Art-Focused Itinerary for This Year’s Open House New York Event
### Article: Exploring Open House New York (OHNY): A Weekend of Unmissable Architectural and Artistic Experiences
Every fall, New Yorkers and visitors alike are treated to a unique experience that provides intimate access to the city’s architectural and cultural treasures — Open House New York (OHNY). This three-day festival, now in its 22nd year, opens the doors to over 276 sites across the five boroughs, offering behind-the-scenes tours of historic landmarks, cutting-edge architecture, and hidden spaces that are often closed to the public.
It’s a celebration of New York City’s dynamic built environment, a place where ancient artifacts mingle with modern marvels, and studios buzz with the energy of artistic creation. Whether you’re an architecture buff, an art enthusiast, or someone who simply loves discovering new parts of the city, OHNY is well worth your time.
### A City’s Story Told Through Its Streets
From October 18 to 20, OHNY encourages participants to weave through the city like urban detectives, gaining access to spaces that tell New York’s story of growth, transformation, and innovation. The festival pulls back the curtain on places as diverse as municipal archives, artist lofts, award-winning architecture firms, and creative spaces that are shaping the city’s future. Whether you’ve lived in New York your whole life or are just visiting, the experience personalizes a city often perceived as too immense and overwhelming.
Given that OHNY includes over 276 sites, narrowing down your itinerary can feel like a challenge. To help, here are some highlights across the three days that promise rich experiences and deeper connections with both the city’s past and future.
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### **Friday, October 18: A Mixture of History and Innovation**
Start your first day in Midtown, where you can visit the **Institute of Classical Architecture and Art’s Cast Hall** on West 44th Street. Offering stunning examples of Roman sculptures in plaster cast, this stop gives insight into classical artistry that brilliantly complements the city’s more modern architecture. If the recent TikTok trend questioning how often men think about the Roman Empire is any indication, this will provide plenty of material to fuel those thoughts.
Continue south to **Poster House** on West 23rd Street. This museum is unmatched in its focus on visual communication. From stunning New Deal-era posters to thought-provoking contemporary designs, Poster House showcases how art and media have shaped public perception over decades.
On Friday afternoon, pay a visit to the **New York Studio School** in Manhattan’s West Village, a building rich in artistic history as the first home of the famed Whitney Museum of American Art. Visitors can take tours of the school, which still operates as an influential stepping-stone for emerging artists.
Nearby, the **Museum of Chinese in America** offers special ticketed tours exploring the rich history of Chinese-American publications, shedding light on a less explored yet culturally significant chapter in the city’s history. The night can conclude in Brooklyn with a visit to the **Sunset Park Open Studios**, where diverse artists open their doors to the public for special viewing and conversation.
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### **Saturday, October 19: Art and Craftsmanship Unveiled**
Get a jump on Saturday morning activities by visiting the **Art Students League of New York**, where you’ll have a chance to sharpen your sketching skills with still-life setups. First established in the 1870s, this famed institution continues to be a bastion of creative talent, and the open studio day offers an inside look at the spaces where many great American artists honed their crafts.
In the early afternoon, head over to the **Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts (EFA)**, where their prestigious artist studios will be open to the public. The day’s highlight comes as you peruse over 73 different studios, where artists share their latest works. Be sure not to miss the **Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop**, which is part of this renowned artistic center.
Next, take some time to enjoy the family-friendly **Artshack Brooklyn** near Bedford Stuyvesant. Beyond their open studios focusing on ceramics, there will also be fun activities like apple bobbing and a special Día de los Muertos event.
Round out your day in Williamsburg at **City Reliquary**, a quirky museum known for its eclectic collection of NYC memorabilia. Explore relics ranging from old subway tokens to vintage tattoo art, each piece telling its own strange and forgotten tale of life in the Big Apple.
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### **Sunday, October 20: Creative Industries and Hidden Museums**
The final day of OHNY unfolds with some hidden gems. Start early in Ocean Hill, Brooklyn, at the **New York Sign Museum at Noble Signs**. This one-of-a-kind studio showcases the artistry behind some of New York’s iconic signage, rescued from otherwise forgotten storefronts and lovingly restored.
Later in the day, head to Bushwick’s **Allison Eden Studios**, where you’ll find yourself in awe of the glass tile mosa