Arts & Culture

The Upper West Side is a hub for the arts, performance, and culture. The historic Beacon Theatre is our next-door neighbor, which draws the likes of Broadway performers as a frequent venue for the Tony Awards. A mix of jazz and opera can be found at the nearby Lincoln Center. Looking to enjoy culture at your own pace? Try the nearby American Folk Art Museum. Refer to our guides and stay up-to-date with ongoing arts and culture on the world’s busiest island.

Upcoming Shows at Beacon Theatre in 2020

January 16 2020 | Arts & Culture

Soul jam ballads, jam band tunes from Widespread Panic, legends like Ringo Starr, Styx and great stand-up from Ali Wong and Jerry Seinfeld can be expected at the Beacon Theatre for the first half of 2020. Of course we’re partial,...

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Delight in New York City’s Diverse Artforms

December 16 2019 | Arts & Culture

No other city in the world does the arts quite like New York City. Immerse yourself in the world of classical ballet, theatre, jazz, and opera with our partners. Lincoln Center Theatre The Lincoln Theatre is hailed for its...

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Bring the Kids to these Glimmering Light Displays in NYC

December 02 2019 | Arts & Culture

There is no place that does the holidays like New York City. Light displays, holiday markets, ice skating rinks and piping hot cocoa add to the feeling of being in a Christmas movie. If you want to take the kiddos...

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Celebrating the 4th of July Outdoors in NYC

June 24 2019 | Arts & Culture

The country’s birthday is right around the corner and there’s no better place to celebrate than New York City. The second president of the United States, John Adams, predicted exactly how the event would be celebrated when he said 242...

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All About Midsummer Night Swing at the Lincoln Center

June 11 2019 | Arts & Culture

There’s no place like New York in the summertime. The city that never sleeps takes advantage of the sunny season with lots of activity, outdoor concerts and festivals. Looking for a memorable way to spend the evening? The Lincoln Center’s...

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Portugal in NYC: All Things Portuguese in NYC

May 17 2019 | Arts & Culture

Seeking the laid-back feel of Portugal in New York City? Here’s a guide to Portuguese food, shopping and culture in Manhattan, all just a short walk or subway ride from Hotel Beacon. Food For meticulous petiscos to traditional bacalhau, the...

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Surprising Museums You'll Only Find in New York City

February 19 2019 | Arts & Culture

You’ve visited all the big-name museums in New York, with paintings from Europe and ancient Chinese textiles. You’ve browsed modern art installations at the MoMA and took in the power of the plains at the American Museum of Natural History....

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Enjoy Presidents’ Day Weekend in NYC

January 23 2019 | Arts & Culture

Presidents’ Day is a favorite in New York City, which is no stranger to U.S. history. The February holiday also marks the mid-winter recess for kids, which is a great opportunity to get out and get active. Soak up history...

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The Best Interactive Museums for Kids in Manhattan

January 15 2019 | Arts & Culture

The short, cold days of winter can leave adults and kids feeling a bit lethargic. After all, it’s hard to get your blood pumping when you’re cooped up indoors all day. Want to get moving? Check out these interactive museums,...

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Argentina in New York City: Cuisine, Culture and Tango

December 26 2018 | Arts & Culture

From empanadas to tango, Argentina is part of the life blood of the big apple; one of many cultures that gives the city its unique flavor and style. Find out how to get your dose of Argentine flavor and spirit...

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Brazil in New York City: All Things Brazilian in NYC

November 21 2018 | Arts & Culture

Looking for the flavor and optimism of Brazil while in New York City? Com certeza! Here’s a guide to Brazilian food, culture, and nightlife in Manhattan, all a quick a subway ride from Hotel Beacon. Food There’s a Little Italy,...

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Hello Kitty balloon in the macy's day parade

Here's How to Get the Best Views of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

November 14 2018 | Arts & Culture

Every Thanksgiving, upwards of 3.5 million hit the streets of New York City to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, an annual holiday event since 1924. Floats, crowds, and performances all make for a bigger-than-life spectacle that you’ll want to...

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Colombia in New York City: Your Guide to All Things Colombian in NYC

October 26 2018 | Arts & Culture

Colombian culture isn’t as obvious as other Latino cultures in Manhattan, but cumbia rhythms in dance clubs, guava-stuffed empanadas and a vibrant Colombian community in Queens give New Yorkers a little taste of the South American country. Is your knowledge...

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Iconic New York Experiences to Cross Off Your Bucket List

October 25 2018 | Arts & Culture

The city of New York appears in so many American movies, that most visitors have a clear idea of what it’s like before even setting foot in the iconic metropolis. The truth is, most of their conceptions aren’t far off....

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Korea in New York City: Your Guide to All Things Korean in NYC

October 18 2018 | Arts & Culture

Korean culture doesn’t escape New York City. You’ve heard of Chinatown, but there’s also a vibrant Koreatown located right near the Empire State Building. Doing some Seoul searching? Look no further – here’s your guide to all things Korean in...

