The Wilton Armour New York
The Met Armoury
Geoffrey from New York
In the USA, home to more than 90,000,000 obese people (obesity = BMI ≥ 30), in which Joe’s Hoodies sells 5XL hoodies in more than 40 colours, and in New York City, where more than half of adult New Yorkers are overweight (34%) or obese (22%) one would not be surprised to find an XXXL suit of ‘game worn’ armour, now mint in box, formerly worn by King Henry VIII. Its zip code is Gallery 371, Met Fifth Avenue.
Dating from the 1540s, it weighs more than 50 pounds (bupkes to a 300 pounder with a 58” waist) and is Italian (Milan, it is thought---where else?), made of steel and gold. Worth a ‘go see’.
Nearby, in darkened side galleries, hang 14th Century Japanese men-yoroi or men-gu, facial armour of darkened iron, beautiful enough for a stage. I've carved Hallowe'en jack-o'-lanterns after these.
Museums in the countries from which these artifacts come may have collections with greater depth, but these impress with their excellent condition and artful staging. And size.
Further, the armour galleries are not crowded and may be in fact be peaceful rooms, somewhat antithetical to the purpose of their contents. This is good to know, because The Met receives around 6,000,000 visits each year. Crowds can become insufferable.
In the Emma and Georgina Bloomberg Arms and Armor Court at the Met Museum Fifth Avenue.
New York Spotter Geoffrey
About this spot
Our New York City Guide
Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
Silvana
Live music, café, boutique
"Silvana" is a large cafe, boutique, shawarma and falafel bar in NYC that also offers live music performances on their downstairs stage. Great acts!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Mo's Famous Burgers
Hamburger Food Truck
The menu is simple: hamburgers, French fries & toppings. No over-the-top ingredients, no superfluous adjectives, and high-value food at rock-bottom prices.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Elizabeth Street Garden
Sculpture garden NoLita
"Elizabeth Street Garden" New York: formerly the site of a large, important school house, it was reclaimed in the '90s and turned into a sculpture garden.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
UWS Phone Booth
Last payphone booth
One block away from a 21st century LinkNYC WiFi tower on Broadway sits one of three West End Avenue working telephone 'booths', the last in NYC...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Anthony & Son
Old-school sandwich shop
After, "Anthony & Son" Panini Shoppe's Italian-style super-sandwiches, no regular New York sandwich will ever taste as good again...
by
Nick
Papa
Dutch Kills
Upholding cocktail culture in Queens
"Dutch Kills" in New York isn't hiding it's one of the best bars in the city, but it isn't publicizing the fact, either. No password to enter, however!
by
Nick
Papa
Montero's
Quirky Brooklyn dive bar
"Montero's" (est. 1939) in New York is one of the weirdest bars I've ever visited, in the best way possible; it takes you back to working-class Brooklyn...
by
Nick
Papa
Bund on Broadway
Soup dumplings
"Bund on Broadway" is one of the most popular restaurants on Astoria's restaurant row in New York. I always go straight fo the famous pork soup dumplings.
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Conference House
Pre-Revolutionary history
The "Conference House" in New York is a perfect place to escape modern life if you're interested in what life was like in the 1600s...
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Vite Vinosteria
My special occasion spot
"Vite Vinosteria" in New York is the Italian restaurant where, ever since I moved to Astoria, I've celebreated nearly every birthday & anniversary...
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Hunter's Point Library
Waterfront reading room
"Hunter's Point Library" in New York, on Long Island City's waterfront, is definitely for you if you're a fan of books, architecture and skyline views!
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
House of Yes
Uninhibited fun
"House of Yes" is a colorful, eclectic space in New York that houses everything from roller skating to trapeze artists. Free entry on Fridays before 11pm!
by
Victoria
Yang
Heading to New York?
308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to New York?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 308 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:
