PS1 Contemporary Art Center
- Nearest Transit:
45 Road-Court Sq (7)
21st St (Van Alst) (G)
LIC-Court Sq (E, V, G)
- Good for Kids: No
45 Reviews for PS1 Contemporary Art Center
Ps1, you are a good little museum. I like you a lot. I make the trip to see you quite often. For that I would normally say 5STARS!
Yet,
do not eat here. The cafe prices are beyond ridiculous for the amount of time you will wait to get your food and the attitude of the staff.
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I'm sure there are bad shows here, but I haven't been to one, yet. Went to see "Artic Hysteria" and "Take Your Time" (what a great name for an art exhibit in OUR time). The shows here are generally so much more fun than the stuff at MOMA or MOCA in Chicago, and with admission at 5 bucks you can't beat it.
Also a great excuse to take someone to Queens, which I love. Broaden their horizons at least past the East River, I always say.
Also, don't miss the giftshop. There aren't many trendy household gadgets like at MOMA, but the books and videos on offer are pretty cool. And right now they even have their own chickens, they're not soaking in formaldehyde, and damien hirst has nothing to do with it.
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I like PS1 a lot. The fact that it's an outpost of art, music, food and shopping in the middle of nowhere in Queens always makes going there kind of an adventure. The art exhibits usually focus on the "new and experimental" -- I saw a few things at this year's Whitney Biennial that I had seen at PS1 months before. When you go there on a normal day and they're not hosting an event, the space is chill, and there is a lot to see -- I think it has about 4 floors. I've never bothered to get anything more than a quick cookie or drink from the cafe, and I haven't tried to have a meal there because from what I remember it's a little pricey for what it is -- sandwiches, salads, that kind of thing.
If you go there for the summer Saturday afternoon Warm Up parties, you will appreciate their efforts to make the outdoor space unique and cool. This year they have a bunch of little barrels filled with dozens of different kinds of plants in them, and they've nestled a nice little foot pool in between and underneath these plants. They also have some chickens just clucking away in a little gated-off area to the side of the vast concrete dance floor. But I've gone to a couple Warm Up parties every summer for the last few summers and each year they make the outdoor space look radically different. The only thing I was disappointed about this year was that they didn't have the sandbox area that they usually have near the entrance -- or else it was closed by the time we got there at 7.
6 or later is definitely the best time to show up for the Warm Up. By that time, the crowd has developed, everyone is sufficiently sauced and the hot sun has relented. The DJ line up is a little different each year, but I haven't heard anything new and groundbreaking at these parties -- it's the standard mix of house and techno that's meant to please a mixed crowd. There are all types of people that show up -- house music nerds with serious dance moves, 9-5ers, college kids, 30 somethings, popped collars, hipsters, people who still dress like it's a 1990s rave. The party consistently draws a racially mixed crowd, too, and a balanced number of guys and girls, so usually it's a nice mix of people. Each time I've gone I've met several people and just talked with anyone; it's that kind of friendly, no attitude vibe.
My only complaint about this place is the bathrooms. Even if you go there on a quieter day, for some reason the bathrooms are always messy, stinky or out of toilet paper. But other than that it's a nice art and party space that offers something outside the usual Manhattan/Brooklyn haunts if you are looking for something different to do.
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The art is hit or miss, but at least they take chances or they used to at least. Maybe influence of MOMA has made it more conservative. I know what really has gotten worse however, the Warm up parties. Like wtf, who arranges this music line up nowadays? I'm not looking forward to it this summer... and that's just sad since they were good (years ago). Plus they turned it into a farm this summer? OKAY. Sounds weird but I guess now I will just have to go take a peek.
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Usually great shows, (WACK was WACK though) The Sky Room is exquisite. Summer parties are the perfect way to take this place in.
but the CAFE there is the single worst I've ever experienced. waited 45 minutes after I ordered to receive a "croque monsieur" - let's get this straight, a grilled cheese, that even after 45 minutes of cooking was still cold. The salad dressing tasted like mustard, only, and their idea of a chai latte is pouring steamed milk over a tea bag. (um, tea doesn't steep in milk). And they rape you with the prices as well, because you're stuck there... what a joke. MOMA should be embarrassed this place is under their ownership. Bring a snack.
