STATEN ISLAND FERRY
The Staten Island Ferry is one of the best free activities in New York even if you're not on the hunt for refrigerated air. It's a leisurely 30 minute ride across the harbor with intimate views of the Statue of Liberty. While the sea breeze is often enough of a cool down, you can also duck inside the cabin and enjoy the A/C in peace as the crowds outside clamor for the best views. When you depart, linger a little longer in the Whitehall Terminal, where there are concessions and seating.
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
The famed Rose Reading room may still be closed for renovations (pesky
asbestos!) but there are plenty of other areas to explore in the main library. The map room is a delight, and multiple galleries offer a wide range of
exhibits. The photography exhibits often rival those you'll find at the Met or MoMA.
GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL
This one is a no-brainer. Grand Central is a glorious respite from the outside world, and while the main concourse will be filled with tourists craning their necks to see the celestial ceiling, the space is so huge that you'll rarely feel claustrophobic (unless, of course, it's rush hour). To escape the masses, browse the shops or grab a drink in the elegant Campbell Apartment, and be sure to stop by the annex of the Transit Museum, located just off the Main Concourse in the Shuttle Passage, next to the Station Master's office. While the museum charges admission,
this gallery is completely free.
WINTER GARDEN ATRIUM
The Winter Garden at Brookfield Place is a lovely, day-lit atrium with palm trees and Hudson River views. There are plenty of tables and chairs, free wifi, and when you tire of your Netflix queue, you can do some shopping or grab a bite in the newly opened Hudson Eats food court.
DAVID RUBENSTEIN ATRIUM AT LINCOLN CENTER
Privately-owned public spaces are like little secrets hidden throughout the city, and there are dozens inside with climate-controlled environs. The Municipal Art Society
keeps a database of them all, and the atrium at Lincoln Center is one of the best-ranked. There's a
20-foot tall living wall designed by Tod Williams Bille Tsien Architects, as well as a floor-to-ceiling fountain, seating, free wifi, a 'wichcraft cafe, and an exhibition space. Lincoln Center also uses the space for
shows.
TRUMP TOWER
One could spend a whole day browsing the shops in the five-level atrium of Trump Tower, but if you just want to relax, snag a table near the waterfall. Recently, Donald Trump came under fire for
removing a benchin the atrium to sell campaign merchandise because, well, he is kind of the worst. But the atrium is still a great place to duck in to escape the elements.
FORD FOUNDATION GARDEN
Arguably the loveliest POP in the city, the 160-foot-tall atrium at the Ford Foundation is a verdant retreat in the middle of Midtown East. You'll find trees, shrubs, hanging plants, ferns, and gardenias, with a square pool as the atrium's centerpiece. Visitors are welcome between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays, making it ideal for mid-day A/C-enjoyment. [Photo via
Untapped NY]
STOREFRONT FOR ART AND ARCHITECTURE
Even if you don't need to escape the heat, you should hit up the Storefront for Art & Architecture. This wedge of a gallery, designed by Steven Holl, hosts exhibits and events about—you guessed it—architecture, art, and design that are completely free and open to the public.
BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY (CENTRAL LIBRARY)
The main branch of the Brooklyn Public Library is like a wifi-equipped refrigerator during the summer. Among the stacks on the upper level, there are plenty of seats and outlets, many of which are tucked into semi-private corners. Large windows let you still enjoy the nice weather and offer views over Grand Army Plaza.
60 WALL STREET
The architect behind the Ford Foundation's lush atrium, Kevin Roche, also design this space at 60 Wall Street downtown. The open airy spaces
features "gridded ceiling that recalls English garden pavilions, striped Egyptoid columns, and craggy stone fountains that seem to be of Chinese origin." There's plenty of seating, free wifi, and public bathrooms, though Yelp reviewers warn to approach the latter with caution.
875 3RD AVENUE
This multi-level arcade isn't much fancier than your average mall—and it has the chain stores and restaurants to match—but that also means that it will be quieter and less crowded than other privately-owned public spaces, making it ideal for some alone-with-the-air-conditioning time. It's situated just off the 6 train at east 53rd Street. [Photo via
Untapped NY]
BRONX MUSEUM OF THE ARTS
There are a lot of "pay what you wish" museums in New York, but there are few truly free ones. The Bronx Museum of the Arts is one of these rarities. Its permanent collection holds more than 800 pieces, and exhibits focus on contemporary and 20th century works created by American artists. In 2006, an accordion-like addition by architecture firm Arquitectonica doubled the institution's size.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN
As it is a Smithsonian Institution, the National Museum of the American Indian is also completely free. Located at the tip of Manhattan, this museum is often overlooked for more popular Downtown destinations, but that just means you'll be able to browse through the exhibits and take in performance (and cool down) without elbowing your way through crowds. Plus, the building that it's house in, the 1907 Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, is a real treat.
PARK AVENUE PLAZA
Tucked between 52nd and 53rd Street (and not actually on Park Avenue, despite its name), this block-long arcade features 16 trees, lots of seating, two water features, and during the weekdays, a piano player from noon to 3 p.m.
THE HISPANIC SOCIETY OF AMERICA
A Yelp reviewer describes the Hispanic Society of America as "one of those places you just stumble on and get mind blown by." The institution has a surprisingly vast collection of works relating to the arts and cultures of Spain, Portugal, and Latin America, and it's so off-the-beaten path that it's not unusal to have the place to yourself. The Beaux Arts building is beautiful, and the ornate interiors will certainly impress.
550 MADISON
This three-story, through-block public space designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects sits at the base of the Sony Building on Madison Avenue. It's heavily used, thanks to the adjacent Sony Wonder Technology Lab, but that doesn't mean it should be avoided. There's plenty of seating, shops, and eateries, and it connects to the public space at 590 Madison Avenue.
590 MADISON AVENUE
This indoor arcade, which connects to the space at 550 Madison, is so open and airy that there are literally bird flying around inside. It's filled with bamboo thickets, moveable tables and chairs, a sculpture garden, water feature, and few places to grab some snacks.
601 LEXINGTON
The public lobby and retail atrium of the former CitiGroup Tower will likely be getting a renovation thanks to
its new owners. Currently, there are shops, restaurants, and moveable seating, as well an art gallery on the upper floor.
BRIC HOUSE
Located in the BAM Cultural District, the BRIC House offers 3,000 square feet of art-filled, air-conditioned goodness. Leeser Architecture recently gave this institution a new look, and the public gallery is free and open six days a week.
A TRAIN TO ROCKAWAY
Hopping on any subway line is a fantastic way to escape the heat (unless it's rush hour), but the A train to Rockaway provides one of the loveliest rides in the city, gliding over the Jamaica Bay and through a wildlife refuge. Grab a window seat and keep an eye out for dozens of herons, cranes, and sea birds.
120 PARK AVE ATRIUM
This atrium may not be as verdant as some others, but it's conveniently located just across the street from Grand Central, offering a welcome A/C-ed escape from Midtown. It also features sculptures from the Whitney Museum's permanent collection and plenty of seating.
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