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New York City Tourism + Conventions Presents It’s Time for Culture Offerings

Dance Parade Beyond the Zone, Union Square, Manhattan | Courtesy, Miguel Chavez

NEW YORK CITY, 25 April 2023 — New York City Tourism + Conventions announced the return of It’s Time for Culture with offerings at nearly 100 cultural organizations across all five boroughs, available May 9-21. The program, comprising seasonal events, concerts, tours, classes, family-friendly programs and more, kicks off the unofficial start of the New York City summer cultural season. A full list of organizations and offerings are available here.

“Cultural travel accounts for 40 percent of global travel and continues to be one of the top activities for visitors to New York City,” said Fred Dixon, President and CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions. “As the weather warms, we’re launching It’s Time for Culture to encourage visitors to explore the diversity and vibrancy of our city’s cultural landscape, and the talent and creativity that can be found across all five boroughs.” 

Amateur Night Quarter Final, the Apollo Theater, Harlem, Manhattan | Courtesy, Shahar-Azran

It’s Time for Culture is a celebration of the range and richness of New York City’s offerings, providing visitors the opportunity to enjoy a variety of experiences and immersions into the City’s vibrant cultural scene. Consumers can sort through nearly 100 offerings by borough, neighborhood and category. As the premier sponsor of New York City Tourism + Conventions’ signature vibrancy programs, Mastercard® is the preferred payment partner of It’s Time for Culture. A sampling of participants includes Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, Coney Island USA, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Mark Morris Dance Group, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Dance Parade, New York Live Arts, Museum of the City of New York, National Museum of the American Indian, Apollo Theater, Harlem One Stop, American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog, Louis Armstrong House Museum, New York Hall of Science, National Lighthouse Museum, among many others.

“I am thrilled to support New York City Tourism + Conventions’ It’s Time for Culture program, bringing awareness to unique cultural organizations across all five boroughs,” said Taryn Sacramone, Executive Director at Queens Theatre and Co-Chair of New York City Tourism + Conventions’ Cultural Committee. “We look forward to welcoming visitors to Queens Theatre to experience our interactive magic show, and we encourage them to check out the variety of vibrant cultural offerings included in the program.”

Follow along using the hashtag #ItsTimeForCulture on @nyctourism across Twitter and Instagram, as well as #WhatsGoodNYC.

New York City’s economic recovery continued in 2022 with over 56 million travelers arriving in the City—a 72.5% increase over 2021. This activity marks the return of 85% of the City’s record 2019 visitation levels. The City remains on track to welcome 63.3 million visitors in 2023. In New York City, cultural travelers historically account for more than half of visitors. 

Ailey Extension Dance Wokrshop, Alvin Ailey, Katherine Jimenez, Times Square, Manhattan | Courtesy, Rob DeMartin
Friday Nights at the Whitney 

The Whitney offers pay-what-you-wish admission for all visitors each Friday from 7 to 10pm. Enjoy the museum’s exhibitions along with drinks at the Studio Bar and sunset views on the terraces.

Location: Whitney Museum of American Art     
99 Gansevoort St. Manhattan, NY 10014

Whitney Museum, Chelsea, Manhattan | Courtesy, Whitney Museum
Spring Uncorked 

Sip and savor spring during a wine lover’s weekend at New York Botanical Garden, featuring wineries from the Hudson Valley, Brooklyn and Long Island. Enjoy samples, relax to live music, learn the science behind making great wines and kick back with a variety of crafts and games.

Location: New York Botanical Garden 
2900 Southern Blvd. Bronx, NY 10458 

Spring Uncorked, New York Botanical Garden, Bedford Park, Bronx
Date Night at The Met 

Bring a friend or special someone (or just yourself) for an evening of live music, drinks and 5,000 years of art. This event is free with museum admission, which is always pay-what-you-wish for New York State residents and NY, NJ, and CT students with valid ID; pay-what-you-wish tickets can only be reserved in person, so allow extra time for lines. The event is wheelchair accessible, and assistive listening devices with headsets or neck loops are available from the Admissions Desk in the Main Hall. You are encouraged to bring your own headphones.

Location: The Met  
Fifth Ave. at 82nd St. Manhattan, NY 10028 

The Met Date Night, Upper West Side, Manhattan | Courtesy, Paula Lobo
The Great Lighthouse Hunt 

Using a map and directions, travel through Staten Island and stop at the different locations to view the 10 lighthouses on and around the borough. Each location will have volunteers from the National Lighthouse Museum, who will give you lighthouse facts and the stickers corresponding with each lighthouse on your map. Traveling by car, motorcycle or bicycle (for experienced cyclists) is recommended. A family or group can pay for one car ($35); motorcyclists and cyclists are $15 each.

Location: National Lighthouse Museum 
200 The Promenade at Lighthouse Point, Staten Island, NY 10301 

National Lighthouse Museum