The Complex Guide to the Best Free Art in NYC

Address: 2 Lexington Ave.
gramercyparkhotel.com

The Gramercy Park Hotel may as well be one of the sickest galleries in New York. But instead of being ushered into a hush-hush space where rich people talk exuberant prices, you can take a seat in either the lobby or roof bar where you can oogle a Warhol, discuss a Basquiat, envy a Damien Hirst, contemplate a Keith Haring, and so on. While the art eye candy is free, the rooftop bar is definitely not—so don't show up with an empty wallet.

(Images courtesy of the Gramercy Park Hotel)

Address: Northwest corner of Houston and Bowery

This is New York, so you can expect to find dope graffiti on dozens of walls scattering the city, but SoHo’s Bowery Wall has been home to some of the illest one-of-a-kind works to hit NYC. In the past, prolific street and graffiti artists such as Shepard Fairey, Keith Haring, Os Gemeos, Kenny Scharf, and Twist and Amaze have taken over the space. Currently on display is a gigantic black-and-white photograph of eyes squeezed shut, courtesy of street artist JR. You never know whose work you’ll see sprawled across this wall, but trust us: it’s definitely worth a second look.

(Image via giveusart.com)

Address: 390 Park Ave.
leverhouseartcollection.com

If you didn’t know any better, you might walk right past this 24-story glass office building without giving it a second glance. But in 2003 the building introduced the Lever House Art Collection into the glassed-enclosed lobby, boasting commissioned works from artists like Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, Richard Dupont, and more. Now is the perfect time to make your way to this Midtown building, where you’ll find works from artist David LaChapelle in an exhibit titled “From Darkness to Light.” Who needs a museum?

(Image courtesy of Lever House)

Address: 32-01 Vernon Blvd. at Broadway (Queens)
socratessculpturepark.org

When the weather is nice in NY, there’s no better place to park your self than, well, a park. The city has a few expansive green spaces, but Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens offers more to look at than joggers and hippies doing yoga. This free sculpture park hosts a series of rotating exhibits 365 days a year. Through August 27, you can check out VISTA, a series of sculptures by local artists that tests viewers’ perspectives and points of view.

(Images via robswainston.com and queenscourier.com)

Address: 60 Wall St.
db.com

You probably wouldn’t consider heading to a bank to get something for free, let alone see anything but tacky carpet and tired bank tellers, but the Deutsche Bank houses a series of four rotating art exhibits a year. If you head down to their American headquarters on Wall Street now, you’ll be right in time for the “Beyond the Horizon” exhibit, featuring nature-themed works by 13 New York artists. Cha-ching.

(Image of Joy Garnett painting via newsgrist.typead.com)

Address: 2225 Jackson Ave. (Queens)
ps1.org

This visit is as free as you make it, with a suggested donation of for adults and students. You'll feel like a cheapskate when you put down a quarter to get in—but PS1 is one of the best places to see are in all of New York. Since they merged with MoMA in 2010, the art center has served as an exhibit space rather than an art collection institution, so there are constantly new artists and new exhibits showcasing their works throughout the year, ensuring you never see the same ol’ thing twice. Go now to see Ryan Trecartin's bugged out video installation, "Any Ever".

(Image via mundovibes.wordpress.com)

Brooklyn Museum:200 Eastern Parkway. “Target First Saturdays,” 5-11 p.m.
Whitney Museum: 945 Madison Ave., “Pay-what-you-wish” Fridays, 6-9 p.m.
The New Museum: 235 Bowery, “Free Thursdays,” 7-9 p.m.
MoMA:11 W 53rd St. “Target Free Fridays” (with ticket), 4-8 p.m.
Guggenheim: 1071 Fifth Ave, “Pay-what-you-wish” Saturdays, 5:45-7:45 p.m.

For those who dig the museum setting but are allergic to $20 admission fees, have no fear: tons of institutions in NY offer free or reduced evenings for art fiends with no dough to spare. Each offers something a little different in terms of crowd and atmosphere, but you’ve got nothing to lose for stopping through.

(Image of the Whitney Museum via metrotwin.com)

Address: 529 W 20th St.
highline.org

The Meatpacking District’s High Line Park has been a main attraction for New Yorkers and tourists alike since it opened last year, and with the park’s Section 2 expansion now completed, new art installations have arrived and they’re pretty cool. Currently showing is an architectural exhibit by NY-based artist Sarah Sze, titled “Still Life with Landscape.” Whether you go for the green space and view of the Hudson River or for the rotating art installations, you’ll never have to worry about a fee.

(Image via thehighline.org)

Address: 4 Metrotech Center (Brooklyn)
metrotechbid.org

There’s a ton of art to scope out in Brooklyn, whether you find it on walls in Bushwick or galleries throughout the borough. But if you’re looking for a little park action to go with your art sight seeing, then make your way to the center of MetroTech Commons. You’ll find both temporary sculpture installations as well as permanent sculptures from well-known sculptor Tom Otterness. Through September 16, you can check out the trippy “Total Recall” installation series, named after the movie, of course.

(Image via thelmagazine.com)

Address: 227 W 27th St.
fitnyc.edu

No, this museum’s place on this list is not a mistake. We know this is where they show a lot of women’s fashion, but this is the perfect place to take a date without being forced to empty your wallet. Currently on display here is an exhibit you might appreciate titled “Sporting Life,” which explores the relationship between active sportswear and fashion over the last 50 years. Your girl will enjoy herself and you’ll get to scope out vintage Stephen Sprouse.

(Image via berkeleycollegestudentbloger.com)