Special lecture on Professor Chen Congzhou (1918–2000), widely regarded as the father of modern Chinese Landscape Architecture and Art. A scholar of rare breadth, Chen was not only a pioneering Landscape Architect and theorist, but also a poet, painter, calligrapher, and architectural historian. He once described the Chinese garden as “a poetic and picturesque composite […]
Singers of all levels, as well as listeners, are welcome to join in the choruses throughout the free Chantey Sing, lead or request a song in the round-robin, or just listen.
For beginners, hobbyists, and lifelong birders alike. Together, we will explore the parks of BPC, and see what makes this spot a hang-out for urban birds and marvelous migrators! Binoculars and field guides provided, or bring your own.
Hear award-winning vocalist and composer Andromeda Turre, whose work seamlessly blends the rich traditions of jazz with bold contemporary narratives. The daughter of trombonist Steve Turre and cellist Akua Dixon, Turre was raised in the heart of New York City and immersed in the artistry of legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles, and Wynton Marsalis. […]
Gabrielle Calvocoressi, Rita Dove, Patricia Spears Jones, Adrian Matejka, and Brenda Shaughnessy will lead the 27th Poetry Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, ending in a feast of poetry and fine food in Dumbo. All proceeds benefit Poets House. Rservations are required.
The Step Into the Light tour.
Emily Dawn Amos is a prize-winning organist and recent graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music. She began studying organ at age eight. By age nine, she became the youngest musician ever admitted into a “Pipe Organ Encounter” — an outreach program run by the American Guild of Organists that provides instruction and exposure to […]
Play the popular strategy game while getting pointers and advice from an expert. Chess improves concentration, problem solving, and strategic planning — plus it’s fun! For ages 5 and up.
Launch of Kenneth Oppel's instant YA classic: Best of All Worlds. Kenneth (the Silverwings Trilogy) will be joined in conversation by the brilliant David Levithan (Two Boys Kissing; Every Day) to discuss his young adult novel that defies genre to create a survival thriller unlike any you've read before.
Book reading and signing by Mailan Doquang, author of Ceylon Sapphires.
Thirty years ago a New Yorker article, “The Fifty-Nine-Story Crisis,” recounted the little-known drama of the threatened collapse of a Manhattan skyscraper. In a new book, The Great Miscalculation: The Race to Save New York City’s Citicorp Tower, author Michael Greenburg further investigates the full story of how in 1978 structural engineer William LeMessurier became […]
Authors Lee Hawkins (I Am Nobody’s Slave) and Maud Newton (Ancestor Trouble) explore the complexities of family history and the intergenerational legacies we carry. In conversation, they discuss race, inheritance, trauma, and resilience—and how confronting the past can offer hope for future generations.
The All Over the World tour.
This BPC park offers a unique setting to observe and sketch the human figure. Each week a model will strike short and long poses for participants to draw. An artist/ educator will offer constructive suggestions and critique. Drawing materials provided, and artists are encouraged to bring their own favorite media.
This afternoon, hear Musikalische Exequien, op. 7, by the great German composer Heinrich Schütz, a funeral piece that parallels the traditional Latin Requiem in expressing mortality, comfort, and hope. This collection of motets, one of the finest choral cycles of the 17th century, had a far-reaching impact. You’ll note a similar style while listening to […]
Directed by Church Street School of Music, the Downtown Beats adult chorus is open to all who love to sing! Learn contemporary and classic songs and perform at community events throughout the year.
Join our community of artists of all skill levels as we are inspired by our surroundings to create with drawing materials, pastels and watercolors. Embolden your artwork amidst the flower-filled and seasonally evolving palette of BPC’s verdant gardens. An artist/ educator will provide ideas and instruction. Materials provided, and artists are encouraged to bring their […]
Battery Dance, a lower Manhattan–based dance company, held a public dance festival at the World Trade Center Plaza every year between 1982 and 2001. Just two weeks after the 9/11 attacks, the company presented a spontaneous performance entitled Pavilion at the Franklin Street subway station on the cusp of the “frozen zone." In conversation with […]
Book reading and signing by Jim Fusilli, author of A Song for Katy Shayne.
Immerse yourself in this meditative practice- surrounded by the Hudson’s peaceful aura. Strengthen the body and cultivate awareness in a relaxed environment as your instructor guides you through alignments and poses. All levels are welcome. Bringing your own mat is encouraged, as provided accessories are first come first serve.
Downtown Voices and NOVUS present an evening of powerful, thought-provoking music with the world premiere of Stephen Main’s The Image and Jessie Montgomery’s Divided. Composed for solo cello and orchestra, Divided captures the emotional turmoil of a world grappling with racial injustice, poverty, and climate change. Expanding on the theme of individual dignity, The Image […]
Learn the rules and mechanics of American Mah-Jongg. Join a two hour group lesson with instructor Susan Richards. Sets and a few cards provided, but you are encouraged to bring your own card. Registration required. For information and registration please email: [email protected].
Join this group of fiber art crafters for a fun afternoon of creativity and camaraderie. Bring your projects, which can include—but are not limited to—knitting, crocheting, embroidery and small-loom weaving.
Learn the basic rules, strokes, and strategy at this instructor-led clinic followed by open play. Equipment is provided or bring your own. All skill levels are welcome. Registration required, please email [email protected].
Join coaches from Martial Arts Family Studio for a taekwondo demonstration and learn the fundamentals at a skills clinic. Close-toed shoes required. Registration recommended, please email [email protected].
Hear a 45-minute program of early music in the small, English Gothic–style sanctuary tucked off Trinity’s nave. Trinity Choir and organist Avi Stein perform Musikalische Exequien, op. 7, by the great German composer Heinrich Schütz — a funeral piece that parallels the traditional Latin requiem in expressing mortality, comfort, and hope. The collection of motets, […]
Book reading and signing by Olivia Worley, author of So Happy Together.
This open house will feature a breadth of printing equipment that you will be invited to use. You’ll get to see how the designers at Bowne lock up limited edition designs that showcase some of the more eccentric parts from the Seaport Museum’s printing and graphic arts collection. Established in 1775, the original Bowne & […]
Screening and discussion. Sabbath Queen, a feature documentary filmed over 21 years, follows Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie’s epic journey as the dynastic heir of 38 generations of Orthodox rabbis including the Chief Rabbis of Israel. He is torn between rejecting and embracing his destiny and becomes a drag-queen rebel, a queer bio-dad and the founder of […]
A murderously groovy dystopian film featuring a future society that has evolved past wars, utilizing a televised murder show. Screenings include free popcorn and afterward discussion.