Three Art-Driven Christmas Experiences in New York City

Works at the Guggenheim, Brookfield Place and the EDITION Hotel move tradition forward

A period of time that requires tremendous thought, the end of year holidays stimulate creative behavior from decor and design to gift giving and, let’s be honest, time management. All the while, traditional, nostalgia-laden experiences appear around every corner. Many of these are deeply personal—the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center with a family, dinner at Rolf’s with a loved one, a stroll by the Saks Fifth …

Whethan feat. Opia: Aftertaste

With substantial periods of minimal instrumentation strung through with deep, soulful vocals, “Aftertaste” by Whethan, and featuring Opia, unfolds again and again. The track reflects continued developments from producer (and DJ) Whethan, aka Chicago-based Ethan Snoreck. But for all its thoughtful emotionalism and artistry, it also just happens to be plain old enjoyable.

Painting the Vatican’s Cortile del Belvedere in Milk

Mixed with both slaked lime and natural pigments (in fact, the original cream color used in the 1500s), milk from the Pope’s cows—raised at the papal summer residence, Castel Gandolfo—is being used to paint the Vatican’s Belvedere Castle. This is a centuries-old technique that also happens to align with Pope Francis’ emphasis on environmental protection. To learn more about the process and even the Vatican’s …