The Armory Show| Sep 8-10 | Javits Center, West Side district near 34th St. in New York City, USA | Tickets

The Armory Show is one of the most prestigious art fairs in the world and for good reason. It features a wide range of contemporary art from established and mid-career artists and is a great place to see the latest trends in the art world.

Armory Week can be overwhelming even if you are familiar with the fair, notably since it marks the beginning of the New York art season and the entire city is abuzz with activity.

The Armory Show When and Where

First, knowing when and where the fair is taking place is essential. The Armory Show is held every September in New York City. This year, it will be held from September 8th – 10th at the Javits Center at Hudson Yards, just north of the Chelsea gallery district.

Transportation

Once you know when and where the fair is, you need to decide how you will get there. The Armory Show is located in Midtown Manhattan, so it’s easy to get to by public transportation. The nearest subway station is 34th Street-Hudson Yards, served by the 7 train.

If you’re driving, there are a few parking garages nearby. However, parking can be expensive, so it’s best to take a taxi.

The Art Fair

Some fairs are hit and miss, so you should pre-pick the booths you want to see to get to another satellite fair quickly. Not so for Armory. It is curated almost perfectly, so you will want to see everything.

It’s worth spending most of your day at The Armory Show. Start at one end of the fair and work your way to the other. That way, you will see everything.

As you walk around, take your time and look at all the art. There’s a lot to see, so don’t rush through it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The gallery staff is there to help you, so don’t hesitate to ask them questions about the art or the show.

Armory Week Satellite Fairs & Projects

• PHOTOFAIRS New York | Sep 8-10 | Javits Center in the West Side district of New York City, USA
• Independent 20th Century | Sep 8-10 | Cipriani South Street in The Battery district of New York City, USA
• Art on Paper | Sep 7-10 | Pier 36 in the Lower East Side district of New York City, USA
• NADA House | Sep 1 – Oct 1 | Nolan Park House 18, Governors Island

Gallery Night During Armory Week

Gallery Night is on Friday, September 8th. Hyperallergic has a comprehensive map and list of the 80+ galleries and art spaces in Chelsea, the Lower East Side, and Tribeca that will stay open until 8 PM.

See the map and complete list here.

Armory Week Map

Pan across to New York and zoom in on Manhattan to view where the Armory Show and its satellite fairs are to the three gallery districts marked by Hyperallergic above. The fairs are marked on the map for easier planning.

Gallery Exhibition to See During Armory Week

Hauser & Wirth is opening a new location at West 18th Street dedicated to editions, publications, and learning. The inaugural exhibition opens on September 8th with Louise Bourgeois’ ‘Once there was a mother.’

Louise Bourgeois was a French-American artist who lived from 1911 to 2010. She is considered one of the most important and influential artists of the 20th century. Her work explored themes of childhood, sexuality, and the female body. She used various materials and techniques, including sculpture, painting, and drawing. Her work is often seen as personal and introspective and is praised for its honesty and emotional depth.

Hauser & Wirth will host a series of events in the coming weeks, including conversations, screenings, performances, workshops, and learning opportunities inspired by the work of its artists. The events will be open to the public and provide a unique opportunity to learn about and engage with contemporary art.

More information about the events is available here.

Hauser & Wirth 18th Street | Sep 8 – Dec 23 | 443 West 18th Street New York 10011

Museum Show to See During Armory Week

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) opens ED RUSCHA / NOW THEN for museum members only on September 7th-9th. It opens to the public on September 10th and will run until January 13, 2024.

The exhibition will explore the work of American artist Ed Ruscha, known for using everyday objects and the landscapes of American culture in his paintings, drawings, prints, photography, artist’s books, film, and installation.

Featuring over 200 works from Ruscha’s six-decade career, including some lesser-known pieces, the exhibition takes a new look at the artist’s storied career and his influence since the postwar era. 

The exhibition is organized by MoMA, Christophe Cherix (The Robert Lehman Foundation Chief Curator of Drawings and Prints at MoMA), and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA.)

The exhibition will travel to LACMA from April 7–October 6, 2024.

ED RUSCHA / NOW THEN | Sep 10, 2023–Jan 13, 2024 | The Museum of Modern Art, 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019

Where to Stay During Armory Week

New York City does not come up short on hotel and accommodation options. While there are plenty to choose from, it’s always easiest to find something in your budget near the fair you are most excited about. Here are a few options.

Hotels Near the Javits Center & Chelsea

The most convenient hotel to the Javits Center for the Armory Show and Photofairs New York is The Equinox Hotel New York, also in Hudson Yards. You can use the pool and spa to rejuvenate at the end of the day.

The Jane Hotel is a popular budget option in the West Village, just two blocks from the Whitney Museum of American Art and a short walk to the Chelsea galleries. The hotel has a hip and trendy atmosphere, and it’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for something fun and affordable.

Equinox Hotel New York | 33 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001

Jane Hotel | 113 Jane St, New York, NY 10014

Hotels in Downtown Manhattan for the Satellite Fairs

Hotel Indigo is a well-priced four-star option with a modern and stylish design. Their Lower East Side New York location is close enough to Art on Paper while also being in a social part of the neighborhood.

If you want to be closer to Independent 20th Century and NADA House on Governor’s Island, the NYC Downtown – Wall Street location is better.

Hotel Indigo Lower East Side New York | 171 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002

Hotel Indigo – NYC Downtown – Wall Street | 120-122 Water St, New York, NY 10005

Art Fair Prep

Here are a few more tips to help you have a great time at The Armory Show:

• Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure you wear comfortable and supportive shoes.
• Bring a water bottle. Staying hydrated is important, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time walking around.
• Don’t forget your camera. You’ll want to take pictures of all the amazing art!
• Be prepared for crowds. The Armory Show is a popular event so it can get crowded. If you’re not a fan of crowds, try to go early or late in the day to avoid the rush.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The gallery staff is there to help you, so don’t hesitate to ask them questions about the art or the show.
• Check-in with The Armory Show’s Instagram for any updates.
• Have fun! The Armory Show is a great place to see art and meet other art lovers. So relax, take your time, and enjoy the experience.