Since 1967 we've been creating expertly planned school tours - helping groups get more from their time away...
Art & Design school trips to New York
The city that never sleeps plays host to some of the most dynamic contemporary works in the world and an ever-evolving Art and Design scene. Home to influential, modern art museums including the Guggenheim and MoMA, New York is a truly exciting, fast-paced destination, which offers great sketching and photography opportunities.

- Itinerary
- Visits
- Accommodation
- Eating Out
- Support
- Resources

Below, you’ll find an example of one of our most popular itinerary choices, but we can tailor-make yours from scratch to meet your exact requirements...
New York - 5 days from £699pp*
Travelling on selected dates in February 2013. Price includes return flights (all taxes & charges included), airport transfers to & from accommodation, 3 nights' room-only accommodation at West Side YMCA, extensive group travel insurance and a generous free place ratio of 1 in 10
And then add our suggested itinerary package below for £39pp*
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| *Prices shown based on 25 paying passengers departing in February 2013 from a London airport & are subject to availablility. Flight supplements may apply. Entrance fees for some of the visits featured may be payable locally, but are included in the price shown. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Our most popular visits in new York for Art & Design school trips
Here are some of our most popular visits in New York for Art & Design groups. We can tailor-make an itinerary to your exact needs. Call 0845 688 8988 to create your itinerary from scratch today.
Galleries & Museums
Metropolitan Museum of Art
“New York’s premier cultural attraction is one of the world’s greatest repositories of art”.
Gallery Focus: Offers paintings, sculpture, furniture and all manner of precious objects from across the continents and ancient civilisations. An excellent foundation of inspiration for those interested in the work of other cultures.
Museum of Modern Art
“Moving onward and upward, New York’s premier showcase for what’s new in the visual arts”.
Gallery Focus: Showcases cubism, fauvism and abstract expressionism. Modern influences to inspire any fine art student, and a 3D course with wide examples of machine art, ranging from sewing machines to ball-bearings!
Guggenheim Museum
“A unique museum containing leading examples of Expressionism, Cubism and Abstraction”.
Gallery Focus: Offers modern creations associated with major movements. Representations are generally from the latter part of the 19th century. Boasting artists such as Klee, Leger, Mondrian, with a general leaning towards the abstract.
International Center of Photography
“A photography museum, school, and research centre in the centre of Manhattan”.
Gallery Focus: A photographic institution, the ICP offers tours and workshops to help your students clarify the ideas, techniques and aesthetics of the work displayed and expand their knowledge of photography.
Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum
“The only museum in the United States devoted exclusively to historic and contemporary design”.
Gallery Focus: Offers centuries of achievement in the art of design. The department of Applied Arts and Industrial Design is an ideal visit for students focusing on vocational aspects of art and design, from graphics, architecture, textiles, theatre, interior and virtually any other creative pursuit.
The Frick Collection
“One of the superior small art museums in the United States”.
Gallery Focus: Includes some of the best-known paintings by the greatest European artists, major works of sculpture, Limoges enamels and other works of remarkable quality.
Whitney Museum of American Art
“The Whitney places a particular emphasis on exhibiting the work of living artists”.
Gallery Focus: Focusing on 20th and 21st century American art, The Whitney’s permanent collection contains more than 18,000 works in a wide variety of media by many renowned artists including Pollock, Rothko, Hopper and Warhol.
Neue Galerie New York
“A recent addition to New York City’s famed Museum Mile on Fifth Avenue, Manhattan”.
Gallery Focus: This museum of early 20th century art is divided into two sections – German art and Austrian art and includes a variety of artwork by artists such as Klimt, Kandinsky and Klee.
Up & Coming Exhibitions
MoMA
The Shaping of New Visions: Photography, Film, Photobook
April 2012 - April 2013
This exhibition, covering the period from 1910 to today, offers a critical reassessment of photography's role in the avant-garde movements - with a special emphasis on the medium's relation to Dada, Bauhaus, Surrealism, Constructivism, New Objectivity, Conceptual, and Post-Conceptual art - and in the development of contemporary artistic practices.