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Nice space. Quick to walk through. Free admission due to construction for the next show starting tomorrow.
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Oh PS 1...
First, you disorient me by making me venture outside of Manhattan just as I was getting the hang of things. Then, you hit me with an incredible exhibition of visually challenging art in mediums ranging from paintings to photography to video and sculptural installations that cater to my art dorkiness. But the kicker was that the exhibition spoke to my radical feminist sensibilities. WACK!: Art and the Feminist Revolution is a great exhibit of female artists. It might not be for everybody, but it sure was for me.
Way to go for the jugular PS 1. You swept me off my feet.
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Hit or miss art. I've seen more misses, but admission is very cheap and free (with admission to the summer Warm Up parties or MoMa).
I love that it's housed in an old public school building, but I'm not going to lie. Sometimes I get the creeps. Yeah, I believe in the supernatural, and it's scary, ok?
The highlight of PS1 are the summer parties. The tents are pretty and lots of fun. The parties bring over a lot of people, especially hipsters, from the city and Williamsburg. You can expect to see some American Apparel headbands and deep V-necks.
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Admission price is great. Adults $5, students $2, children under 12 free.
Nice space, nice design, we had fun.
Over paid for a salad that was just ok.
Over all a nice Saturday afternoon.
Really a hit or miss place for art, but always fun. Probably not a where you want to bring your parents when they're in town. More like a place to bring your dorky art friends. In my opinion, PS 1 is the go to place for video art and installations. Awesome building inside and out. Artists often take advantage of the space. It's free if you save your MOMA ticket stub in the past 30 days.
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It's hit or miss, but so amazing that an outlet like this exists.
Take a walk around the warehouses across the street for a special treat. I've never seen such amazing graffiti art in my life. Its passionate, raw and plentiful. Some of the work is refined and other works are ultimate examples of primitive expressionism.
(Jeez- I sound like a pretentious ass)
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I find I love the space more than the art at times.
But they are cost effective. And have cool events through out the year.
Awesome, awesome, awesome. I love modern art and PS 1 fits the bill: brimming with subversive installations, paintings, photography, sculpture, you name it. It's visceral, enchanting, and exciting. However, I'm one of those people who can spend hours in a museum.
Also, walking around the space is a bit eerie (in a neat way) since the museum used to be an old school. There's tons of inspiring exhibits, but there are no permanent collections. This may work out in y our favor since th art is constantly rotating and changing. And yes, there are student discount rates, too.
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PS1 is an amazing collection of contemporary art. I highly recommend you go there IMMEDIATELY. I visited PS1 in November of 2007, and I enjoyed everything. The work here is mostly installations, film work, and some traditional mediums as well.
Of note was the long term installation by James Turrell called "Meeting", which is basically a room with a large square opening in the ceiling emitting this blue glow and fog and cold air, leaving you to wonder if it's a hole in the ceiling or a machine you can't see... or if its even a hole at all! Also a huge installation by a Brazilian artist (whose name escapes me at the moment) made of enormous gold and black skeletons, ropes and canes, that takes up two floors. Also, near the check in desk and barely noticeable, there is a hole in the floorboards and if you look into it you can see there's actually a small video screen playing imagery. Some other stuff I personally thought was really cool was giant projected video montage of a crazy person talking and hanging out and interacting with people... it was completely insane, a really interesting glimpse into the mind and mannerisms of a crazy person. There was also a giant bear covered with fluffy yellow feathers. They had staff in PS1 shirts in various rooms that did nothing but stand in statue-like poses looking at the art... we tried scaring one of them, but he didn't flinch!
The gift shop is also really cool... only thing I would avoid is the bathrooms, but that sort of goes with any public bathroom in NYC.