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Ireland in New York City: Your Guide to All Things Irish in NYC

October 08 2018 | Arts & Culture

Looking for a piece of Ireland in New York City? There’s more to the Emerald Isle than just pubs (though there’s plenty of those too). Explore Ireland’s rich history and culture, which has intertwined with New York City since the...

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Image of exhibit inside the Museum of Modern Art.

Check Out These Fall 2018 NYC Museum Exhibitions

September 20 2018 | Arts & Culture

School is back in session, and that means fall is right around the corner. Here in the Upper West Side, that means a fresh influx of brisk air, the leaves changing color in Central Park, and new exhibits to discover...

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Sweden in New York City: Your Guide to All Things Swedish in NYC

September 18 2018 | Arts & Culture

If you’re Swedish, you’ve recently visited Sweden, or you just like Swedish meatballs, you won’t have trouble finding a little piece of the Scandinavian country in the US. Check out where to scope out Swedish culture, goods, sweets and meals...

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Everything You Need to Know about Newark Liberty International Airport

September 06 2018 | Arts & Culture

Don't be fooled — just because Newark Liberty International Airport is in New Jersey doesn't mean it's far from NYC. In fact, a lot of New York-bound travelers fly there, and make the quick commute to the city. Here's a...

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6 Quintessential Things To Do in New York This Summer

August 20 2018 | Arts & Culture

As the “Capital of the World,” New York City is a premier destination any day of the year. There’s always something new to see or do here. But there are some things in New York City that are best experienced...

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Australia in New York City: Your Guide to All Things Australian in NYC

August 15 2018 | Arts & Culture

There’s no better place for that international feel than New York City. Looking for a change of scene or a taste of home? Check out all things Australian on this side of the equator with Australian coffee shops, Aboriginal art...

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The History of the Beacon Theatre

August 10 2018 | Arts & Culture

The Hotel Beacon and the Beacon Theatre were built in tandem as an eight-million dollar venture in the late 1920s. Adorned with a fully-functioning overhead airway beacon during the early days of flight, both the hotel and theatre were met...

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Everything You Need to Know About LaGuardia Airport

August 10 2018 | Arts & Culture

We've discussed JFK, but what about LaGuardia Airport? While this smaller hub — located on the northern tip of Queens — isn't quite as busy or well-known as JFK, it is closer to Hotel Beacon, and more tailored to domestic...

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Your Intro to All Things Japanese in NYC

July 31 2018 | Arts & Culture

While New York City doesn’t technically have one big “Japantown,” you’ll find plenty of Japanese culture and cuisine here. More than 30,000 Japanese nationals live in the five boroughs, so you’ll find the beauty of Japanese culture spread all throughout...

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Where To Swim in NYC This Summer

July 30 2018 | Arts & Culture

Summer is at its peak in the city, with temperatures shooting through the roof. (Hello, real-feel of 100 degrees!) Keep cool with a day trip to one of NYC's best swimming pools. Asphalt Green For a small fee of $35,...

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Everything You Need to Know About JFK Airport

July 18 2018 | Arts & Culture

You’ve booked your room at Hotel Beacon, you’ve packed your bags, and you’ve purchased a flight to NYC. All that’s left is landing at JFK Airport and making your way to the Big Apple. Here’s everything you need to know about...

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The Hotel Beacon Guide to Deciphering the NYC Subway System

July 05 2018 | Arts & Culture

The New York City subway system is enormous, one of the oldest and largest public transportation systems in the world with approximately 5.7 million riders every weekday. If it’s your first time visiting, that can be intimidating. But the NYC...

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Classic Movies Shot on the Upper West Side

July 03 2018 | Arts & Culture

Sure, Hollywood has the walk of fame, but in the Upper West Side, you can walk in the footsteps of fame. New York City is full of film history, and the Upper West Side is no exception, as many beloved...

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Check Out These Museums Just Blocks from Hotel Beacon

June 14 2018 | Arts & Culture

This spring and summer are great times to visit New York City and get out on the town. The beautiful weather makes strolling the streets of Manhattan an experience like no other. But the even better thing about New York...

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Upcoming Spring 2018 Events at Beacon Theatre

May 03 2018 | Arts & Culture

At Hotel Beacon, to say that entertainment is within walking distance is an understatement. That’s because our building is attached to the aptly named Beacon Theatre, a historic, 2,894-seat, three-tiered theatre designed by Chicago architect Walter W. Ahlschlager. It’s nearly...

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The Flight History of Hotel Beacon

March 30 2018 | Arts & Culture

All things considered, planes haven’t been around that long — just 115 years. Orville Wright and his brother, Wilbur, invented the airplane in 1903 and set off an absolutely unprecedented age of innovation. To understand just how fast the world changed...

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Upcoming Spring 2018 Events at Lincoln Center

March 23 2018 | Arts & Culture

Just one mile south of Hotel Beacon, Lincoln Center is alive with New York City’s creative spirit. It’s just a 15-minute walk or 5-minute drive, so if you’re staying with us on the Upper West Side, Lincoln Center is easily...

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