Century of the Child: Growing by Design, 1900-2000
29 July - 5 November 2012
MoMA's ambitious survey of 20th century design for children is the first large-scale overview of the modernist preoccupation with children and childhood as a paradigm for progressive design thinking. The exhibition will bring together areas underrepresented in design history and often considered separately, including school architecture, clothing, playgrounds, toys and games, children's hospitals and safety equipment, nurseries, furniture and books.
Alina Szapocznikow: Sculpture Undone, 1955-1972
7 October 2012 - 28 January 2013
A sculptor who began working during the postwar period in a classical figurative style, Alina Szapocznikow radically reconceptualised sculpture as an imprint not only of memory but also of her own body. Though her career effectively spanned less than two decades, Szapocznikow left behind a legacy of provocative objects that evoke Surrealism, Nouveau Réalism and Pop art.
Tokyo 1955-1970
18 November 2012 - 25 February 2013
From the mid 1950s through the 1960s, Tokyo transformed itself from the capital of a war-torn nation into an international centre for arts, culture, and commerce, becoming home to some of the most important art being made at the time. Tokyo 1955-1970 provides a focused look at the extraordinary concentration and network of creative individuals and practices in this dynamic city during these turbulent years.
Metropolitan Museum of Art: Tomás Saraceno on the Roof. Cloud City
24 April - 4 November 2012
Argentinian artist Tomás Saraceno (b. 1973) will create a monumental constellation of interconnected, room-sized modules specifically for the Museum's Roof Garden. Merging art and architecture, Saraceno uses his art to envision floating or flying cities. Set against Central Park, its urban backdrop, and the airspace above and beyond, the installation suggests a model for futuristic urban planning.
Frick Collection: Mantegna to Matisse - Master Drawings from the Courtauld Gallery
2 October - 27 January 2013
The Frick will present fifty-eight drawings from the The Courtauld Gallery in London in this exhibition which will include works from artists including Mantegna, Dürer, Rubens, Gainsborough, Degas, Cézanne, Van Gogh, Henri Matisse and Picasso.
The New York Experience
Empire State Building
Venture over ¼ of a mile skyward and observe as your group takes in the scale of the immense urban landscape which opens up before them. This is a great way for your students to gain artistic inspiration away from the hustle and bustle of the streets below. A particularly popular evening visit.
We recommend that groups venture to the Top of the Rock™ in the daytime, and complement this with an evening visit to the top of the Empire State Building
Top of the Rock™
Experience the best and most complete daytime view of New York City! Bring your sketchbook with you and you’ll be spoilt for choice over what to sketch – the unparalleled views of New York’s landmarks include Central Park, the Chrysler Building, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty – simply the most spectacular view in the city.
Book Top of the Rock ™ with NST’s great group rates and you’ll by-pass the public queuing system – just request the time you would like to visit!
Ground Zero
A visit to New York provides the opportunity for your students to witness the tragedy of September 11th, 2001 first-hand. They will be able to see the impact the events of this day had on the landscape of this spirited city and its people.A truly moving experience.
Circle Line Cruise or Ride the Beast!
See a different view of the island with a cruise around Manhattan – either on the relaxing Circle Line Cruise or the exhilarating Ride the Beast, a wild, 45mph speed boat ride past the iconic skyscrapers!
Broadway Show
See a spectacular Broadway performance – entertainment at its greatest! Choose from shows such as Billy Elliot, Chicago, West Side Story and Wicked. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Covering the history of this famous statue, this insightful visit will inspire your students as they learn about the important role this island played in immigration.
Below, you'll find some of our most popular accommodation options for school groups.
This is just a sample of our full range, so for full details of all properties available, please call 0845 688 8988 to speak to one of our Educational Travel Advisors today.
Hotel BedfordThe Hotel Bedford was built in 1929 in a classical European style. The hotel is situated in the middle of one of the quieter streets in the heart of mid-town Manhattan

Hotel Bedford
The Hotel Bedford offers a professional, friendly service with a good standard of accommodation in an excellent location. This is a cosy, friendly hotel offering a comfortable retreat in the heart of busy Manhattan. Groups are assured a warm welcome and comfortable stay.

