Art Hiding in New York: An Illustrated Guide to the City's Secret Masterpieces

by Lori Zimmer

Uncover the artistic masterworks hidden across New York City in this charmingly illustrated exploration of one of the world's greatest creative treasure troves.There's so much to love about New York, and so much to see. The city is full of art, and architecture, and history -- and not just in museums. Hidden in plain sight, in office building lobbies, on street corners, and tucked into Soho lofts, there's a treasure trove of art waiting to be discovered, and you don't need an art history degree to fall in love with it.Art Hiding in New York is a beautiful, giftable book that explores all of these locations, traversing Manhattan to bring 100 treasures to art lovers and intrepid New York adventurers. Curator and urban explorer Lori Zimmer brings readers along to sites covering the biggest names of the 20th century -- like Jean-Michel Basquiat's studio, iconic Keith Haring murals, the controversial site of Richard Serra's Tilted Arc, Roy Lichtenstein's subway station commission, and many more. Each entry is accompanied by a beautiful watercolor depiction of the work by artist Maria Krasinski, as well as location information for those itching to see for themselves. With stunning details, perfect for displaying on any art lover's shelf, and curated itineraries for planning your next urban exploration, this inspirational book is a must-read for those who love art, New York, and, of course, both.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, New York, Travel, History

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2020

About the author

hi! I'm a New York-based author represented by Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency. I've written-Art Hiding in Paris: An Illustrated Guide to the City of Light (Running Press, 2022), Art Hiding in New York: An Illustrated Guide to the City’s Secret Masterpieces (Running Press, 2020), The Art of Spray Paint: Inspirations and Techniques from Masters of Aerosol (Rockport Publishers, 2017), and The Art of Cardboard: Big Ideas for Creativity, Collaboration, Story Telling, and Reuse (Rockport Publishers, 2015).
I've also written text featured in the books Own Your Awkward: How to Have Better and Braver Conversations About Your Mental Health by Michelle Morgan (Welbeck Publishing Group, 2021) and Logan Hicks: Still New York (forthcoming 2021).

I love to connect with my community, so please feel free to reach out https://www.arthiding.com/contact

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good city guide is a treasure worth having. This one takes you through some wonderful hidden gems in the city. As a lifelong resident, I was delighted to find old favorites and some new
surprises.

[Greg Mania · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quintessential New York book, especially if you're someone who likes to collect the literature on the city that warrants its own genre. The author and illustrator produced not just a gorgeous book, but a book that really carves its own space in the New York book canon. Do yourself a favor and get this book!

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tough review to write. First, the book was a gift rather than a purchase. I don't want to seem too ungrateful for that reason. But this book was very disappointing. It is already destined for donate/recycle rather than something I have any interest to keep for future reference.

Here's the "problem" for me - a non-New York City resident. While the book successfully informs the reader of various public artworks, there is not a single photo of any of them. Instead there are nicley done, though somewhat whimsical illustrations. This may be sufficient for a New York City resident who can perhaps easily visit these sites if interested. However, for one who only occasionally visits, the book is rather worthless as these illustrations do not incent much interest to see the actual works. While some may find the illustrations appealing, for me they detract from usability of the book. Why have such a book if it doesn't stimulate interest in the artworks themselves? I can easily understand a NYC resident disagreeing with me, however that in itself truly limits the audience of this book.

I contrast this, as an example, with publications that have depicted the wealth of public artworks in Mexico City in so much more appealing ways that I have made many special trips to their locations just to see them. Not special trips to the city itself - just side trips while there to the off the well beaten path locations. Perhaps other NYC related books do this already. This one absolutely does not.

On the positive side, some of the text associated with the featured works is quite interesting to read. In fairness to the author, I could justify 3 stars for this reason whereas I otherwised would have been compelled to rate the book 1 star.

[Kate Meberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took my time reading this, usually reading a few pages just before bed. I think the style of the illustrations was perfect for this book. Just enough to give you an idea of what the artworks looked like, but it didn’t reveal too much. This encourages the reader to check the pieces out in person to get the full scope of the art.
I’ve read a lot of art history in the past and writing in this topic can easily turn boring quickly, but I never found that to be the case in this book. Very engaging, and I enjoyed learning interesting behind the scenes types of facts about the artwork found in NYC.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic little book packed full of the cutest illustrations but don't let that fool you into thinking that it's a "read it and keep it moving" type of book. Consider it a richly illustrated guide to the art history of New York City -- a book you wished had been your recommended reading in high school or college. The only reason it took so long to read was because I kept going back and forth between the page and the internet to look up the places and artwork online.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very unique, cool book.
I thought the illustrations were a nice touch too.

This book shows the reader random works of art hiding all over New York.

I saved this to read until I had a NYC trip coming up, I felt it would be especially fun that way.

