This neighborhood located west of Broadway over to the Hudson River, from West 14th to West 30th Street has seen many transformations in its time. Beginning in the late 1800s, this west side neighborhood’s primary purpose was industrial in nature-Nabisco opened its first factory here and just a few decades later, the first elevated railroad in the US began running through this district. What was once a seemingly forgotten industrial neighborhood has, in recent years, become one of the most sought-after places to live in New York City. Not only is Chelsea buzzing with culture but it’s also home to some of the city’s most charming shops as well as an endless array of restaurants, coffee shops and bakeries. From the historic Hotel Chelsea to the ever-evolving art scene, this neighborhood offers plenty to see and do.
GALLERY HOPPING IN CHELSEA
Good art, bad art, edgy art, disturbing art – it’s all here in Chelsea waiting to please and provoke. Teeming with over 200 galleries (many of which are housed in creatively converted warehouses), Chelsea is essentially a museum where you will find a mixed bag of all art forms from up-and-coming artists to the works of the esteemed greats. With so many galleries to choose from, it’s best to wander up and down the blocks between 20th and 28th Streets between 10th and 11th Avenues. The best part about viewing all this amazing art is you don’t have to pay to look. A few of the must-see galleries to visit when in the neighborhood are:
Pace Gallery, 510 West 25th Street With four locations in New York-three of which are in Chelsea-the focus is on contemporary works of well known artists such as Chuck Close and Kiki Smith. Check out their Mark Rothko exhibit called Dark Palette opening November 4th. The exhibition reveals the development of Rothko’s expressive use of dark colors in his sectional paintings.
Luhring Augustine, 531 West 24th Street A great gallery to see large scale sculptures, video installations, photography and performance art.
Lisson Gallery, 504 West 24th Street Shows many important Minimal and Conceptual artists such as Sol LeWitt, Richard Long; recently held an exhibition of 101 year old minimalist painter Carmen Herrera.
Gagosian Gallery, 522 West 21st Street Modern and contemporary works by American and European artists including Julian Schnabel and Richard Serra.
303 Gallery, 555 West 21st Street This long running gallery (since 1984) has cultivated the careers of major stars like Rodney Graham, Doug Atkin and Mary Heilman.
David Zwirner Gallery, 525 West 19th Street David Zwirner has long been a leader in the New York gallery scene, representing more than 40 artists and estates in contemporary art, Jeff Koons and Chris Ofili have shown here. Two of Zwirner’s three Chelsea locations have in-gallery bookshops.
Jack Shainman Gallery, 513 West 20th Street The focus of the gallery has been to exhibit, represent and champion artists from around the world, in particular artists from Africa, East Asia and North America.
…AND FOR GOOD MEASURE, WHY NOT FINISH YOUR GALLERY DAY IN CHELSEA WITH A COUPLE OF OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH MUSEUMS THAT I LOVE.
The Rubin Museum, renowned for its collection of Himalayan art, the museum offers a diverse array of thought-provoking exhibits and programs, including films, talks and concerts. The Museum at FIT has amazing exhibits on the history and future of fashion. Check out their website for free talks and tours.
CHELSEA, NYC – A SHOPPERS DREAM
Maison 140, 140 9th Avenue. Harkening back to its historic roots, enter this charming shop through a wrought iron fence into the ground level of a historic Chelsea townhouse. Maison 140 is that kind of place in which you get completely lost. Every inch of space is overflowing with charming gifts including brightly colored throws, candles, pillows, dishes, soaps and oh-so-much more!
Pippin Vintage Jewelry, 112 West 17th Street. The other day I happened upon a precious “jewel” of a shop, I was immediately transported to the seemingly cavernous, wondrous closet that belonged to my beautiful and elegant grandmother. Besides the plentitude of exquisitely curated jewelry (no reproductions here-only original vintage authentically and lovingly collected from estate sales and auctions), they also sell belts, buckles and vintage watches. The only thing missing here is the distinct essence of lavender and Chanel No. 5 that was my Nana.
Printed Matter Inc., 231 11th Avenue. Combining the concept of retail store, living archive, artist resource and performance space. Printed Matter is the world’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to the understanding and appreciation of all art-related books. This gem of a shop is a dream world of rare publications that you will never want to wake up from!