Address118E. 40th Street | Local Rating |
Capacity380 guests. 58 suites & 78 rooms over 17 floors. |

Location Information
The Hotel Bedford is located on 40th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues in the heart of Manhattan. It is situated close to Broadway, the theatres and Grand Central Station. It is also a short walk from the Rockefeller Centre, St Patrick’s Cathedral, the United Nations, Fifth Avenue shops and the Empire State Building.


Accommodation Facilities
- 24-hour reception
- Lounge
- Laundry facilities
- 2 Lifts
- Free wireless internet access
- Disabled facilities: This property has no specific facilities or adapted rooms for disabled clients.
Student Rooms
- 2-4 bedded rooms (combination of large double beds (for two students), sofa beds and roll-away beds, most groups are accommodated on a bed share basis i.e. two students sharing a large double bed).
- En-suite facilities
- Air conditioning
- Hairdryer
- TV
- Telephone
- Safety deposit box
- Towels
- Iron & ironing board
- Tea & coffee making facilities
Staff Rooms
- Twins/singles
- En-suite facilities
- Air conditioning
- Hairdryer
- TV
- Telephone
- Safety deposit box
- Towels
- Iron & ironing board
- Tea & coffee making facilities
Safety Guidance
The hotel conforms to all local standards, which does not require windows to have restricted opening. Group leaders are advised to consider this in their risk assessments/group management plan and ensure appropriate control measures are put in place.


Security Deposit
Please note that security against damage payment/credit card is required on arrival at the hotel of $20 per person. This is refundable at the end of your stay providing there is no damage. In order to avoid misunderstanding, we suggest all group leaders undertake an inspection of all rooms with hotelier/duty manager on arrival and departure and any existing damage is immediately reported. N.B. There is an additional charge of $500 for misuse of the fire alarm.

Hotel HarringtonThis is a friendly, traditional hotel offering a simple level of comfort. Its exciting location is convenient for public transport and walking tours to most city sights.

Hotel Harrington
Hotel Harrington provides simple accommodation in an excellent central location, with vast experience of accommodating school/student groups and always provides an efficient and friendly service.

Address11th and E Street NW | Local Rating |
Capacity242 rooms over 11 floors |

Location Information
Situated on a busy street surrounded by shops and cafés. The hotel is 2 blocks from the nearest Metro station.


Accommodation Facilities
- Reception
- Bar/cafe
- Restaurant
- Internet access
- 2 lifts
- Disabled facilities: There are 6 rooms that have been specially adapted for disabled guests.
Student Rooms
- 4-6 bedded rooms (students sharing large double beds, individual beds are available)
- En-suite facilities
- Air conditioning
- TV
- Telephone
Staff Rooms
- Twins/singles
- En-suite facilities
- Air conditioning
- TV
- Telephone

Courtyard Midtown EastOne of eight New York City Marriott hotels, this hotel was built in 1998 and is of a modern style. This hotel was originally built as an office block and later converted to a hotel. Floors 2-11 are occupied by a private hospital.

Courtyard Midtown East
An excellent hotel with a good range of facilities, located in the heart of mid town Manhattan. Groups are assured a comfortable stay.

Address866 Third Avenue | Local Rating |
Capacity312 rooms spread over floors 12 – 31 |

Location Information
Centrally located on Eastside of Midtown Manhattan within walking distance of the Rockefeller Center, 5th Avenue shopping and Radio City Music Hall. There are a number of subway stations located within 1-2 blocks from the hotel.


