Our collaboration with Bloomberg Connects – the free arts and culture app – is all about sharing places of interest with more people. We believe that art should be accessible to all. So in this newsletter, we’re shining a light on art in the public realm – locally, nationally, and internationally – that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Note the below links work best on your smartphone with the Bloomberg Connects app downloaded.

LOCAL

Times Square Arts | New York, NY, US

First up, let’s head to Times Square Arts, the public art program of the Times Square Alliance. It was founded in 1992 and is one of the largest public art platforms, with up to 480,000 daily visitors. Times Square Arts collaborates with contemporary artists to create projections, sculptures, and performances for the Square. Since 2012, every evening, the iconic electronic billboards synchronize for Midnight Moment: a monthly showcase of digital art. Check out some of the mesmerizing experiences you might have missed with the “Midnight Moment Highlights.”

Public Art Fund | New York, NY, US

Next, in New York, we have the Public Art Fund, an organization that provides free exhibitions in the urban environment. The Public Art Fund has presented over 500 artists’ exhibitions throughout New York City’s five boroughs – in iconic locations, like LaGuardia Airport, Moynihan Station, Lincoln Center, City Hall Park, and many more. Right now, you can view “Huma Bhabha: Before The End” in Brooklyn Bridge Park and “Fred Eversley: Parabolic Light in Central Park.” Or dive into highlights from the archive, including “Olafur Eliasson: The New York City Waterfalls.”

NATIONAL

Sculpture Milwaukee | Milwaukee, WI, US

Over in Wisconsin, every year, Sculpture Milwaukee transforms downtown Milwaukee’s landscape with a free outdoor mural exhibition. They believe in the power of art to inspire individuals and unite communities, so they continue to make their large-scale artworks accessible to everyone. As well as their permanent “Legacy Collection,” you can currently see “Actual Fractal, Act 1,” and “Nature Doesn’t Know About Us” exhibitions, featuring works from distinguished international artists.

Long Beach Walls | Long Beach, CA, US

Heading farther west is Long Beach Walls, a volunteer-led initiative, with the goal of beautifying the city. From June 22 – 29, 2024 artists from around the world were invited to paint large-scale murals. This annual festival is a local chapter of the World Wide Walls street art events founded in 2010 by Jasper Wong. Even though the festival is over you can still enjoy the work – they remain on the walls in Long Beach and you can learn more with “Long Beach Walls 2024” and explore murals as far back as 2015.

INTERNATIONAL

Sculpture in the City | London, England, UK

There’s a sculpture park within the City of London’s financial district. That’s right, each year, Sculpture in the City unveils a new selection of artworks by internationally acclaimed and emerging artists in and around the Square Mile’s architectural landmarks. Uncover the “13th Edition” and a treasure trove of stories with the immersive “Family Trail,” where Martha Howe-Douglas of Horrible Histories is your exciting and informative audio guide.

Street Art Museum Amsterdam | Amsterdam, NL

Lastly, let’s visit the Street Art Museum Amsterdam. SAMA is an eco-museum that uses street art to connect people within the community and shine a light on a little-known neighborhood of Amsterdam – Nieuw-West. Their collection of around 30 murals is spread across the streets and free to explore at any time. Guided trails include “Street Art Geuzenveld,” “Street Art Slotermeer,” and “Office Walk with a Twist – Street Art in Schiphol.”

Wherever you are, there’s plenty of public art to discover through Bloomberg Connects. Download the app today and start planning your journey.

Open House New York is supported by Bloomberg Connects, a free mobile app featuring guides to hundreds of museums, galleries, sculpture parks, gardens, and cultural spaces.