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The Guggenheim is taking its art to the streets this week—and, in a rare bit of Upper East Side news that won’t cost you a dime, the whole thing is completely free.
On Thursday, August 20, the museum will take over East 88th Street for its Late Shift: Block pARTy, an end-of-summer bash with live music, art-making, games, snacks and even a screening of Barbie. The party runs from 5pm to 8:30pm outside the museum and is free with an RSVP.
The evening takes its inspiration from the museum's current exhibition, Guggenheim Pop: 1960 to Now, which explores more than six decades of Pop Art. For a few hours, 88th Street will essentially become a giant Pop Art playground, complete with chess, Connect 4, Jenga, art trivia and badminton inspired by Claes Oldenburg. There will also be communal puzzles featuring Frank Lloyd Wright designs, drop-in art-making stations and a photo booth with Pop-inspired props.
Naturally, a block party needs a soundtrack. Composer and producer Debit kicks things off at 5pm with a set that will mix Latin-inspired percussion, techno and bass-heavy electronic music. At 6pm, percussion collective A.B.E.L.A. takes over with an improvised blend of electronic instrumentation and ancestral rhythms from across the Global South. Then, at 7pm, women-centered drumming ensemble Fogo Azul closes out the music with Brazilian percussion and a marching-band-style performance.
Guests can create sun prints inspired by Lucia Hierro’s De todo un poco or grab supplies from the museum’s Art Cart for some impromptu drawing. And to beat the heat, you can retreat inside to the Peter B. Lewis Theater for a screening of Barbie. The Wright Restaurant will also be serving summer mocktails, popcorn, jumbo pretzels and hot dogs.
One important caveat: The Guggenheim’s galleries will be closed during the block party, so despite the event’s inspiration, you won’t actually be able to wander through Guggenheim Pop during the festivities. If you want to see the exhibition, plan to visit before the party starts at 5 pm.
Still, free music, art, games and Barbie on Fifth Avenue? That’s a pretty solid way to send off summer.