By Gus Saltonstall
The final chance to see Manhattanhenge this year, the phenomenon where the setting sun aligns perfectly with the city grid, will take place on Saturday, July 11, and the American Museum of Natural History is shutting down an Upper West Side street to celebrate the occasion.
AMNH will host a free block party from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on West 79th Street, between Amsterdam and Columbus, featuring a special viewing of the setting sun around 8:20 p.m. Before then, there will be World Cup soccer viewing options within the museum’s iconic halls, as well as chess matches, double-dutch jump rope, and board games.
The museum is also hosting a lecture at 7 p.m. about Manhattanhenge by Associate Curator Jackie Faherty within its LeFrak Giant-Screen Theater. After the lecture, Faherty will lead the audience outside for a viewing of the setting sun from the closed-off street.
You can buy tickets for the lecture — HERE.
While the lecture is a ticketed event, the block party is free and open to everyone. A salsa orchestra will play as the sun sets.
“As the Sun begins its descent, the celebration culminates in a collective viewing of Manhattanhenge on 79th Street, a rare moment when the city aligns with our parent star, reminding us of our place within larger natural systems,” reads a description of the block party. “Starting at sunset, enjoy the vibrant sounds of the Williamsburg Salsa Orchestra as the city is bathed in golden evening light.”
You can find out more about the event — HERE.
Subscribe to West Side Rag’s FREE email newsletter here. And you can Support the Rag here.
So the M79 bus will be re-routed?
But the Mayor just announced a plan to speed buses?
Since when does the M79 run between Columbus and Amsterdam? It used to turn on Amsterdam at 81 to get to CPW.
A few hours on one day, and you have advance knowledge of it. Seriously, lighten up and enjoy nature!
You do realize that the Earth revolves around the Sun, right? Not you.
Sorry to be so harsh but come on, man!?!!?
Let people have fun.
Sounds awesome, hope they do this every year! Having the AMNH in our backyard is one of the many perks of living in the best neighborhood on the planet.
I feel like it’s not as exciting to view on the West Side. I was on the East Side for it last year by accident and it was magnificent. More streets for it to come down.
I was out until I saw that they’re offering double-dutch jump rope. I’m sooooo in!
Really? The final chance? Which will explode- Manhattan or the Sun?
Clarified, thanks.
“Final Manhattanhenge” of 2026 or…?
I kept expecting the article to mention some awful new condo going up that was going to somehow block the view, or some other explanation of why this is the last one ever.
If it just means the last one this year, it would be best to clarify that!
Two awful new buildings (don’t know if they are condos) have blocked what was once a fabulous view from my terrace so I’ll be at the 79th Street viewing. Nice way for the museum to connect with its neighbors.
Remember that there is a “reverse” Manhattanhenge in November, best viewed from the west side, looking east, on the main cross-streets (W.57, W.42nd, et al. It’s at sunRISE, not sunset.
Noted on the calendar, with a warm sweater at the ready. Thanks, Observer!
How we phrase things reveals our assumptions and biases. Rather than “closing down” the street, another way of looking at it is that the street is being opened up to uses other than vehicular travel.
Great point Ken
And equally interesting that the first thing in the headline for the article is “closing down” the street rather than “hosting a free public party.” WSR, you should think more about your choice of headlines!!!
How very neat! I hope many get to enjoy this wonderful experience! Bravo to AMNH!!