A really inspiring contemporary art experience for sure.
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I've never been for the summer parties, but I like the museum. The art is a mixed bag, some stuff is amazing and some is just boring or pretentious, but the space is really cool because it's in an old school building. I always make sure to check out the installations in the boiler room in the basement; you always feel like you're discovering something.
Also make sure to head across the street to 5 Pointz to see some very neat graffiti art after checking out the museum.
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I strongly prefer this place to MOMA. I'll take Jackson over 53rd St any day of the week. It is such a beautiful Long Island City neighborhood and houses this massive and massively awesome museum. The exhibits also seem to be more esoteric and interesting than a lot of other museums. Some highlights were the extensive exhibits of video art, films, and "paintings" made through stitching.
The real great thing here that I think is continuing for a while is the Rainer Werner Fassbinder -- Berlin Alexanderplatz exhibit. If you don't know the work of Fassbinder, that's fine, you get tons and tons of mounted stills, TVs with headphones looping 2-3 minute scenes from the film, and get this -- 14 small rooms and screens projecting over and over each part of the film. I wouldn't plan on watching it all in one sitting though as the run time hits about 15 hours. However, if you want to get into Fassbinder I highly recommend you rent some of his shorter work too. I particularly love Love Is Colder Than Death, Chinese Roulette, and Merchant of Four Seasons.
I almost got lost in the maze that is the great R.W. There are also some great making of shots mixed in. NOT TO BE MISSED if you're a fan of New German Cinema.
Given their decision to have such an expansive exhibit on Fassbinder means I will definitely check back and see what's going on here in the future. I know MOMA has screened Fassbinder but like this? I truly doubt it.
No clue what Rotarded Ro Ro means in his review. I went on a Sunday afternoon and it was relatively quiet. There were people but NO WHERE the amount you'd find at the same time in a Manhattan joint.
Go Queens.
Side note: $2 entry with a student ID. $5 normal.
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If i lived in NYC I would frequent P.S. 1 on a regular basis. This place is awesome!!
1) THE ART!
There's no permanent collection only rotating exhibits of up and coming, cutting edge, contemporary artists. Some artists are only featured in smaller side rooms while others get more attention in the larger rooms. There's so much to see and look at with out being overwhelming. It's good for those with a short art-attentions spans. It's like a bunch of little galleries all in one building featuring all top notch artists with top of the line presentation.
2) The Building
I love that it's in an old Public School. It gives off a recycled and historic feel as you walk from exhibit to exhibit. But without seeming dingy or old. It's definitely clean, well though out and well kept.
3) The Price:
$5 non student - $3 student
free for MoMA members or with your MoMA ticket within 30 days.
love love love love LOVE it!
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I hate massive crowds, so to me I didn't really care too much about this place when I first got there.
It's like a huge rave...
if you were stoned, high, trashed, or whatever---perhaps you wouldn't mind the crowd.
So 2 hrs later-I, no longer cared and had a smashing time but that's only after being there for 2 hrs.
I give it 3 stars only because you have to subject yourself to another level----sobriety kills!
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Really, really, REALLY cool place with stuff you'd never see at your average art museum...Instead of the sterile environment that art is often presented in, this place provides an eclectic, organic, yet respectful atmosphere for art. If you're into art, you MUST go check it out. It'll give you an entirely different perspective on museums.
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Dragged against my will (initially) to PS.1 for their "Warm-Up" summer house party, I wasn't so excited to leave Manhattan on a hot saturday afternoon to go participate in what I call "my nightmare" (massive crowds). But I had so much fun lying in the hammocks with my friends and dancing to the music. Partially deaf after it all ended, but fun nonetheless.
As for the actual museum, I think it's a great concept. I just don't like it as much in comparison to a planned museum designed specifically to exhibit works of art. Usage of rooms were suspect, I'm always 50-50 when it comes to contemporary art, and the long lines for the unisex bathrooms rubbed me the wrong way one too many times. But it is worth checking out if you've never been.
