Our last stop on OHNY weekend was the Park Avenue Armory. I recently saw something on TV about it, which made me want to see the space with my own eyes. The show was about the restoration of the interiors and how it now serves as a
space for artists. They host art and antique fairs as well. Unfortunately I cannot
remember what channel I watched to gather more information about the program, googling didn't help either. My co-worker watched it too but he also can't remember. I think it might have been on PBS...
The Armory was built in 1881 by the National Guard's
prestigious Seventh Regiment and served as a military, cultural and social
center for the Regiment as well as New York's society of the Gilded Age. The
Drill Hall consists of 55,000 square feet (about 5100 square meters) of
unobstructed space, making it one of the largest unobstructed spaces in New
York. It felt so humungous that I didn't even attempt to walk from one side to
the other. Because of the large scale of the space the Royal Shakespeare Company
was able to build a replica of their home stage in it for performances in New
York or artist Aaron Young have twelve motorcyclists help him create his art.
But I have to say I was much more fascinated by the meticulously restored rooms
with its beautiful, intricate woodwork and the detailed wallpaper. Absolutely
loved the fireplaces! I could picture living in some of the rooms but would
choose modern furniture to contrast with the old details but the sheer size of
the space would freak me out a bit. I could not stay home alone…
I hope you enjoyed following me around visiting some of New York’s architectural gems and
hopefully we will do it again next year! What was your favorite place I visited?
That place is amazingly huge, I'd love to see an art installation in that space. Some of the homes that you went to were my favourite - I really like seeing how different people decorate and live in the city
ReplyDeleteHa, ha I enjoyed the peeking into private homes most as well. I did sign up for the Armory's newsletter and hope to catch an installation sometime soon...
DeleteThat's beautiful! Can you imagine how much that space would cost in NY real estate money? I love how grand and elegant all the decorations. Do you think they do weddings or private events there? I love that the Royal Shakespeare Company performs there, too!
ReplyDeleteThe price tag of that space would be insane! Having your wedding reception in a space like that would certainly rock!
DeleteMy engineer brain really fell for that roof support structure. I love that it's left visible.
ReplyDeleteIt is a pretty neat structure!
DeleteWhy does this make me want to say "...they just don't make 'em like they used to..."
ReplyDeleteI mean the detail in the ceilings alone is enough to send me swooning.
And my favorite place would have to be One Museum Mile of course!
That is so true! Of course it had to be One Museum Mile because it was our spot ;)
DeleteWow, that black chandelier in the fourth photo is stunning. There's so much rich history and craftsmanship in this space. Like Santa said, "They don't make them like they used to." All the more reason to preserve and restore these types of places.
ReplyDeleteThat chandelier was humungous in real life. So pretty!
DeleteAnother gorgeous space! I'm with you, I would have chosen some more modern, and maybe "lighter" furniture for those spaces. They seem a bit heavy, don't they? I can't think of a favorite, but I have to say, I do love the private homes the most. ;)
ReplyDeleteThe private residences where my favorite as well! It's so much fun peeking into other peoples homes.
DeleteI will be adding this to my "To do" list! Amazing photos!
ReplyDeleteThank you! And it is definitely worth a visit!
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