Atlas Obscura

Dylan Thuras explains the story behind an online compendium of weird and wondrous places, reflecting on the nature of exploration, discovery and wonder.

Urban Omnibus Writing Competition: The Unfinished Grid

Trangressing the Grid: Adventures On (and Off) Manhattan Island

Announcing the winner of the Unfinished Grid Essay Competition: a personal essay that blends family history with individual mobility to explore Manhattan's built and natural environment.

A Walk Down Mulberry Street with Monsignor Sakano

The Pastor of Saint Patrick's Old Cathedral shares the history of the iconic Soho church and reflects on his work in ministry, social work and affordable housing in the context of a constantly changing city.

MyBlockNYC

Two of the co-founders of an innovative “video map” of New York discuss personal expression, urban exploration and the civic possibilities of video.

Starrett City: A Home of One's Own — With Party Walls

Rosalie Genevro offers a historical snapshot of Starrett City and challenges us to question conventional notions of "house" and "home" in American culture.

A Walk Through Times Square with Glenn Weiss

On the eve of his departure from New York, the outgoing manager of public art for the Times Square Alliance discusses community engagement, urban placemaking and contemporary art practice at the iconic site.

Civic Action: A Vision for Long Island City, Part 1

A first look at a new initiative, developed by the Noguchi Museum and Socrates Sculpture Park, that invites artist-led teams to propose visions for the future of Long Island City.

Civic Action: A Vision for Long Island City, Part 2

What if one neighborhood were a place where the creativity that marks city life was championed?

As Awake As Possible: A Walk with Jon Cotner

A writer muses on poetry, neighborliness and waking up to the city around us while strolling through Brooklyn's Fort Greene Park.