Page 185 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - New York City

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5 Solomon R. 0 Temple Emanu-El
Guggenheim 1 E 65th St. Map 12 F2. Tel (212)
Museum 744-1400. q 68th St, 63rd St.
Open 10am–4:30pm Sun–Thu.
See pp184–5. Closed Jewish hols. u 5:30pm
Sun–Thu, 5:15pm Fri, 10:30am Sat.
6 The Metropolitan 7 8 = ∑ emanuelnyc.org
Museum of Art This impressive limestone
edifice of 1929 is one of the
See pp186–93.
largest synagogues in the
world, with seating for 2,500
7 The Frick in the main sanctuary alone.
Collection The grand entrance hall of the Park It is home to the oldest
Reform congregation in
See pp196–7. Avenue Armory New York, and the wealthiest
members of Jewish society
8 Asia Society 9 Park Avenue worship here.
Among the synagogue’s
725 Park Ave. Map 13 A1. Tel (212) Armory many fine details are the Ark’s
288-6400. Events: (212) 517-ASIA. 643 Park Ave. Map 13 A2. Tel (212) bronze doors, which represent
q 68th St. Open 11am–6pm Tue– 616-3930. q 68th St. 8 10am Tue an open Torah scroll. The Ark
Sun (to 9pm Fri). Closed public hols. & Thu (excluding holidays); days also has stained glass depicting
& 8 2pm Tue–Sun, 6:30pm Fri vary, check website. ^ 7 biblical scenes and showing
(except Jul–mid-Sep). ^ 7 = - ∑ armoryonpark.org the tribal signs of the houses of
∑ asiasociety.org
Israel. These signs also appear
From the War of 1812 through on a great recessed arch that
Founded by John D. two world wars, the Seventh frames a magnificent wheel
Rockefeller III in 1956 Regiment, an elite corps of window, the dominant feature
to increase under- “gentlemen soldiers” from of the Fifth Avenue facade.
standing of Asian prominent families, has played The synagogue stands on
culture, the society a vital role. Within the fortress - the site of the palatial home of
is a forum for 30 like exterior of their armory are Mrs. William Astor, the famed
countries in the extraordinary rooms filled with society hostess. Lady Astor moved
Asia-Pacific lavish Victorian furnishings, objets to the Upper East Side after a
region from d’art, and regimental memorabilia. feud with her nephew, who
Japan to Iran, The design by previously lived next door to
Central Asia Charles W. Clinton, her. Her wine cellar and
to Australia. a veteran of the three marble fireplaces still
The 1981 eight- regiment, had remain at the synagogue.
story building offices facing Park
was designed by Avenue, with a vast
Edward Larrabee drill hall stretching
Barnes and is behind to Lexington
made of red Avenue. The
granite. After reception rooms
a renovation South Asian include the
in 2001, the sculpture at the Veterans’ Room and
museum has Asia Society the Library by Louis
increased gallery Comfort Tiffany.
space. One gallery is permanently The drill hall is
devoted to Rockefeller’s own now the site of the
collection of Asian sculptures, Winter Antiques
amassed by him and his wife Show (see p55)
on frequent trips to the East. It and a favorite
includes Chinese ceramics from venue for charity
the Song and Ming periods, and a balls. The Armory
copper Bodhisattva statue, inlaid hosts a large
with precious stones, from Nepal. number of cultural
Changing exhibits show a performances, from
wide variety of Asian arts, and modern dance to
the society has a full program of concerts by the
films, dance, concerts, and lectures New York Philhar-
and a well-stocked bookstore. monic Orchestra. The Ark at Temple Emanu-El

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