PLAY | NYC
Luna Luna, Forgotten Fantasy at The Shed
The main reason for my trip was to catch Luna Luna before it closes on March 16th. Get tickets NOW for this magnificent and vexing installation at the mammoth Shed at Hudson Yards. An entire amusement park created by THE artists of the ’80s (Keith Haring, Kenny Scharf, Jean-Michel Basquiat, David Hockney, and more) and masterminded by artist Andre Heller, this immersive fairground was originally exhibited in Germany in 1987. After its popular run, the entire park was boxed in 44 shipping containers. What happened next is a bit of a mystery, involving deals made and broken and various lawsuits.
Ultimately, the containers ended up languishing in a field in Texas for over thirty years before being discovered and purchased (sight unseen) by the rapper Drake and his entertainment company. Miraculously, most of the rides and paraphernalia survived, and the park was meticulously recreated first in Los Angeles and now in NYC.
You can no longer ride on Keith Haring’s carousel or Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Ferris wheel (seeing them is enough!), but you CAN lose yourself in Roy Lichtenstein’s glass maze, or Salvatore Dali’s Dalidom, a mirrored geodesic dome. All ofthe amusements surprise and delight, down to the wandering minstrels and carnival performers. The installation is incredibly well done and ideally suited to the space at The Shed, along with a soundscape by Andre 3000 (and others) and a continuous light show. When you’re done oohing and aaahing, head up to the Butterfly Lounge for popcorn, sips, and a view of the entire extravaganza from above.
If you need a jolt of joy in your life, this is the answer.
Artist Kenny Scharf had this to say: “Of course, I was into it,” he says. “It fit perfectly with my philosophy for art then and now, which is art is not only for a wall with a frame in a gallery, a museum or above a couch; Art can be everywhere and should be. And art can be something that you experience and that you actually sit on and you swing around and it’s fun.”
GOOD TO KNOW: tickets are timed and cost $25 for kids and $39 for adults. Purchase a Moon Pass for $78 and come anytime, plus enjoy some extra bennies like admission to the Butterfly Lounge, the ability to cut in line (we didn’t, and it’s not necessary as the amusements were not crowded) plus discounts at the gift shop, which we took full advantage of!
Tickets and more info: lunaluna.com/
Skating at Bryant Park
Believe it or not, one of my compelling reasons to spend a long weekend in NYC was to SKATE! I love the plentiful outdoor rinks in the city, and Bryant Park’s free rink is just 10 blocks from The Ned. I made it for two early morning sessions (go at 8 on the weekend or 9 during the week to skip the crowds). There’s a camaraderie among the secret society of adult skaters who show up with skates in tow (rentals are extra, but the ice is FREE!) and blab about the Wallys and Loops they’re practicing. After ten years off the ice, I’m mainly working on standing up, but I can’t imagine a more blissful start to the day.
Bryant Park skating through March 2nd. Reservations a must: https://bryantpark.org/calendar/event/ice-skating-rink-at-bryant-park-late-closing/2025-02-12
Angelina
Prolong the fun by heading to Angelina around the corner for breakfast after skating. This French institution, famous for its decadent hot chocolate, has its only New York outpost at 1050 Sixth Avenue, and it’s NOT to be missed. The elegant dining room is a heavenly spot to enjoy cocoa and croissants apres skate. (And grab some treats to go!).
