Downtown Live: Insta-worthy Photo Ops To Grab Between Sets

If you’re one of the arts and culture denizens attending Downtown Live free performances, you’re in luck: Lower Manhattan’s nature walks and parks are particularly inspiring in spring thanks to the playful art and lush greenery surrounding the neighborhood. But even the most curious artist deserves a tip on where to look for a rush of inspiration. 

Here’s a handful of our favorite walking routes within intermission’s walking-distance of each Downtown Live performance space.

Downtown Live Stage 1 (1 Battery Park Plaza)

It is never a bad idea to meander along The Battery’s walking or bike paths if you need to stretch your legs or catch a glimpse of our perennial muse, Lady Liberty. If you time the visit right, you’ll score dramatic tree-speckled sunsets or a dreamy SeaGlass Carousel.

For those seeking a quiet seat, head over to Bowling Green’s benches. The white noise from the water fountain coupled with bold annual flowers is bliss.

Downtown Live Stage 2 (85 Broad Street)

Some of the best plays and paintings draw from people watching (from a safe distance, of course!), and any free bench at Stone Street offers that plus a variety of food and drinks to enjoy while you draw original conclusions on life and love in the times of Covid.

Head up to 28 Liberty for two opposites attract art pieces: Jean Dubuffet’s whimsical “Group of Four Trees” are 40 feet above ground, making it a natural backdrop for original photo or video clips. Don’t sleep on artist Isamu Noguchi’s “Sunken Garden” nearby — the rock display and water’s inner grace balances the trees’ obvious extroversion.

Downtown Live Stage 3 (4 New York Plaza) 

A serene area to enjoy our East River proximity and spot one of several wildlife residents.

Take your pick among the nearby sculptures “Double Check Businessman” (corner of Liberty Street and Broadway), “Red Cube” (across Broadway), “Rose III” (corner of Liberty and Church Streets) and “Joie de Vivre” (corner Cedar Street and Broadway).  

photos: Ann-Sophie Fjello-Jensen, Stuart Ramson, Josh Katz