HTS Highlights: Park Avenue Armory

Posted in Holiday Train Show on December 5 2012, by Matt Newman

As the Holiday Train Show ramps up, we’ll be highlighting the cultural landmarks of New York City that have come to inspire our many miniatures, as well as the established organizations behind each one. It’s an opportunity for our readers to not only come away with a fresh understanding of the beautiful architecture in our city, but of the important institutions that have helped to create our rich cultural landscape.

Originally home to a militia known as the Silk Stocking Regiment for its aristocratic membership, the Seventh Regiment Armory–now called the Park Avenue Armory–was designed by Charles Clinton and completed in 1880. The imposing brick building is renowned for the artistry of its interior rooms, featuring hand-carved ornamental woodwork, marble installations, and stained glass windows. Taking up an entire block between 66th and 67th Street along Park Avenue, this Gothic Revival landmark is an iconic addition to Upper East Side architecture.

Since taking the reins of the building in 2006, the non-profit Park Avenue Armory Conservancy has endeavored to reimagine the space as a center for the visual and performance arts, while shepherding it as a New York City landmark by curating and maintaining the building’s historical aspects.

PARK AVENUE
ARMORY
PRESENTS
ANN HAMILTON: the event of a thread
December 5–January 6, 2013

“…put aside [y]our old expectations and hang on for the ride.”
– The New York Times

In being alone (on a swing) together (in a field), we find a condition of the social that is… the event of a thread. Commissioned by the Armory, Ann Hamilton’s major new work fills the Drill Hall with a visceral and literal poetry. Set into motion by visitors, a field of swings, a massive white cloth, a flock of homing pigeons, spoken and written texts, and transmissions of weight, sound, and silence weave through the expansive space to create a fabric of experience.

Take a break from shopping and bustle. Unwind on one of 42 tall swings as you contemplate the installation, then wander around the Armory’s landmarked Beaux-Arts and Deco rooms, festively decorated by David Monn.

For information, visit armoryonpark.org or call (212) 933-5812
Tickets: $12; $10 for Students, Seniors, and Groups
FREE – Children 10 and under
FREE – Saturday, December 8, 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

HOURS:
Tuesdays through Sundays: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays, except December 24 and 31; closed Christmas Day

facebook.com/ParkAvenueArmory
@ParkAveArmory #annhamilton

PARK AVENUE ARMORY
643 Park Avenue at 67th Street