Too many visitors only take in the towering spires of midtown Manhattan and the glitz of Times Square. But New York is really a gateway city, combining the unique cultural aspects of not one, but five diverse boroughs - Manhattan, The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens & Staten Island - each with its own distinct personality and appeal that, when taken together, create the "New York experience." Here are some of the wonderful attractions located in the outer boroughs.
The Bronx
Built in 1836 by businessman Robert Bartow, the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, a restored landmark museum, features rooms furnished with period objects, and walled gardens. A rare example of country elegance in New York City, the mansion is open Wed., Sat., and Sun., noon-4pm (the grounds are open daily, 8:30am-dusk). 895 Shore Rd., 718-885-1461; www.bartowpellmansionmuseum.org
The Bronx Zoo is the flagship of the largest network of metropolitan zoos in the country. Whether you're swinging with the primates in their famous Congo Gorilla Forest, chilling with snow leopards in the Himalayan Highlands, or hanging out in the zoo's huge indoor Asian rainforest, JungleWorld, you are sure to spend the day in an adventurous way. Bronx River Parkway & Boston Road, 718-367-1010; www.bronxzoo.com
Brooklyn
Once known as "EL 375," a mid-19th-century cargo barge belonging to the Erie Lackawanna Railroad, BargeMusic is now a floating venue to enjoy live classical music with a great view of the Brooklyn Bridge. Visit their website for schedule. Fulton Ferry Landing near the Brooklyn Bridge, 718-624-2083; www.bargemusic.org
As a thriving cultural arts center, Brooklyn Academy of Music gives contemporary American and international performing arts (dance, music, theater, and opera) a home. Check their website for upcoming programming. 30 Lafayette Ave., 718-636-4100; www.bam.org
Queens
Fisher Landau Center for Art contains key works by artists who have shaped the most significant art of the last 40 years, including John Baldessari, Jenny Holzer, Jasper Johns, Sherrie Levine, Robert Rauschenberg, Susan Rothenberg, Ed Ruscha, Mark Tansey, Cy Twombly, and others. Thurs.-Mon., noon-5pm. 38-27 30th St., Long Island City, 718-937-0727; www.flcart.org
Queens Theatre in the Park, located at the site of the 1939 and 1964 World's Fairs, is the borough's premier performing arts center. With diverse programs great for all ages, this intimate space puts on dance and theater works, concerts, and much more. For upcoming performances, visit their website. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, 718-760-0064; www.queenstheatre.org
Staten Island
Concentrating on the art and culture of Tibet and its surrounding regions, the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art will please everyone. Two fieldstone buildings designed to resemble a Himalayan mountain temple provide an atmosphere of beauty and tranquility. Rather than stationary exhibits of art, the museum strives to connect with living culture through its art displays. Wed-Sun., 1-5pm. 338 Lighthouse Ave., 718-987-3500; www.tibetanmuseum.org
The Noble Maritime Collection celebrates the people and traditions of the working waterfront of New York Harbor, continuing the legacy of distinguished marine artist, John A. Noble. The Collection preserves and interprets Noble's art, writings, and historical maritime artifacts. Thurs.-Sun., 1-5pm. Snug Harbor Cultural Center, 1000 Richmond Terr., 718-447-6490; www.noblemaritime.org
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