It definitely feels like you should keep you eyes open that there could be art hiding anywhere.

[Sabeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal book that had me checking off all the art I've naively walked by on a daily basis, and writing down all the spots to see and even eat on my next jaunts around nyc.

The best tour guidebook a 'seen-it-all' New Yorker and art-appreciating tourist will ever have in common.

[Kady · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun coffee table book with gorgeous illustrations and informative little blurbs about art around NYC.

[Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a phenomenal book! I wish I had received this book when I first arrived in New York years ago. Some of the art was familiar to me from my wanderings around the city (such as the iconic "Metronome" by Kristin Jones and Andrew Ginzel at Union Square) but many of the other sites in the book were unknown surprises for me. I particularly loved the "Dine Among the Masters" chapter, featuring hidden gems like Caffe Reggio in Greenwich Village. This beautifully illustrated book serves as a muse for anyone looking for staycation ideas in NYC.

[Cindy Huskey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up Art Hiding in New York thinking, “Oh cute, a little art book.”

What I got instead was a beautifully illustrated reminder that New York City has been casually flexing on all of us for decades—and I’ve been walking past masterpieces while aggressively looking at Google Maps and a coffee menu.

This book is basically a love letter to all the art that refuses to sit politely in museums. We’re talking lobby art, subway art, street-corner art, and “how is THIS just… here?” art. Lori Zimmer plays the role of your very cool, very informed friend who knows where all the secret stuff is and actually wants to show you. No art history degree required, no gatekeeping, just vibes, context, and a deep appreciation for creativity hiding in plain sight.

And the illustrations?? Absolutely dreamy. Maria Krasinski’s watercolor depictions are so lovely they almost made me forget that some of these sites require navigating Manhattan, which is its own extreme sport. Every entry feels gift-worthy, shelfie-worthy, and “I’m totally going to plan a trip around this” worthy (whether or not that trip ever happens is between me and my calendar).

This book made me painfully aware of how many incredible art moments I’ve missed while speed-walking to be on time or avoiding eye contact on the subway. That’s on me, but still.

Bottom line: if you love art, New York, or books that make you feel cultured and curious without being smug about it, this one’s a winner. Also a perfect gift for that friend who insists they “don’t really like museums” but absolutely loves vibes.

[Tomi Alger · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting book! The author and illustrator present art in various forms and artists of all types of media that have had and/or still have pieces in New York City. I did recognize some names of artists and works and buildings, A person who is more familiar with art, artists, and New York, I imagine, will read with delight about what is included in this book. It makes me want to it all in person. One day, maybe...

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed learning about art in New York. The information was well-researched and entertaining and the story about how the book came to be is neat. Colorful illustrations, but they're my problem. They are too abstract. If you don't live in New York and want to see what the art really looks like, you have to Google the image. Photos in addition to the hand lettering would have been a better way to go. Loved the stories about the art.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved perusing this book, but as an infrequent visitor to NYC I don’t have much chance to explore these. On my most recent trip, my agenda was too packed to investigate anything except the Times Square pieces- which I didn’t find. I liked that the book had itineraries and links to more information, so next time for sure!

[Gabriella Sepulveda · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a New Yorker, I recognized everyday things I walk past everyday , but never knew what they were. If you plan on visiting or living in NYC, and want to check out the hidden gems, definitely give this book a read!

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent guidebook to the lofty and the wacky art of New York, Items hidden in plain sight.

I love that even a cafe is included. Have made a note to visit Caffe Reggio in Greenwich Village on my next visit.

[Peter Herrmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really a rare gem of a book. Filled w/ info - concise, to the point, well organized. Beautifully illustrated. Great reference for anybody, but esp. if you live in New York and have the time to see all these masterpieces (which, unfortunately, I don't).

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating! And made me miss New York, which I haven’t wandered through since my college years.

[Emily]

Should really be called “Art Hiding in Manhattan” as there is exactly zero attention paid to the other 4 boroughs.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun look at art hiding around NYC! I would love this to be a series for different cities!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its title is misleading as the scope is limited to Manhattan, and mostly south of central park. But within that scope it is a fun and useful book!

[Diane C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just the right book to take with you on a trip to NYC, tour the city and go on a bit of a scavenger hunt.

[Dan Trubman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably should have been titled "Art Hiding in Manhattan South of 110th Street"

[Meggie Ferguson]

there is such wealth of art & art history in my new city! a good reminder to keep my eyes more peeled whenever i’m out & about

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg this book is beautiful! beyond that i learned so much i would have never realized just walking around the streets of nyc. I have a whole new list of "have to sees" for when we are finally able to travel again and i can visit the city, and until then, this lovely book will help me dream.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for any New Yorker. Kinda want the Kindle version too so I have it at my fingertips moving around the city.