In the mid-1800’s the architect Richard Upjohn helped bring the Gothic Revival movement to the US. One exquisite example of his work, a gorgeous brownstone church building in the Flatiron District, is now a trendy shopping mall. (Really!) For about a century this building was the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion. Then, it was a wild nightclub called The Limelight. Now it is Limelight Marketplace, a sanctuary for art and design.
Stepping inside off of busy 6th Avenue is a little like sliding down Alice’s rabbit hole. This place is strange and magical and entirely unique. Bypass the racks of summer dresses (or don’t!), and check out Orbit Gallery Space. They showcase POP! Art, so you’ll find icons like Andy Warhol, Keith Harring and SHAG next to newbie painters, animators and graffiti artists. Luckily, if all that POP celebration of consumerism puts you in the mood to shop, there are plenty of ways to spend your money here!
Head upstairs to Old Hollywood. They have an incredible selection of vintage and vintage-inspired jewelry, clothing and collectables. Plus, they offer limited edition prints, sculpture and so much more, like this Beetle & Flor porcelain beaver skull. Bonus: it’s art for a good cause!
As you wander through Limelight, be sure to stop and note the incredible painted-glass windows, which have been fully restored to their church-day splendor. Honestly, the chance to get up close and personal with these windows is reason enough to stop by. Well, that and Grimaldi’s! I mean, Grimaldi’s is some of the best pizza in all of New York, and now you don’t have to trek to Brooklyn for it. Hallelujah!
Ingredients:
Venues: Limelight Marketplace; Orbit Gallery Space
Artists: Various
Streets: 20th St & 6th Ave
Eats: Grimaldi’s
Map:
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