The Municipal Art Society of New York

The Municipal Art Society of New York is celebrating the arrival of spring with an entire month devoted to the city’s streets — those elements (including roads, adjoining buildings, sidewalks, street furniture, trees, plantings and open spaces) that combine to form the character of a street. We chose New York’s Changing Streetscapes for our April tour and events series because streets constitute more than a quarter of our city — our largest public space — and can be a core indicator of livability.

We have assembled exciting and thought-provoking panels of experts to discuss ways to build a better street, and to examine what New York can learn from other great cities. These panel discussions are complemented by a range of streets-focused tours.

“The Municipal Art Society is pleased to continue its long-standing tradition of offering events that educate and enlighten New Yorkers about their city,” said Vin Cipolla, MAS President. “New Yorkers’ growing interest in developing the city’s pedestrian areas could make this one of our most popular series yet.”

Our month-long series kicks-off on Saturday, April 3, with Manhattan Streetscapes: The Good, Bad & The Awful, a tour of some of the best and worst streetscapes that Manhattan has to offer, from the charm of Stone Street to others that sport sorry furniture and illegal signage. This tour is supplemented on Wednesday, April 7 by the panel discussion Are New York’s Streets Out of (Design) Control? .

Events and tours are priced at $15, $10 MAS members and are open to the public. Please note the various locations around the city. For more information about these events, visit MAS.org/calendar or call 212 935-2075.

New York’s Changing Streetscapes

PANEL DISCUSSIONS
Are New York’s Streets Out of (Design) Control?
Wednesday, April 7, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., at Scandinavia House MAP
Why are New York’s streets filled with the visual chaos of loud signs, tacky news racks, graffiti–covered phones that don’t work, and many styles of street furniture? Join in a lively discussion of New York’s streetscapes—the good, the bad and the awful. Reservations required. Purchase tickets online or call 212-935-2075.

Light Fight: What’s Effective, Sustainable & Affordable?
Tuesday, April 13, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., at French Institute Alliance Francaise MAP
How do you define, measure, and plan for energy efficiency and sustainability in lighting for New York City? Is LED-technology dependable enough to light our city in the near future? What are the advantages and disadvantages of different lighting forms? This knowledgeable panel will shed some light on an important topic. Reservations required. Purchase tickets online or call 212-935-2075.

The Complete Street: Sustainable, Healthy & Pleasurable
Thursday, April 29, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., at Scandinavia House MAP
“The Complete Street” envisioned by public servants and savvy transportation and public space advocates considers the needs of all—pedestrians, bicyclists, bus passengers, motorists and truck drivers—and seeks an equitable allocation of resources. Join in a lively discussion of the city streets of today and tomorrow. Reservations required. Purchase tickets online or call 212-935-2075.

TOURS
Manhattan Streetscapes: The Good, Bad & The Awful
Saturday, April 3, 11:00 a.m.
Tour some of the best and worst streetscapes that Manhattan has to offer, from the charm of Stone Street to others that sport sorry furniture and illegal signage. Purchase tickets online.

The Complete Street
Saturday, April 24, 11:00 a.m.
A complete street is one that supports all its users — pedestrians, cyclists, public transit, delivery vehicles and private cars. Tour the City’s major complete streets projects and learn about advantages, obstacles and trade-offs. Reservations required. Purchase tickets online or call 212-935-2075.