For the ’Gram: NYC’s best new selfie spots include ‘Alice in Wonderland’ garden, historic theater
Forget Dumbo’s Washington Street and the top of the Edge.
The sun is out, and the city has a number of exciting, photogenic new spots for snapping pictures that aren’t already all over Instagram. From bars to beaches, these venues offer a fun day or night out — plus the opportunity to grab some social media fodder. Have a look.
“Wonderland: Curious Nature” at the New York Botanical Garden
This new “Alice in Wonderland”-themed exhibition, which opened this past weekend and runs through October 27, has ample photo opportunities. There are gigantic mushrooms that light up at night in a rainbow of colors, a shimmering array of mirrors on the edge of a forest by artist Alyson Shotz, a trippy cottage made with fungi bricks, vibrant Victorian gardens and a tree trunk tunnel covered with ferns. But the biggest, most photogenic showpiece is a huge, colorful white rabbit that sits at the reflecting pool. It’s nearly 12-feet-tall and made entirely of plants and flowers. Children $15, adults $35, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx; NYBG.org.
Brooklyn Paramount Historic Theater
It was first opened in 1928 as a state-of-the-art music and movie palace designed for sound films. Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis and other legends performed there. But it closed as a theater in 1962 and was taken over by Long Island University, which used it as an over-the-top basketball court for decades. This March, after a multi-year renovation, it reopened as a stunning venue for live concerts — and selfies. Snap yourself with vintage chandeliers and baroque columns, then catch a show. Upcoming concerts include Anitta (June 2 and 3), St. Vincent (Sep. 10 and 11), Sting (Oct. 7, 9 and 10) and Fontaines D.C. ( Oct. 15 and 16). Ticket prices vary, 385 Flatbush Ave Ext., Downton Brooklyn, BrooklynParamount.com.
“Limitless” Mercer Labs, the Museum of Art and Technology
This immersive museum experience opened in January in the 36,000-square-foot space once occupied by Century 21. Roy Nachum’s “Limitless,” on view now through January 2025, is the inaugural exhibition, and takes viewers through more than a dozen spaces that bombard the senses. The Dragon Room, features 507,000 tiny, synchronized LED lights, while other rooms use fog, mirrors and disorienting projections to great effect. “Your imagination is captivated,” said Alicia Gaeta, 43, who visited the museum from Detroit, Michigan, and spent much of her visit capturing content for social media. “Vibrant colors, mesmerizing lights, and state-of-the art graphics [make for] insta-worthy selfies and memorable photos.” Youth $46, adults $52, 21 Dey Street, Financial District, MercerLabs.com
Field of Light at Freedom Plaza
It’s totally lit — really. This six-acre installation by British artist Bruce Munro is made of 18,750 multi-colored, stemmed, spherical lights rising from the ground. Visitors can take their time strolling along a winding path as the flower-like lights glow green, blue, pink and purple. There are tons of places to stop for great pics, especially when the city skyline peaks into view in parts of the exhibition, which opened last December and will close this coming December. Admission is free but tickets are required, 686 1st Ave., Tudor City., FieldOfLightNYC.com
Gansevort Peninsula
Manhattan’s first public beach finally opened last October after years of construction and anticipation. Located on the Hudson River Park, it has clear views of the downtown Manhattan skyline,1,200 tons of sand, a dog park and a picnic area. Turquoise Adirondack chairs and umbrellas are ideal for lounging — and add a nice pop of color for photographs. Free, 427-429 Gansevoort St., Meatpacking District.
Only Love Strangers
The team behind MáLà Project has just opened a cocktail bar and live jazz venue downtown that is inspired by 1960s and 1970s surrealism. This 6,300-square-foot space is dramatically drenched in a rich cobalt, from the walls to the floor and the stairs to the bathroom tile. The color is why Gregory DelliCarpini Jr., a 35-year-old, NYC-based content creator, loves taking photos there. “It’s like stepping into an oil painting that never dries,” he said. “It’s a blue dream perfect for a selfie moment.” 200 Allen St., Lower East Side, OnlyLoveStrangers.com
