The Artful Dodger.

I went the cultural route last week.

I am a member of both the Whitney and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Yes, I know I pay an annual membership fee, which by the way, is tax deductible.

But, I felt that I got away with two tantalizing evenings of entertainment for next to nothing.

Last Thursday was the Members Only opening night of the Calder exhibit at the Whitney.

It is a small exhibit, but some of the pieces have never been seen.

Calder: Hypermobility focuses on the extraordinary breadth of movement in the work of Alexander Calder. This exhibition brings together key sculptures and provides a rare opportunity to experience the works in motion.

We moseyed down to the Meatpacking district around 7pm, stopping at the restaurant, Untitled, adjacent to the museum.

It was a glorious evening and we had a splendid rose from Languedoc along with two fabulous vegetarian dishes.

With the membership discount we barely spent $35 and had a romantic interlude before the visual stimulation.

The Calder exhibit was charming and the sunset views from the outside terraces were as thrilling as the art display.

We strolled home via the Highline which was quiet with stunning vistas…a wonderful evening for next to nothing…experience, priceless.

Friday evening we meandered through Central Park, headed to the MET.

We took in some Impression art and Rodin sculpture, but our destination was the rooftop.

Summer evenings on the MET roof are exquisite and they are further enhanced by adult beverages.

The rooftop exhibit is fascinating this year.

 Argentinian artist Adrián Villar Rojas has created a site-specific installation for the Met’s Roof Garden.

 

We took it all in while sipping champagne.

We met a lovely couple and enjoyed the views and their company for two hours.

We walked home through the Park and had dinner at the bar at Cafe Luxembourg, meeting another group of interesting people.

Two amazing evenings with good food and priceless culture for under $100.

Only in New York, kiddo.

Calder:Hypermobility June 9-October 23rd, 2017. Whitney Museum of American Art, 99 Gansevoort Street New York City.

The Roof Garden Commission: Adrián Villar Rojas, The Theater of Disappearance Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue New York City. April 14th through October 29th, 2017.