Art Through the Lens of the East Village

For those well-versed in art appreciation or travelers simply looking to take in downtown’s vibrant culture, expression touches every block. From The Standard, East Village’s own installations to secret gem theaters and galleries, read on for a few of our favorite spots just a stone’s throw away from your stay:

Prominently featured on the exterior of NO BAR, "Beyond the Horizon of Time" was conceptualized by local artist Rahm Bowen in honor of Pride 2023.  The mural, coming to life with seven figures in hues of the Pride flag, paints a vivid scene of Black and queer expression.

Hear More About Rahm's Inspo

Catch a glimpse of "Garden of Collective Futures", the latest mural to brighten the block of 3rd Ave & East 5th St. This blend of creative visions and colorful hues was hand-painted by ten distinguished artists from different European countries, with the overall project organization helmed by Misha Tyutyunik, EUNIC New York, and the Austrian Cultural Forum of New York. The collaborative nature of the piece represents global cultural unity in a time where the world feels increasingly divided.

Read Up on How It All Came Together

Look up! Designed by Daniel Arsham, "Pixel Clouds" weaves together hand-dipped spherical balls to mirror the pixelated shades of a cloud formation. This 10-foot floating sculpture was inspired by Arsham's own iPhone cloud photography and has been a mainstay at The Standard, East Village since 2014.

Mere blocks away from The Standard, East Village Public Theater is an inventive community hub for performing artists. Its intimate venue, Joe’s Pub, hosts a rotating lineup of musicians, comedians, and storytellers. In the summer months, Public Theater lights up NYC Parks with free Shakespeare shows, a treat for locals and tourists alike.

See Their Upcoming Lineup

As you wander through the East Village, be sure to keep an eye out for the sun-kissed mosaics that line the street light posts. These mini masterpieces were created by Jim Power (known as the “Mosaic Man”). Each mosaic is a compilation of Jim’s charming material collections and have become an iconic symbol of the neighborhood. The city’s Department of Design and Construction has pledged to breathe new life into these artifacts in the coming years.

Get the Local Lore

The Anthology of Film Archives was established to preserve film artistry with an emphasis on independent, experimental, and avant-garde cinema. Immerse yourselves through the creative minds of yesteryears by wandering through their vast reference library, archive collections, and Anthology’s published books. With over 900 annual screenings, film lovers are guaranteed a memorable experience.

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