Hell’s Kitchen – Culture

The neighborhood saw rapid gentrification at the turn of the millennium. The resurgence of the theater district of the last several decades has spilled over onto 9th and 10th Avenue, bringing restaurants and nightlife further west. Hudson Yards and the 7 train extension to 34th Street also helped launch more investment in the area, leading to the construction of many newer luxury apartment towers. The LGBTQ community also expanded north from Chelsea, and many bars and clubs now cater to queer people. In the near future, plans to renovate or build a new Port Authority bus terminal will likely further invigorate the southern blocks of the neighborhood.

 

 

Museum of Arts and Design

The Museum of Arts and Design is focused on contemporary and historic innovations in the design world, including techniques and aesthetics. The museum bridges the divide between history and pop culture with exhibitions like the upcoming Barbie: A Cultural Icon. The curatorial outlook is cross-disciplinary through many creative fields and processes, and hosts films, conversations, and family-friendly events.

 

Intrepid Museum

The World War II era U.S.S Intrepid serves as both a centerpiece and the platform for an air and space museum. The museum’s permanent collection includes historic military aircraft and a nuclear powered submarine. But peacetime aviation is the real star with visitors able to view the Enterprise, the first space shuttle, and a retired Concorde jet, the world’s first supersonic commercial airplane. Additionally, the museum features assorted temporary exhibits focusing on the human stories behind many of their materials. 

 

Terminal 5

This 3,000-person music venue offers some of the city’s best live music events. The multi-level venue is almost twenty years old, but was recently renovated in 2019 to include a refurbished rooftop cocktail bar and updated interiors. The venue can also host private events and parties such as trade shows and product launches.

 

Playwrights Horizons

Playwrights Horizons is a dedicated space for the development of contemporary American playwrights supporting innovation in the craft and producing new shows by emerging voices. For more than 50 years, the organization has been fostering the evolution of contemporary theater and supporting new writers as they grow. The theater has two stages where they present a season of risk-taking productions.

 

Piano Bars

For some casual live entertainment, check out piano bars in Hell’s Kitchen where you’ll find both professionals and amateurs singing alongside live music. Bar Nine offers New York City’s “Original Dueling Pianos,” a musical showdown between professional pianists riffing on each other’s songs, and on Tuesdays, local amateurs are featured across a variety of performance disciplines. At Don’t Tell Mama, Broadway and Off-Broadway talent moonlight as bartenders and waiters. Between drink orders, these pros belt out their favorite showtunes. Audience members, who sometimes include celebrities and well-known professional singers, offer their own renditions. And over at So & So’s, you’ll find a neighborhood piano bar, but with an upscale cocktail bar and supper-club-style menu.