Planet of the Grapes

1220 5th Avenue at 103rd Street

The Museum of the City of New York is pretty much what it sounds like. Some New Yorkers would argue that the whole damn city is a museum (“the greatest in the world, man!”), and we know that attitude is what you both love and hate about New York. Look, this is just a museum about New York, and we’re just reviewing some bathrooms. No need to get involved in a culture clash. After all, we’re all humans, and thus, we all have to relieve ourselves.

In a word, this facility has a nice glow. The orb-like lights lining the walls are futuristic in a classy way, vanity lights for extraterrestrials. The floor plan is elongated, the large white tiles on the floor with some black spruced in add to the sense of space. The long sink again provides room between fellow hand-washers and there’s a nice little “bar” by the window…an extended pane that gives the option of placing personal effects on it if needed as you get yourself in order. It’s as if the designers were saying, “New York is so damn cramped and crowded, but at least the bathroom in its museum will not be.” The promise of the orb lighting is offset by the exposed flourescents above the sink…it’s like putting a whorehouse next to a nunnery. If you plan on spending time here (be warned rent is $2,500 a month and pretty much guaranteed to go up next year) there is a climate control knob. The white toilet paper dispensers are sleek and modern encasements, angular mounted clouds patiently awaiting your use. There were a few things on the floor but it was generally clean–looks like the rest of the city could learn a few things from this bathroom.

Rating: 6.5