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A really cool place to visit, even if you're not into contemporary/modern art (which I'm not). If nothing else you will be amused by the various spectacles inside.
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Why don't more people go to PS1? It's such a cool space and there are always interesting projects.
Really, Manhattanites, it's only 20 minutes from midtown! And you can go in for free with a MoMA admission ticket (up to 30 days from the date of ticket!).
I love the little bookstore!
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Oh man, I love this place. I did a dance program in middle school and we got to perform in that huge awesome room on the top floor...totally rocked my socks.
The installations can be hit or miss depending on the type of art you like, but it changes pretty frequently so there's always something new to see.
Best thing is to go in warmer weather, that way you can go see installations on the roof and outside. I haven't been to the dance parties they have there yet, but you can be sure it's on my to-do list!
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Hands-down my favorite large-scale contempo-gallery I've been to state-side! I live in Chicago, and it's the only place I repeatedly visit when I'm in The City.
I love art that makes you say WTF!, laugh, is cutting edge, obscure, tongue-in-cheek and generally impressive. And I really like found objects and mixed media- this place is chok full of the above.
Finally I found a space that (in my mind) creates a feeling parallel to the one I experienced when at the Saatchi Gallery in London when it was on the Thames.
Bonus points for being located in queens and amongst some very impressive graffiti!
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Warm up parties rock so get ready to boogie and have a smile on your face. This MOMA offshoot restores my hope that the institution lost with the manhattan museum. This is the place to see young, truly contemporary work if you are not a tourist.
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PS1 is a great space. Cutting edge contemporary art and of course the summer Warm Up parties.
I have been going to the summer parties for the past 3 years now and I always have a blast. Expect to hear 2-3 DJ's spinning per event. Expect a variety of electronic music genres. The crowd is always good at these events, a good mix of people who just want to get down and boogie outdoors as opposed to in some stinky basement. Don't get me wrong, stinky basement parties are BAD ASS.
One problem with the Warm Up parties are that they tend to get very crowded and bathroom lines can be painful. I'm talking about a 45 minute wait. I have learned the trick: Leave and walk across the street to the Irish Pub, have a shot of tequila and use their bathroom. This will take you 15 minutes! Trust me.
Ah I miss the summer...
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I went here seeking something fresher and newer than the MoMA, and definitely got an enormous and well-curated dose of contemporary video, sculpture, print and photo work. In general the selection is pitch-perfect, as well as the very reasonable $5 admission fee, low-key coat check room, and general ease of entrance. The James Turrell room ("Meeting") opens at dusk (3:30 p.m., currently); whatever your opinion on Turrell's pieces, it's worth it to wait for it to open and sit in there for even a couple of minutes. The spaces are varied: there are small rooms that make sense for smaller-scale and print work, as well as large, airy and impeccably well-maintained halls (especially the one currently housing Kris Martin). I like the way the administrative offices on the third floor all have open doors and meld with the exhibitions. The cafe seemed reasonably-priced and has a startling pink neon piece on the ceiling. My favorite part in terms of facilities was the unisex bathrooms on every floor! It helps to be housed in an old elementary school, I guess, since I easily avoided the long bathroom lines of the Met, the MoMA, etc. The security staff also seemed very diverse in age/race and seemed surprisingly well-versed in information regarding the pieces.
Also showing now is a staggeringly huge exhibition of Berlin Alexanderplatz (a 15-hour film series). Suffice it to say that I've never seen such a thoughtful and generous exhibition of a straightforward film--the space is replete with multiple methods of viewing and understanding the series without being too didactic.
Finally, if you went to public school in or around NYC you might also experience a nice twinge of nostalgia, since the chicken wire stairwells leading to the roof and the brick-walled boiler room of my youth have been left intact. It was like being back in my alma mater PS 11, but instead of crotchety math teachers the rooms were filled with great art!
Tip: with a ticket stub from MoMA (even from their free Friday nights), you get in free within 30 days of the original date!
