Questioning the Guggenheim’s Low Railings and Finding All the Free Things

Reason No. 96,754 why I love my job (and journalism): I become an expert on a few random, very specific topics by the end of each workday. One of the stories I edited today was a science column, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting paid to learn.

Our fellowship class also heard from Marc Lacey, the New York Times national editor, today. He stressed the importance of newsroom diversity and told fascinating stories about his experiences reporting in other countries, as well as how to cope with the emotional toll war reporting takes.

After work, I headed uptown to the Guggenheim Museum to the annual Museum Mile Festival, during which seven museums offer free admission. I passed through Grand Central Station on the way, which I'll have to head up and check out when I have more time.

But first, I stopped by my new favorite taco place, Los Tacos No. 1. It’s across from the Lyric Theatre where Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is playing.

I’ve posted about my taco revelation previously, but I’d just like to note that the hot, crunchy peppers they put out in the open topping bar are addictive! I wasn’t expecting to find excellent Mexican food in New York, but this place has been a pleasant surprise.

Now, on to the art and architecture. The cylindrical Guggenheim was one of the last buildings Frank Lloyd Wright designed before his death, and at first glance, it seems deceptively small.

But there are alcoves on each floor that lead to galleries, and there’s more packed into each floor of the spiral than you’d think.

I enjoyed examining pieces from Degas, Kline, Cezanne, and more, but the Picassos were the standout here for me. His portrait of a woman ironing in particular is muted, yet vibrantly expressive.

Once I reached the top of the spiral, I had to take the obligatory picture looking down. But lo and behold, the railing didn’t even reach my hips! I’m amazed no one’s accidentally toppled over.

Tomorrow I'm hearing from New York Times national correspondent Frances Robles, who’s based in Miami, Florida. She covered the Trayvon Martin case for the Miami Herald, and then started at the Times in 2013. I’m also planning to check out a free concert in Central Park by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, followed by free fireworks. I’m becoming an expert at finding cool free things to do in NYC!