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam (No. 3), the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona (No. 4) and the Cayman Crystal Caves in Grand Cayman (No. 5). Others farther down on the list include the Colosseum in Rome,  the Louvre Museum in Paris, the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, the Duomo di Milano in and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center in Abu Dhabi. No other U.S. attractions made the top 10 global list.

You can see the top 25 Best of the Best Attractions in the world here.

Of course, the Empire State Building beat out all other U.S. attractions too, including Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge. These two other NYC attractions did make Tripadvisor’s Top Attractions in the U.S. list at No. 3 and No. 8, respectively, which you can check out here.

So what else makes the ESB so darn special? Well, it’s also one of our picks of the top attractions in NYC because it boasts some beautiful Art Deco details, many of which were restored in the last decade, and it’s become much more than the views of NYC that it offers. Yes, it has the iconic open-air 86th Floor Observatory and another open-air observatory on the 86th floor, but it also has a 102nd-floor observation deck with floor-to-ceiling views stretching up to 80 miles on a clear day. In addition, there’s an impressive museum that has fun photo opps and showcases the amazing history of the building and those who built it, as well as its identity as a pop culture icon. 

Recently, the building has gotten some pretty cool additions. It often plays host to fun events, like movie screenings, and it is now home to the Starbucks Reserve Cafe, where you can sip ESB-exclusive coffee drinks and dine on Italian pastries and other snacks. If you want a fancy night out, its STATE Grill and Bar is the building’s signature restaurant.

If you want to learn more about the famous building, we’ve got it all right here.

Tripadvisor also ranked the top experiences in the world and the U.S. as well as the most unforgettable vacation moments, which you can peruse on its website.

* This article was originally published here