Section 2 Opens Next Week
We are excited to announce that Wednesday, June 8, will be the first full day that Section 2 of the High Line is open to the public.
Twelve years ago, when Friends of the High Line was formed, it was hard to imagine this day was possible. Section 2 extends the High Line ten blocks north to West 30th Street, connecting three neighborhoods along Manhattan's West Side, and bringing visitors to the threshold of the High Line at the rail yards. We are grateful to every elected official, donor, member, community partner, volunteer, and supporter who helped pave the way for this historic moment.
Read last weekend's coverage in The New York Times and New York Post to learn more about the new design and planting features, and join us this summer to experience Section 2 and the many other special initiatives in celebration of Section 2's opening:
THE LOT
A temporary public plaza will open below the High Line, offering an art installation presented by AOL, The Lot on Tap operated by Colicchio & Sons, food trucks, free community events, family activities, and more. Read more about it in The New York Times.
HIGH LINE FOOD
This summer, you will be able to grab a snack, pick up a meal, or enjoy a dessert without leaving the High Line. We will announce this year's High Line Food vendors soon.
HIGH LINE ART
New public artworks will debut, including a sculpture by Sarah Sze, a sound installation by Julianne Swartz, a photographic billboard installation by Joel Sternfeld, and a series of rooftop dance performances by the Trisha Brown Dance Company.
STEP TO THE HIGH LINE FESTIVAL
Teens from around the city will transform the High Line into their stage for a week-long festival of step performances celebrating the power and energy of our city's youth. Watch a video to get a sneak peek.
CHILDREN'S WORKYARD KIT
Weekly Wild Wednesday and Saturday Play activities feature a new, custom-designed play kit by industrial designer Cas Holman. Children can get creative with real lumber planks, simple tools, and natural materials.
PLEASE NOTE
Because crowding may occur in the opening weeks, please check our Web site for updates about park conditions before you visit.
High Line Art is presented by Friends of the High Line and the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation and is made possible by Donald R. Mullen, Jr.; The Rockefeller Foundation's New York City Cultural Innovation Fund; The Greenwall Foundation; Vital Projects Fund, Inc.; and public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and from the New York State Council on the Arts. Performances on the High Line are generously supported by The Philip & Janice Levin Foundation. In-kind sponsorship is provided by Edison Properties.

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Whitney Museum Breaks Ground on Downtown Site
Last week, the Whitney Museum of American Art broke ground on its new building, being constructed adjacent to the southern end of the High Line. Designed by architect Renzo Piano, the new building, which is scheduled to open in 2015, will offer another tie between the art world and the High Line, and attract a variety of new visitors to the neighborhood.
The High Line's future maintenance and operations facility is also being designed by Renzo Piano, and will share the space with the new Whitney. The facility will house High Line equipment, staff offices, as well as public amenities like an elevator and bathrooms.
Watch a video to learn more about the new Whitney building, or visit the museum's Web site for more information.
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Section 2 Opening Benefit A Success
On Monday, May 16, 2011, Friends of the High Line held its Section 2 Opening Spring Benefit, honoring longtime champions André Balazs, Jennifer Padovani, and the High Line Design Team of James Corner Field Operations and Diller Scofidio + Renfro. We are endlessly grateful for the generous support of our contributors and attendees, who once again helped us surpass our fundraising goal for the event.
The evening began with a preview walk through Section 2 of the High Line. Cocktails were held under the High Line at The Lot, and dinner followed under a tent erected for the event. Van Wyck & Van Wyck transformed the tent into an urban oasis of greenery, and Bite served up a savory family-style meal for the 900 guests. Following dinner, Calvin Klein Collection hosted an after party under the High Line.
The event was a great success thanks to all who so generously supported the event, raising funds for the maintenance and operations of the High Line.
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Free Walking Tour Every Saturday
Our free Saturday Walking Tours of the High Line are back. Learn more about the park's history, design, horticulture, and public art every Saturday at 11:00 AM.
Space is available on a first come, first served basis. Visit the Event Calendar for details.
High Line Docents are generously supported by REI, and, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
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June 4: Variable Pop Dance Workshop
Adults of all ages, join dance artist Naomi Goldberg Haas for an open-air fitness and movement workshop celebrating community and the joy of dance. This workshop is the second of three this season.
This High Line Public Program is free, open to ages 18 and up, and presented in partnership with Hudson Guild. No RSVP is required. Visit our Event Calendar for details.
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June 4: Early Morning High Line Habitat Walk
Enjoy the quiet early hours at the High Line with gardener Maryanne Stubbs, who will point out birds, butterflies, and other pollinators during a guided tour exploring the park's horticulture.
Tickets are $10 for members of Friends of the High Line, and $15 for non-members. Visit our Event Calendar to purchase tickets.
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Best of the Blog, Facebook, and Twitter
Here are the past few weeks' most popular stories from the High Line Blog, Facebook, and Twitter.
Follow the High Line and stay connected.
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Grow and Sustain the High Line
Next week, we will open Section 2 of the High Line, extending the park all the way to 30th Street.
Your membership support helps us open Section 2, giving visitors twice as much park to enjoy.
To recognize your support in this critical year, we're proud to offer special 2011 membership benefits, including a new High Line map, now including Section 2 (member gifts of $40)...an invitation to a members-only tour of the rail yards (rail gifts of $150)...or even an invitation to our Section 2 opening celebration (beam gifts of $350 or more).
Become an Opening Season Member—make your membership gift before June 30!

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