Accommodation Facilities
- 24-hour Reception
- Lifts
- Air conditioning
- 3 conference rooms
- Restaurant / breakfast room
- Exercise room
- Disabled facilities: There are 18 specially adapted disabled rooms, most have inter-connecting rooms
Student Rooms
- Triple rooms – two beds & a sofa / roll away
- 2 king size beds, option to:
- Bed share – 4 students per room
- Individual beds – 2 students per room
- En-suite facilities
- Cable TV
- Direct dial telephone
- Internet access (free)
- Safety deposit box
- Hairdryer
- Tea & coffee making facilities
- Pay-per-view movies and phones are blocked with a deposit needed to make outgoing calls, room to room calls are not blocked
Staff Rooms
- Twins/Singles
- En-suite facilities
- Cable TV
- Direct dial telephone
- Internet access (free)
- Safety deposit box
- Hairdryer
- Tea & coffee making facilities
- Pay-per-view movies and phones are blocked with a deposit needed to make outgoing calls, room to room calls are not blocked

Days Hotel BroadwayA traditional, comfortable hotel well located and with good access to Mid Town Manhattan, Times Square and many popular attractions.

Days Hotel Broadway
Traditional cosy hotel located in a popular upper West Side location with good access to all parts of Manhattan.

Address215 West 94th Street & Broadway | Local Rating |
Capacity250 rooms. |

Location Information
Upper West Side on Broadway Av and conveniently located for subway lines 1,2,3,9.


Accommodation Facilities
- 24-hour Reception
- Excursion desk
- Payphones
- Internet access
- Vending machines
- Gift shop
- Fitness room
- Disabled facilities: This property has no specific facilities or adapted rooms for disabled clients.
Student Rooms
- 2 king size beds, option to:
- Bed share – 4 students per room
- Individual beds – 2 students per room
- En-suite facilities
- Air-conditioning
- TV
- Telephone
- Hairdryer
- Iron
Staff Rooms
- Twins/Singles
- En-suite facilities
- Air-conditioning
- TV
- Telephone
- Hairdryer
- Iron

Eastgate Tower HotelThe property was originally built as an apartment block in the early 1970s and has a modern décor throughout. The hotel offers a variety of room types including: 74 Junior suites, 36 one bedrooms suites, 18 two bedroom suites and 9 studio apartments. All rooms and suites are very spacious. N.B. Due to room configuration groups will be accommodated over a number of floors.

Eastgate Tower Hotel
A comfortable hotel offering generous, spacious accommodation in a good central location. Groups are assured a comfortable stay.

Address222 East 39th Street | Local Rating |
Capacity187 suites spread over 25 floors, 2 guest lifts. |

Location Information
Peaceful residential Murray Hill location, within short walking distance to Grand Central Station, United Nations, Times Square, and many other well known sights and attractions.


Accommodation Facilities
- 24-hour Reception
- Lobby / lounge
- Breakfast Meeting room
- Luggage storage available
- Disabled facilities: The property has a number of specially adapted rooms suitable for disabled guests
Student Rooms
- 2/4 king size beds, option to:
- Bed share – 4/8 students per room
- Individual beds – 2/4 students per room
- En-suite facilities
- Fitted kitchen with free standing gas cooker, fridge freezer and microwave (N.B. all gas cookers will be disconnected)
- Central heating / air-conditioning
- TV
- Telephone
- Radio alarm clock
- Hairdryer
- Iron & ironing board
- Internet access (fee payable)
- Safety deposit boxes
- Tea & coffee making facilities
Staff Rooms
- Twins/Singles
- En-suite facilities
- Fitted kitchen with free standing gas cooker, fridge freezer and microwave (N.B. all gas cookers will be disconnected)
- Central heating / air-conditioning
- TV
- Telephone
- Radio alarm clock
- Hairdryer
- Iron & ironing board
- Internet access (fee payable)
- Safety deposit boxes
- Tea & coffee making facilities

We can pre-book your meals at our great group prices to help your itinerary run smoothly.
Popular options include:
- Continental/American breakfast
- Planet Hollywood
- Hard Rock Cafe
- Bubba Gump Shrimp
- John's Shanghai
... and more!






