Summer 2016 in New York City: The Unexpected

There are so many things to do in New York City, some of them unexpected and others less so. On our last trip to the city, however, I encountered not one, but several totally unforeseen pleasures that are worth sharing. They are there for everyone to enjoy. One was transient, but surely another unanticipated delight will take its place. That's the way it is in NYC, always something new that stimulates our brain’s novelty center, thereby making us happy.

The Red Tailed Hawk on the Psycho Barn.

The Roof Garden at the Metropolitan Museum of Art has a commissioned piece by Cornelia Parker entitled Psycho Barn. Not only are museumgoers enjoying it but also red tailed hawks. According to a guard I spoke with on the rooftop, hawks are coming frequently to perch on the barn with their mate on a lower roof of the museum. They screech one to the other. It’s hard to miss. When I took my picture, I was twenty feet or so from the perched bird who seemed to take his photo op in stride. Obviously, visitors to the roof can approach the hawk much closer than most would expect.

An Extraordinary Photographer at the Scandinavian Society

Pentti Sammallahti from Finland is not a name that is well known but that means that finding his work is all the more special. The 66-year-old photographer delights in making the commonplace special. Not only that, he can make us laugh. For his photographs, please see thephotofundamentalist.com. For me, the third photo down is most compelling.

Collections at the New Museum

The New Museum in the Bowery has a four floor exhibit on collections. It is not only of interest to collectors, estimated to be about a third of our population, but also to others. The collections displayed range from lowly objects found on the street to hand made carving to recognized art work. There is something for everyone. It is heartwarming to see what people collect that enriches their lives and gives them pleasure.

The new location of the International Center for Photography is right across the street, another perk when visiting the area. And, for those with more energy, the Tenement Museum on Orchard Street is close as well—only a ten minutes walk.

Car Rental in NYC—of a very specialized kind

Car rental takes on a whole new meaning for those that rent cars for films. These are special vehicles not often seen. The first photo above is a Pierce Dorset being transported in midtown Manhattan. Behind it, there was a model T thought it is not included in the photos. The driver who works for “Cars for Films” was taking them to a movie shoot in Manhattan.

Photos by the author.

For More in NYC:

The Museum of Art and Design (MAD)

The Hispanic Society of America

The Costume Exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art