So, cold, cold January has arrived but not the fun part of January. The part where the calendar reads just after New Year's and the city has come to a frozen stop. All of your friends are suddenly broke and no one wants to leave their apartment because they have soup belly. Plus, with the sun setting at like a quarter after four in the afternoon, it feels dark all the time.
The worst part about this is that all the traditionally great free things to do in NYC- Walk the High Line, Bike Ride through Central Park, Run along Riverside Park - are suddenly terrible, terrible ideas. What to do? How about a visit to the Free Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology.(227 W 27th Street at 7th Avenue)
The
Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology is the only museum in New York City dedicated solely to the art of fashion, and features innovative and award-winning exhibitions. The museum's Fashion Culture special programs run year-round and include exhibition talk and tours, fashion conversations with leading designers, lectures and book signings. Admission to the exhibitions is always free year-round. We've been impressed with our visits in the past and always a unique place to hit.
With a mix of permanent and rotating exhibits, the museum houses work from designers such as Dior, Chanel, and Balenciaga. With more than 4,000 pairs of shoes, 50,000 clothing pieces and accessories (dating back to the 18th century), and 30,000 textiles (dating back to the 5th century), there is plenty to see here. Be sure to stop by the Gallery FIT to view work from up-and-coming students and faculty members as well.
Hey and if you still need some Free middle of winter entertainment when you're done, go for a spin on The Staten Island ferry and have a contest to find the saddest Staten Islanders on the boat.
