1166 Sixth Avenue New York
Lichenstein & Otterness
The construction of midtown skyscrapers along the Avenue of the Americas—known locally as Sixth Avenue—topped out during the early 1970s.
Then, builders traded floor space for extra height. That tradeoff was expressed by creating ground-level public space which provided access for everyone to their privately owned land.
Further, the nature of such developers is to compete for artistic fame over artistic ennui, though you will not find that to be the case over on Fifth Avenue at Trump Tower.
So, in the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas—the Skidmore, Owings and Merrill building sometimes known as the International Paper Building—from the Julie and Edward J. Minskoff Art Collection hang some significant tapestries by Roy Lichtenstein and a very large bronze homage to capitalism by Tom Otherness. On the other side of the long lobby window is an attractive and well-used outdoor passage connecting 46th and 45th Streets.
Tom Otterness has created little bronze people who struggle and strain to keep the wheels and gears of capitalism spinning, barely escaping those very same crushing gears. More of them are found farther downtown inside the 14th Street Subway station on the A / C Train.
So too for Lichtenstein where, in the Times Square Station network of tracks (every NYC subway line stops at 42nd Street), hangs a huge enameled piece. Here on Sixth Avenue, his work is softer being rendered in fabric and appearing as a very large carpet.
This is seven blocks from MoMA.
About this spot
1166 Avenue of the Americas
- Mon - Fri 09:00 - 18:00
US$
free
Find your way with 301 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
Subway Nostalgia
Vintage subway train excursions
The MTA in NYC offers subway "nostalgia rides" during the summer months on old cars from the '30s and '40s. Book your ticket now!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Teranga
Senegalese food at the Africa Center
"Teranga" in New York City, in the Africa Center, is a restaurant as well as a library. It feels musical and maintains a feeling of communal comfort...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
S&P Lunch
1928 Lunch Counter
S&P Sandwich Shop, opened in 1928, serves Jewish classics like matzoh ball soup and latkes in a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. A must-visit!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Dive 75
Quality trivia contests
"Dive 75" in NYC is a noteworthy sports bar for its Tuesday Night Trivia contests. Clientele is also big on board games, and the beer is relatively cheap!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Professional Baseball
April 4 opener 2025
Games of Professional Baseball in New York doesn't just mean watching the Yankees play and paying 100s of dollars: watch a Class A game for much cheaper!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Rubenstein Atrium
Lincoln Center free concerts
"Rubenstein Atrium" in New York's Lincoln Center has a free performance every Thursday night. I recommend you try to arrive around 18:30 to catch a seat.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Revson Fountain
Lincoln center
"Revson Fountain" at the Lincoln Center in NYC is one of the results of the renovation that started in 2006. It's spectacular and a must-see!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Gray's Papaya
Traditional NY hot dogs
"Gray's Papaya" in New York equals classic hot dogs. This place has been here at least 45 years, and it's easy to see why. Great people-watching spot too.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Paris Cinema
Last single screen cinema in NYC
"Paris Cinema", est. 1948, is the last single screen cinema in NYC today; what irony that it was saved from closing by Netflix itself...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
La Casa Bella
Bay Ridge Italian
The White Clam Sauce linguine is classic. So much is served that what can’t be eaten on the spot can be taken home and easily reheated the next day,
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
American Legion Post 398
Hot Harlem night
At the "American Legion Post 398" in New York City I get to hear jazz played the old fashioned way, Harlem in the '30s, '40s and '50s...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
301 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 301 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
