stillspotting nyc

FAQs

For the second edition of stillspotting nyc, Estonian composer Arvo Pärt and U.S. and Norway-based architecture firm Snøhetta create urban soundscapes around Lower Manhattan that explore the relationship between space and sound. To a Great City, the Manhattan edition of stillspotting nyc, will be open to the public for two extended weekends on September 15-18 and 22-25, 2011. Part of this exhibition is located on Governors Island in Fort Jay.

Q: What happens on this self-guided tour?

A: Participants will receive a day pass to visit the stillspots, as well as a map with directions and a suggested route. The tour is self-guided, meaning participants will have the opportunity to visit each spot at their leisure during the hours of operation 11 am-7 pm, on the day of the ticket. Once visitors have arrived at each site, stillspotting nyc staff will welcome and guide them to the various sound installations. All the spots are situated in Lower Manhattan and Governors Island and are accessible by public transportation. For the full experience, and to visit all the sites on the tour, participants should allow three to four hours, though the tour can shortened if needed.

Q: Where does the self-guided tour start?

A: The starting point of To a Great City is at the small gallery space of the Castle Clinton National Monument located inside Battery Park (between Battery Place and State Street). Here one will receive a map and directions to each of the sites around the area, as well as a wristband to gain entry into the spaces. Without a wristband, one will not be able to visit the other sites. Battery Park is close to the 4/5 subways to Bowling Green, 1 to South Ferry, or N/R to Whitehall Street http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Castle+Clinton,+New+York,+NY&hl=en&ll=40.705644,-74.014893&spn=0.007857,0.013754&sll=37.421837,-122.084033&sspn=0.032924,0.055017&vpsrc=6&z=16

Q: How long does the self-guided tour last?

A: A full self-guided tour along each of the sites takes up to three or four hours, but one can pick and choose sites at his or her leisure and shorten the tour if needed. It is possible to visit the stillspots at any time during the day between 11 am-7 pm, with the last ticket pickup at 4 pm.

Q: Isthis a walking tour?

A: To a Great City is a self-guided tour. Stillspot locations are accessible by foot, bike, bus, train, and ferry. Follow the instructions on the map at the tour's starting point for recommended travel routes and methods.

Q: Are these publicly accessible places?

A: Some of the spots are public places, but many are hidden or otherwise inaccessible. A ticket allows for access to each of the locations in the tour through Lower Manhattan.

Q: How do I get to the various spots on the tour?

A: To a Great City is a self-guided tour. Stillspot locations are accessible by foot, bike, bus, train, and ferry. Follow the instructions on the map at the tour's starting point for recommended travel routes and methods.

Q: Does the event still go on if it rains?

A: Yes. Some of the stillspots as well as travel to each location occur outdoors, so please bring an umbrella.

Q: Is this tour appropriate for corporate events?

A: Yes. This tour can be used for corporate team building, retreats, etc.

Q: Do I need to book a visit in advance?

A: This is a limited engagement, so it is best to purchase tickets in advance. For more information on ticket purchases, please visit LINK stillspotting.guggenheim.org/visit/manhattan.

Q: If a particular day is sold out, is there a waiting list?

A: If a specific day is sold out, please select another day. There will not be a waiting list.

Q: Where can I purchase tickets?

A: Tickets can be purchased online via [guggenheim.tix.com] and at the small gallery at Castle Clinton National Monument (by credit card only and solely if tickets are not sold out). We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance of the tour date. You may also purchase tickets at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum's Information Desk (open Sun-Wed 10 am-4 pm, Fri 10 am-4 pm, Sat 10 am-6 pm, museum closed Thurs).

Q: Do I need to take cash with me?

A: Cash is not accepted on-site to purchase tickets. Only credit cards are accepted as payment.

Q: How can I get help purchasing tickets online?

A: For help purchasing tickets online, please call Tix.com support at 800 504 4849 (option 2 for customer service).

Q: What does the price of the ticket include?

A: Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for members. Discounted rates are available for groups of ten or more. Participants may revisit sites throughout the day as long as the spaces are not at capacity.

Q: Are groups welcome?

A: Yes. To a Great City can be experienced individually or with a partner, friend, family member, or a small group of colleagues or friends, etc.

Q: Is To a Great City accessible for children?

A: Yes. Complimentary admission is available for two children (12 and under) per purchased ticket. Adult supervision is required at all times.

Q: Are there spots for non-English speakers?

A: Yes. Each of the stillspots is largely experiential and centered around sound and space.

Q: Can I leave my personal items somewhere during my visit?

A: There will not be an area to leave your belongings, so please bring only items that you can carry with you for the duration of the day. The Guggenheim Museum is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Q: Is To a Great City wheelchair accessible?

A: Most spaces on the tour are wheelchair accessible. The map that participants receive at the first spot on the tour will indicate accessibility. Please ask a stillspotting nyc staff member for additional assistance.

Q: Are cameras allowed during the visit?

A: Photography and filming are allowed in the outdoor areas of the tour but not at some indoor locations. Please follow instructions from stillspotting nyc staff.

Q: Should I bring my own headphones? Do I need my own music equipment?

A:You are not required to bring any equipment to participate on the self-guided tour.Headphones and speakers are provided for the sound installations at each stillspot.

Q: What are the hours of operation for To a Great City?

A: To a Great City will be open to the public for two extended weekends (Thursday-Sunday), September 15-18 and 22-25, 2011, 11 am-7 pm.

Q: Can I visit the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum with my stillspotting nyc ticket?

A: The Manhattan edition of stillspotting nyc is an off-site event. A ticket purchase for To a Great City does not enable entrance to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, or vice versa.

Q: What is the cancellation policy?

A: Please note that all payments are nonrefundable. The last ticket pickup is at 4 pm at Castle Clinton National Monument's small gallery. Latecomers who do not retrieve their tickets and instructions will not be allowed access to the restricted spots on the tour.

Q: How did Arvo Pärt and Snøhetta collaborate on this project?

A: Composer Arvo Pärt and the architects at Snøhetta worked on a selection of pieces and places that create one coherent project addressing stillness in the urban context.

Q: Is this edition of stillspotting nyc related to 9/11?

A: To a Great City is meant to be a celebration of New York and help both locals and visitors look forward to the future.