On Thursday evening I power walked down to the Lower East Side to catch a talk by Joshua David and Robert Hammond, founders of The Highline at the Tenement Museum.
This relatively new museum is particularly lovely destination in the cool part of town. It runs free talks in evenings and although I've wanted to attend many this is the first one I've actually managed to make...I was late and it was standing room only, but it was still brilliant to here these two amazing men speak.
Anyone who knows me and has had to listen to me blab on and on about how the Highline is my absolute favourite thing to do or see or place just to hang out in New York will know how much I enjoyed this talk.
It took you through the founding of Friend’s of the Highline, the original competition entries with ideas on what to do with the space (urban rollercoaster or bathing pool anyone?) to the architectural highlights, the planting philosophy and really interestingly...what will come next.
The High Line is a public park built on an historic freight rail line. It opened to trains in 1934 and was designed to go through the center of blocks, rather than over the avenues (lwhich gives it amazing views). It connected directly to factories and warehouses, allowing trains to roll right inside buildings. In the 1990s, as the line lay unused and in disrepair it was slated for demolition under the administration of New York Mayor.
Whehn someone tells me they haven’t visited the highline I am always shocked. And last night I was reminded why...it’s a park conceived and run by New Yorker’s for the people of New York. Yes it’s full of tourists at the weekend but go early morning or on an evening and you will have the run of one of New York’s finest offerings. It offers such an amazing perspective on the city that it is impossible not to fall in love with it all over again!
And if this wasn’t a gushing enough review then I have attached just a couple of personal photos to help you on your way...