NYC & Company Spotlights Museum and Cultural Institutions as Hidden Shopping Gems

7/15/08

NYC & COMPANY SPOTLIGHTS NEW YORK CITY�S MUSEUM AND CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS AS HIDDEN SHOPPING GEMS




From Alvin Ailey Barbie Dolls to Superhero Cufflinks at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, City Cultural Gift Shops and Online Stores Provide the Perfect Option for Unique Purchases


New York City (July 15, 2008) NYC & Company, New York City�s marketing, tourism and partnership organization, is encouraging New Yorkers and visitors alike to explore the City�s arts and cultural offerings for purchasing some of the destination�s most interesting and unusual items.

�New York City is renowned for its vibrant shopping and diverse arts, and we are encouraging visitors as well as locals to discover a combination of the two� said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company. �Our museums and cultural institutions have fantastic stores that we are proud to highlight. These hidden gems provide the perfect place to find unique products that embody the culture and spirit of New York City.�

Innovative items can be found at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which sells stylish accessories that range from cufflinks to neckerchiefs in character with the new exhibit, Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy, while the American Folk Art Museum carries educational and fun license-plate placemats and compass necklaces.

The Museum of Modern Art is producing exhibit-themed goods, including books on Olafur Eliasson, the artist behind The New York City Waterfalls, four man-made waterfall installations on display in the New York Harbor through October 13, 2008, as well as collectible miniature Dali chairs, accompanying the current Dali: Painting and Film exhibition.

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has released commemorative merchandise including Hallmark greeting cards, an Alvin Ailey Barbie Doll, and original stage props from their trademarked ballet, Revelations.

The gift store at the New York City Ballet offers educational DVDs that teach the art of teaming exercise with choreography, and The New York City Fire Museum offers cookbooks on how to prepare firehouse cuisine.

For unusual household items, the New Museum boasts modernly-designed carpets, shower curtains, trophy stands and game room chandeliers, as well as �skullphone ornaments�, �melting snowman� canisters and a collection of artist-designed towels in partnership with Target and the Art Production Fund.

Functional objects, including cameras and camera equipment, can be found at the International Center of Photography�s store. Individual pieces range from camera clocks, belts and necklaces to fisheye, pinhole, oktomat and colorsplash cameras that create one-of-a-kind images.

For more information on what to see and do in New York City�s five boroughs visit www.nycgo.com.


About NYC & CompanyNYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide.






Contacts
Francisca Ovalle
NYC & Company
tel 212 484 5458
fovalle@nycgo.comEmma Thomas
NYC & Company
tel 212 484 1279
ethomas@nycgo.com