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This art museum was awesome. Its in a super huge creepy old school and exhibits are in the old classrooms. It wasn't stuffy or pretentious as museums tend to be. I went in the winter so I haven't gotten to experience one of the outdoor summer parties yet, but they sound amazing. I can't wait to go back later this year and see some different exhibits and rock the summer parties.
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I'm not a New Yorker, but a random visit to this place turned out to be the highlight of my trip! We thought we were going to look at contemporary art and possibly have a beer or two in the outside area, but before we knew it DJs were playing music for six hours straight and the crowd was incredibly pumped up. Everyone was dancing and having a great time. The exhibit was wonderful too.
I highly recommend this place, especially if you are lucky enough to nearby. I hear they do this every Saturday until Labor Day, but again, I don't know much about this event! Also a great place to entertain your out of town guests!
I HEART "Warm Up", their summer outdoor house party! I went on a random Saturday. I had NO desire to go there, just because I was enjoying my sun bathing at the Pier. "But you don't want to miss these kids!", my friend screamed at me over the phone, regarding the Martinez Brothers, who were headlining the party.
Alas, I was convinced. I managed to get myself into a car, and when finally arrived, the line wrapped around the place. I wasn't having it! My Gordon came from inside the party to stand with me the whole time. We made it in. It was a ZOOOOO! I mean, 3000 crazy (albeit some of them were delicious!) people dancing to one of the most dynamic sounds I had heard in some time! It was outrageous!
We danced and danced, for a solid 3 hours, while laughing hysterically at the shows that the kids were throwing below us. I mean, the costumes these people wear! LOLOLOL! We have video and loads of photos! Times up, time for dinner, we spend another 40 minutes trying to make our way back to the front door to exit! Definitely going back, but only with me Lala, My Gordon, My Thomas, and crew. Yay for them making me leave Manhattan to experience such a different party!
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PS1 is MoMA's rambunctious step daughter. Most of the time she shows us things that are exciting, contemporary and cutting edge. But occasionally she stands clumsily, at an awkward kilter.
My visit started out by drinking cappuccino out of a dirty cup, while a German tourist tried to discretely sneak a photo of my moment of solitude. I saw the coffee stained mug and the jaunty photographer's failed attempt at being sly, but I said nothing. I just sat and thought about art making.
I paid the full $5. "suggested" donation for the first time. I don't know why. I could have paid a dollar or less, but I felt supportive of my comrades in the arts.
The museum always offers something to take away, to ponder and offers many less ponderous works. This time, I was excited about seeing the Vic Muniz photography exhibit. I was less so about the paintings made of make-up and the sculptures made of peanut butter.
I always have a difficult time with the video pieces here, because the presentation is not welcoming or comfortable for long stretches of viewing. However, there was one video piece, by Catherine Ross, that stood out . She used the hand gestures of "Three's Company" episodes to create a musical dance of neurotic gesticulations. It was fantastic.
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Hot, sweaty and completely huge. Warm Up, the Saturday event from 3 to 9, is a huge outdoor dance party. Check the 2006 schedule here: http://www.ps1.org/ps1.... Beers are six bucks, waters are two. You buy tickets first and then give those tickets away when you get your beer. Sometimes you can hold onto your ticket and not drop it in the box- no one notices..
The music is variant based on the djs spinning, but you can expect great things.. lots of people, all about having a good time.
Sunglasses is a must. and sunscreen.
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A great space in an old school that is dedicated to contemporary art (as opposed to "modern" - the semantics of it all get silly). Wander through the halls and get taken back to the days of lockers and period bells.
A lot of video installations, which are either hit or a very big miss. They are very powerful if they are successful though, so this is a good place to go to get some inspiration.
I haven't been in awhile, so I'll need to check it out again and report back..
p.s. If you're in the area, make sure to check out 5 Points, an old factory that has become a safe haven for graffiti artists (the whole block, Jackson Avenue at Crane Street and Davis Street):
http://www.sleepingfis...
