P.S. 1 is a converted elementary school in Queens. The exhibits change frequently - sometimes as much as seven or eight times a year - and include contemporary sculpture, painting, drawing, metalwork, video art, sound art, dance, and performance art. Throughout the year, there are gallery presentations and scheduled talks by artists. There are also live music performances in the evenings in summer. Admission to P.S. 1 is only $3 for anyone with a student/faculty I.D., and the regular price is $5. The museum cafe is also a gem: they have delicious gourmet pizza and sandwiches and homemade sorbet.

PS1 is a must-see for those who are interested in what's going on with new artists. As you can tell from the name, this used to be a school facility, now converted into 130,000 square feet of space. Contemporary art by both American and international artists are on show here, with changing themes and exhibits. The space is raw here and reminded me of cutting-edge galleries. It is a nice change of pace as you will be provoked and surprised by the artwork. No one leaves unaffected.

When you are finished with the exhibits, be sure to visit the roof top terrace, which provides a beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline. Afterwards, on the top floor, slide down to the ground floor on the spiral tube. Loads of fun and great interactive art. Some of the stairs and corridors are hard to walk through, as the space is very raw and sometimes narrow.

PS1 recently merged with MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) in NY. Here is the official website: PS1 Contemporary Art Center.

From Manhattan, take the subway E or F to 23rd St.-Ely Ave. The neighborhood can be deserted on weekends and you have to walk through industrial streets, However, don't be deterred as PS1 is very popular and you will be bound to find fellow museum-goers along the way.