This summer, let The Benjamin Hotel be your guide to the season’s most captivating experiences in New York City. From alfresco dining and open-air concerts to charming strolls through Central Park and seaside escapes to Coney Island, discover a curated selection of cultural events and outdoor delights designed to be savored with family and friends.
The Met: Roof Garden Commission
Witness sweeping views of Central Park, with this year’s Roof Garden commission at The Met, an outdoor sculptural installation commissioned by Jennie C. Jones, and enjoy drinks on the Met’s rooftop garden bar. Jennie C. Jones’ Ensemble, will explore the sonic potential of stringed instruments as well as their formal possibilities. In the artist’s unique response to modernism, these acoustic sculptures propose the line of the string as a proxy for art history, unbroken and continuous (April 15, 2024 through October 19, 2025).
Shakespeare in the Park
Watch the return of Shakespeare in the Park. Central Park’s Delacorte Theater makes a bold return this summer for its free Shakespeare in the Park tradition with Public Theater’s production of Twelfth Night, with an all-star cast of Lupita Nygon’o, Sandra Oh, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Peter Dinklage (August 7 – September 14, 2025).
MoMA Family Gallery Talks
Join the MoMA for dynamic discussions and activities, such as movement, drawing, or writing. Designed for kids and their grown-ups, these interactive experiences bring the museum’s world-class collection to life through playful conversation, storytelling, and creative thinking. Each month a new theme is introduced.
Van Gogh’s Flowers at NYBG
Van Gogh’s Flowers installation at New York Botanical Gardens (NYBG) highlights the flowers that inspired Vincent van Gogh’s renowned botanical paintings, featuring large-scale sunflower displays and floral recreations of his masterpieces (May 24 – October 26, 2025).
The Morgan Library & Museum
Step into a world of art, literature, and history at the Morgan Library & Museum, one of New York City’s true hidden gems. Originally the private library of financier J.P. Morgan, this architectural marvel houses rare manuscripts, iconic literary works, and masterpieces from artists like Rembrandt and Michelangelo. Whether you’re a book lover, art enthusiast, or history buff, the Morgan offers an unforgettable glimpse into a gilded age of culture and collecting.
Little Island’s Summer Shows
Head over to Little Island at Pier 55 to enjoy its new summer programming. With over 110 performances across music, theater, dance, opera and more, it’s the ultimate outdoor stage for New York’s best artists.
Reopening of The Frick Collection
The Frick Collection on the Upper East Side reopens on April 17th after a multi-year renovation, featuring restored first-floor galleries and newly introduced second-floor galleries. Visitors can also enjoy state-of-the-art education rooms, a 220-seat auditorium, and upgraded amenities.
The Met Cloisters
The Cloisters, also known as the Met Cloisters located in Fort Tryon Park, is the perfect day escape this spring. Roam the halls with fascinating exhibits from the European medieval art and architecture period, with a focus on the Romanesque and Gothic periods.
Pickleball at Central Park
CityPickle is once again transforming Central Park’s Wollman Rink into the largest pickleball space in the Northeast. Players of the nation’s fastest-growing sport will be opening 14 courts for daily play. CityPickle is offering The Benjamin Royal Sonesta guests free paddle rentals, redeemable by showing a room key or reservation confirmation from the hotel.
Serve Up NYC at the US Open
It’s time for one of the most exciting sporting events in New York City at the US Open Tennis Championships. Experience the US Open like never before with our VIP package which includes premium tickets for two to the US Open, a Midtown stay and official tennis swag.
