NYC’s Most Important Art Events

Think of it as Art Basel but better. And bigger. Artists, collectors, critics, curators, and art lovers will be flooding the city this March, when the all-important Armory Show coincides with an unprecedented number of other major events. The Whitney Biennial and the New Museum’s Triennial are going on at the same time (which won’t happen again for another six years), and myriad other shows and fairs will take advantage of the influx of collectors and representatives from around the world. Get ready for an insanely colorful month.

The Armory Show
When/Where: March 8 to 11. 12th Avenue at 55th Street
What You’ll See: It has long been considered the leading fine art fair devoted to contemporary art. In addition to works from many of the world’s most important galleries, the show puts a special focus each year on a different dynamic arts community. This time it’s on the Nordic countries: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland.
Don’t Miss: The awesome food from Great Performances, which will create an on-site farm-to-table restaurant featuring produce from its Hudson Valley farm.
Insider Access: The Armory kicks off with a bash March 7 at MoMA. Neon Indian will perform, and art world VIPs will be in heavy attendance. Tickets are $150.

The ADAA Art Show
When/Where: March 7 to 11. Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Avenue
What You’ll See: The Art Dealers Association of America (ADAA) put together this long-running show, now in its 24th year, which showcases everything from contemporary innovators to 19th-century masters, from 72 galleries around the country.
Don’t Miss: Cindy Sherman’s 1976 “Murder Mystery” collage series.
Insider Access: The gala preview on March 6 benefits the Henry Street Settlement. Tickets range from $150 to $2,000.

Volta NY
When/Where: March 8 to 11. 7 West 34th Street
What You’ll See: The American version of a fair started in Basel in 2005, Volta was dreamed up by art critic Amanda Coulson as a boutique event to showcase solo projects and give visitors deep insight into individual artists.
Don’t Miss: Nicola Samori’s ethereal and unsettling portraits.
Insider Access: A partnership with the Armory Show means you can get access to both shows for $40.

Fountain Art Fair
When/Where: March 9 to 11. 69th Regiment Armory, 68 Lexington Avenue
What You’ll See: Think of Fountain as the punk-rock little brother of the Armory Show, offering an experience more akin to gawking at street art in Bushwick than going to a museum in Midtown.
Don’t Miss: The conceptual photography from Williamsburg’s Front Room Gallery.
Insider Access: Fab 5 Freddy plays the opening party, on March 9. VIP tickets ($45) get you into the party, plus early admission to the show on the afternoon of March 9, separate entrance (skip the line), and access to the VIP lounge area.

Independent
When/Where: March 8 to 11. 548 West 22nd Street
What You’ll See: On the second, third, and fourth floors of the former Dia Center for the Arts building in Chelsea, this relative newcomer was founded in 2010 by gallerists Elizabeth Dee and Darren Flook and replaces the Armory’s chopped-up multi-exhibitor halls with a democratic open layout that’s more like a pop-up museum.
Don’t Miss: The rooftop café designed by architect Christian Wassmann.
Insider Access: It’s free. Everyone’s an insider at this show.

Scope New York
When/Where: March 8 to 11. Scope Pavilion, 57th Street and 12th Avenue
What You’ll See: More than 50 international art galleries in a 30,000-square-foot space across from the Armory Show, showcasing mostly contemporary fine art and mixed media.
Don’t Miss: The super-creepy mixed-media pieces by Matthew Oates.
Insider Access: For $100 you can preview the works on March 7, the day before the show opens, and meet the artists and gallery owners.

PooL Art Fair
When/Where: March 9 to 11. The Flatiron Hotel, 9 West 26th Street
What You’ll See: This is the only fair during this week dedicated to unrepresented artists, so expect an alternative atmosphere and edgy collections. The crowd will be full of young collectors looking for a bargain and dealers who want to explore the untapped market.
Don’t Miss: The haunting oils by Russia’s Victoria Kovalenchikova.
Insider Access: For $50 you can enjoy the DJ/open-bar party on March 9 at the Gershwin Hotel and mingle with the artists.

Whitney Biennial
When/Where: March 1 to May 27. Whitney Museum of Art, 945 Madison Avenue
What You’ll See: The Biennial is a carefully edited collection of the best contemporary art and artists today, some known (Vincent Gallo, Werner Herzog) and some making their grand debuts. It’s one of the most important shows in the world and has been taking place every two years since 1932.
Don’t Miss: New York–based artist K8 Hardy’s fashion runway show on May 20, which will take place on a large sculpture by Oscar Tuazon.
Insider Access: Become a member, fellow, or sponsor and you can attend the morning viewing hours and get private after-hours access on Saturday nights, plus special offers at Untitled, Danny Meyer’s new restaurant on the premises. Tickets range from $85 to $5,000.

The New Museum Triennial
When/Where: February 15 to April 22. The New Museum, 235 Bowery
What You’ll See: The museum’s second triennial, dubbed the Ungovernables, features the works of 34 artists (and artists’ collectives), all of whom were born between the mid-1970s and mid-1980s and are still living. Exhibitions include everything from photography to fine art to sculpture, and all have the central theme of civil disobedience.
Don’t Miss: Vietnamese artist’s Dahn Vo’s reproduction of the Statue of Liberty’s copper skin.
Insider Access: The opening party already happened, but if you become a member (from $35 to $2,500) you’ll get access to members-only viewings and never have to wait on line.

Art Expo New York
When/Where: March 22 to 25. Pier 92, 12th Avenue at 57th Street
What You’ll See: Yes, it’s a trade show. No, it’s not trashy. The world’s largest fine-arts trade show brings artists, dealers, collectors, and buyers under one roof and has hosted Peter Max, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and Leroy Neiman in the past.
Don’t Miss: The SOLO show, where hundreds of the world’s emerging artists will showcase their work in hopes of being discovered.
Insider Access: Buy a $50 consumer preview ticket and get access to the entire show and the preview cocktail party on March 22..

The AIPAD Photography show
When/Where: March 29 to April 1. Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Avenue
What You’ll See: The Association of International Photography Art Dealers has invited 75 of the world’s best photo galleries to showcase their fine art and museum-quality prints, including 19th-century and modern images, as well as film and new media.
Don’t Miss: Linda McCartney’s photographs of Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix, and Bert Stern’s prints of Marilyn Monroe’s last sitting.
Insider Access: Hit up the opening gala, on March 28, and enjoy dinner and cocktails while you preview the works and meet some of the photographers and gallery owners. Tickets range from $100 to $250.

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