winter
Photo by Attila Sary

A heat wave is here in New York City, with high temperatures forecasted to reach nearly 100 degrees this weekend. If you don’t have good air conditioning where you live, locate your local cooling centers here. If you do happen to be out and about, here are 10 indoor public spaces that offer unexpected urban oases, combining green plantings with seating and amenities. Thanks to initiatives from the 1961 NYC zoning resolution, in which the city granted developers additional air rights in exchange for building and maintaining indoor and outdoor public areas, there are quite a few indoor public access areas in the least likely of locations. If you’re looking for a spot to cool off in the heat (or escape winter snow), a unique meeting spot, have a nice quiet lunch, or simply get some “me” time, stop in at one of these ten great locations.

1. The Ford Foundation

The Ford Foundation

The newly renovated Ford Foundation atrium is the perfect indoor lunch escape. It literally is like sitting inside of a small, plush green house. The air is filled with something that most New Yorkers don’t expect in the vicinity of 42nd Street: flowers. But keep in mind the only seating is the bench running alongside the perimeter, or the steps, so during come as early as possible over lunch. The Ford Foundation is located at 320 E 43rd St. Take any of the trains to Grand Central Terminal.