Chelsea Market, 9th Avenue between 15th and 16th Street. This sprawling space (an entire City block) houses a food hall, shopping mall, office building and television production facility inside what was once the National Biscuit Company complex (this is where the Oreo cookie was created and first produced). As you wander through the building, you get a sense of the former factory’s feel from its original floors and exposed brick walls. Two of my favorite shops in the Market are BLACKBARN, which has both a beautiful array of home goods sourced from around the world and a cafe, all in one space and Pearl River Market, a one stop shop for all things Chinese: slippers, kimonos, chop sticks etc. For foodies and tourists, it is possible to enter the market at one end in the morning and not exit the other until lunchtime, without ever growing bored and certainly without going hungry.
Artists and Fleas, Located directly under the High Line and situated on the southeast corner of Chelsea Market lies a veritable potpourri of ever-changing imaginative and unique (as in distinct and original!) vendors offering the coolest in fashion, vintage, art, design and more. This is the kind of stuff you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. With an ongoing rotation of new talent every couple of weeks, Artist and Fleas is a paradise for buyers, trendsetters, and creative entrepreneurs alike.
EATS IN CHELSEA
Whether you’ve spent your morning winding your way through some of Chelsea’s art galleries, walking from one end of the High Line to other, or having taken in the beautiful architecture of the historic district, you’re sure to find yourself hungry at some point. Here are some good local favorites.
Tipsey Parson, 156 9th Ave. (between 19th and 20th) This cozy spot on Ninth Ave. offers a unique take on Southern comfort food. Low country favorites like shrimp & grits, mac & cheese and flakey butternut biscuits. Great spot for weekend brunch.
Del Posto, 85 10th Ave. Del Posto is the handiwork of the Eataly . Beautiful decor and exquisite Italian cuisine, the restaurant serves much more than just pasta; try their five or eight course dinner with the option of wine pairing.
Cookshop, 156 10th Ave.(at 20th) This restaurant creates a warm and welcoming home-like atmosphere, with large glass windows and big banquettes and serves a menu of American and Meditteranean food.
Socarrat, 259 West 19th Street. Named for the flavor-packed crust that forms on the bottom of the paella pan, this place embraces Spanish culinary traditions. The paella is a must! Go for the Socarrat version, a mix of chicken, beef, shrimp, mussels, clams and green beans.
ART ON THE HIGH LINE
This elevated railway that sat abandoned on the West Side for decades, has become one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. A public park that sits 30 feet above street level stretches from Gansevoort Street all the way up to 34th Street. While you can spend your entire time on the High Line taking in the beauty of the plantings and spectacular city views, take time to look around at all the public art. High Line Art, Founded in 2009 by friends of the High Line, invites artists to engage with the uniqueness of the architecture, history and the design of the High Line with site-specific commissions, exhibitions, performances and video programs.
SEE & DO IN CHELSEA
Stroll the Chelsea Historic District, West 20th Street to West 22nd Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues. These town house blocks in varying styles of Italianate, Greek Revival and other popular styles of the 19th century will make you reminisce about what New York must have been like back in the day. A favorite hangout of Andy Warhol’s, The Chelsea Hotel, (closed for renovations) is one of the important cultural sights in New York. It has been the home to writers, musicians, artists and actors. Bob Dylan lived there when his first child was born as well as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Patti Smith, Edie Sedgwick, Jane Fonda, Ethan Hawke and the list goes on and on. The hotel was designated as a New York City landmark in 1966. See a modern dance performance at the Joyce Theater, arguably the city’s preeminent venue for dance. The art-modern building from 1941 was originally a movie theater showing cult films and revivals-and later adult films. Now it is the place to see world-renowned dance companies performing modern dance, flamenco, ballet and tango at affordable prices. Watch a performance at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater: Robin William’s, Conan O’Brien, and Tina Fey have all graced the sage of this 150-seat comedy venue, where improv, sketch and stand-up comedy takes place seven nights a week. Tickets are cheap and there is no drink minimum.
CHECK INTO THE HIGH LINE HOTEL
This landmark building was reimagined by legendary design firm Roman & Williams. Oriental rugs, 1920’s rotary phones, old typewriters and beautiful Victorian antiques combine to create a sophisticated throwback vibe. Don’t forget your furry friends, all dogs are welcome, every shape and size at The High Line Hotel.