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PS 1 is pretty spiffy. There are some really cool things here, but a big portion of the art is video art, which can become a little repetitive. Other works save the day though, especially a room full of Hujar's photography. It made me giddy. The building is fun too. And there's a little cafe on the first floor, a little pricey if I remember but the selections sounded tasty.
No photography allowed.
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I'm hesitant to rate five stars when I haven't attended one of the Warm Up parties, but as a museum it's my favorite. It doesn't have the space and names the big museums have, but the art truly is cutting-edge, while remaining diverse enough to be entertaining. PS1 keeps your attention throughout. I never get that guilty feeling of wondering how many more floors of art I have to endure. And you never what you're going to find in the dark rooms of the basement floor. When it's time to take a break, enjoy hot tea or organic soda out front. Cheers.
went to the PS1 Warm Up this past saturday and had a blast! huge outdoor dance party with really good DJs playing from 3-9pm every saturday during the summer. admission is $10, but it also includes admission to the museum. if you want to dance your heart out (and you don't mind techno music), this is the place to go during the summer!
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I loooooove PS1. The idea of turning an old elementary school into an art museum and the experience of being there is surprisingly fun and exciting. (Probably because you are at a school, having a good time, instead of having the teacher be at your throat about the times tables). I'd totally recommend out of towners to visit PS1 than the MoMA.
This place is by no means a California flat outdoor school on a lot, but it's a big old brick building with 3 stories, a basement and lots of rooms. So when you get lucky and go on a day where all the installations are up, it's a fun artsy fartsy playground. Especially with the new media works. Last time I was there I was just kicking back on some bean bag chairs watching the video art of Kalup Linzy.
The John Lurie exhibit that's going until 8/14 is also worth checking out. I love his snarky, crude drawings and paintings.
I definitely can't wait until 7/1 when they kick off their summer parties, Warm Up.
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AWESOME.
Went to PS1 for the Warm Up Party on July 1st... had a chance to view the modern exhibit (note, kids under 17 not allowed w/o parents because the showing was very graphic/sensational).
Music (house) and sound system rocked: almost reminded me of the SF Wet Parties way back when...not quite, but almost as it was an eclectic mix of artists, DJs, etc just out looking to dance like crazy from 3PM-9PM.
Tip: it is BLAZING hot and stuffy in the dance pit: do yourself a favour and wear as cool/comfy clothes as possible and try to leave your purse at home. They only serve beer/water which is fine cuz it's too hot to drink anything else, anyway.
I bought my tix ahead of time for $12/each, but ticker holders and ticket buyers all share the same line so there was really no point in that. Buy tickets when you get there for $10/each.
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So I went to P.S. 1 when I last visited NY because a friend had recommended it and the pamphlet at the MOMA made it sound cool. What really makes this a destination is the fact that the young architects program has a competition to design the courtyard every year. So you get your dance on in the midst of hip edgy design during their Warm Up events (saturdays in the summer). The concept of reusing an old school for an art museum is better than the excecution. There are a few good exhibits, a lot of freaky deaky stuff in the basement, and some average contemporary art. Overall the museum was a bit of a let down, but the party was great. So the Warm Up event gets 5 stars (note that the free admission to P.S. 1 that you get for going to the MOMA is not good for "Warm Up", but you are free to take a break from dancing your ass off to go look at some art), while the museum itself gets 3.5 stars.
Directions:
If you're taking the E/V train get off at 23rd. For the G train get off at 21st.
A great summer party. Every Saturday. Get there early if you don't want to be overwhelmed by the crowd. Starts getting packed around 7pm. Dance to the outdoor house music. Many renown DJ's have done their thing here, ie Fat Boy Slim. Have a beer in a sandy, hut-style hangout area. Watch bubbles fly through the air, and beach balls come crashing down from windows on the 3rd floor. Stroll through the museum and see some "art" when you get tired of the craziness. An experience you won't forget.
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