The Design Lover’s Guide to Summer in NYC

Little Island at Pier 55
Newly opened, Little Island is a public park off Pier 55 in Manhattan that provides a one-of-a-kind relationship between nature and art. Founded by Barry Diller of the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation, in partnership with Hudson River Park Trust leadership, the repair and reactivation of Pier 54, recently damaged by Hurricane Sandy, is an entirely new type of public space for New York, one that offers a break from urban life and connection to spontaneity and joy. Throughout the summer, Little Island will host artists, musicians, talks and performances. Look out for Fermob’s furnishings while there! Visit litteisland.org/events for more information.

KUSAMA: Cosmic Nature at the New York Botanical Gardens
Check out Yayoi Kusama’s latest project at the New York Botanical Gardens now through October 31, 2021. With a profound connection to the natural world, “Cosmic Nature” is influenced by Kusama’s childhood, spent in the greenhouses of her family’s seed nursery. Studying themes of obliteration, infinity, and eternity, the work is backdropped with the colors and patterns at the New York Botanical Gardens 250-acre landscape. Buy tickets at nybg.org.

The Upstairs Exhibition at Fishs Eddy
Fishs Eddy, the retail shop known for its eclectic selection of plates, bowls, platters, glasses, dish towels and more, located on Broadway and 19th street in Manhattan, announces the opening of a new exhibition celebrating the history of commercial dishware. Showcasing the shop owner’s personal collection, discarded inventory from restaurants diners and hotels, colors samples from a time before Pantone exited, vintage ledgers filled with hand drawn notes and so much. The exhibition upstairs will be open Thursdays and Fridays 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. throughout summer. Admission is free. Click here for more information.

SummerStage in Central Park
After a long year without live music, SummerStage returns to Central Park with in-person live performances beginning Sunday, July 11th. SummerStage’s season will feature hip-hop, Latin, indie rock, contemporary dance, and global performances as well as the annual Charlie Parker Jazz Festival. Visit cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage for the full calendar of upcoming performances.

The New Rooftop at the New York Public Library
A recently completed renovation at the New York Public Library’s mid-Manhattan branch, now known as the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, includes a free, publicly accessible rooftop terrace. Open as of June 1, the terrace is furnished with tables and chairs. Grab a book and take a seat! Learn more at nypl.org.

Find more culture highlights in the Spring 2021 issue of Array Magazine at arrayny.com. Subscribe and get a free print issue of the magazine at arrayny.com/subscribe.