The Winter Show

Masterpieces in Manhattan

Words by Ellen Jones

Evening —Looking Across a Distant Lake to Mountains by Joseph Mallord William Turner. Watercolor on paper. 11 ½ x 18 ½ inches; 292 by 470 mm. Painted c. 1831. Exhibitor: Lowell Libson & Jonny Yarker, London, UK. Photo courtesy of The Winter Show

As New York City wraps itself in a twinkling frosty embrace, The Winter Show rolls out the red carpet for art connoisseurs and aficionados. If Frieze is the contemporary enfant terrible of the art world, The Winter Show is the classic grande dame. It’s little surprise, then, that this distinguished doyenne is just turning 70. 

From art and antiques to jewelry and furniture, The Winter Show descends upon the historic Park Avenue Armory in January 2024 for a ten-day marathon of fine and decorative arts. Presenting 68 internationally renowned dealers from all over the world, it is the ultimate showcase of exquisite, rare collectibles.

Whether you come to dream or splash the cash, The Winter Show is the snow globe of your most lavish aspirations, waiting to be shaken into sparkling reality.

A philanthropic past and priceless present

The Winter Show began in the 1950s as a benefit for the community non-profit East Side House Settlement. Over the years, the landmark fair has raised millions of dollars to support this cause. Within just a decade, it had gained a rep for being the premiere art, antiques, and design fair in the States. 

What makes The Winter Show so remarkable is its diversity of exhibitors, many of whom have been displaying for generations. Here, antique maps and Old Masters sit alongside Tiffany lamps, Japanese ceramics, and medieval rings. It’s like being in a museum, except everything (almost!) can be yours to own. You’ll feel like a kid in a connoisseur’s candy store.

The Winter Show 2024 promises to be the best yet, with a veritable treasure trove of pieces to be discovered, along with top experts to dispense advice. Key exhibitors include the esteemed Hirschl & Adler Galleries, specializing in American and European works from the 18th to 20th centuries. Then there’s London’s world-famous Daniel Crouch Rare Books, showcasing its extraordinary collection of antique atlases, maps, plans, and sea charts.

If you’re on the hunt for homeware, look out for Doris Leslie Blau’s exquisite array of Oriental and vintage rugs and Parisian dealer Galerie Léage’s beautiful, 18th-century, French furniture and objets d’art.

If you love contemporary design, you’ll be heartened to know The Winter Show isn’t all classic antique finds. There are plenty of modern masterpieces to be found. Philadelphia’s Dolan/Maxwell Gallery presents fine prints by artists from the 1930s to today. The iconic Boccara Gallery New York will be spotlighting vibrant modern tapestry and contemporary sculpture.

How to do The Winter Show

The Club Room at The Lowell. Photo by © 2016 Ellie Pinney Photography, courtesy of The Lowell. Lowellhotel.com

Whether you plan to invest or only window shop, The Winter Show is an unmissable experience. General Admission tickets range from $40 to $250, and it’s best to book in advance to secure your visit.

Public hours begin at noon daily, so you’ll have ample time to stroll around the cavernous Park Avenue Armory and unearth treasures galore. If you’re serious about buying, you will need more than pocket change. Some pieces have price tags upwards of seven figures.

Do feel confident engaging with the exhibitors and dealers. They’re fountains of knowledge in their field and can provide valuable insights, history, and context about pieces on display. Above all, just take your time to savor the experience, for each piece on display has a unique story to tell.

Tip: To immerse yourself in the razzle-dazzle of NYC’s social scene and rub shoulders with curators, scholars, and collectors, nab yourself a ticket to The Winter Show’s glamorous opening night party on January 18. During an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and live jazz, you’ll hobnob with high society in style.

Gilded Age stays

Located in Manhattan’s eternally chic Upper East Side, moments from Central Park and Madison Avenue, The Winter Show is perfectly positioned for a seasonal NYC escape. Best of all, there are plenty of Gilded Age hotels right on the fair’s doorstep.

Just a block or two away, The Lowell exudes old-world glamour and offers nearly a century of history. Think wood-burning fireplaces, antique furnishings, and marble bathrooms. Its renowned restaurant, Majorelle, is a gastronomic delight, serving delectable French cuisine in an intimate setting.

Nearby, the equally regal Pierre is a 1930s gem. Perched on Fifth Avenue, and once home to designer Yves Saint-Laurent, The Pierre welcomes you with a grandeur that’s hard to resist. Step into a world where chandeliers twinkle like stars and impeccable service is the name of the game. The rooms are a blend of classic and contemporary, just like NYC itself.

Then there’s the historical St. Regis, an official NYC landmark. A stage for New York’s most stylish, Jacob Astor’s legendary hotel puts you at the center of the action. Butler service and stunning suites are at your disposal. Don’t forget to swing by the King Cole Bar for its world-famous Bloody Mary.

Make the most of New York City in January

Two E Bar and Lounge at The Pierre. Photo courtesy of The Pierre, a Taj Hotel. Thepierreny.com

As the city dons its winter coat of snow, January is the most magical time to experience the Big Apple. No trip would be complete without a shopping excursion to some of Fifth Avenue’s most popular retail therapy spots, like Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany & Co., or Saks Fifth Avenue.

Glide across the iconic winter wonderland ice rinks in Central Park, Bryant Park, or Rockefeller Center before warming up with your preferred delight at the elegant MarieBelle's Cacao Bar.

NYC leaps into the new year with a wealth of must-see cultural events. Check out the MoMA’s Picasso in Fontainebleau exhibition, which showcases his works from the summer of 1921. On Broadway, you can catch performances of Gutenberg! Hamilton, Back to the Future the Musical, or & Juliet.

For dinner, in the close vicinity to The Winter Show, you can devour dumplings at upscale Chinese eatery Philippe Chow or spot a celebrity at Michael’s New York, then close your evening with a cocktail on the 47th floor of Darling, overlooking a snowy Central Park.

The Winter Show, Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Avenue, New York, NY.

Friday 19 January 2024 — Sunday 28 January 2024, hours vary. 

Event proceeds benefit the East Side House Settlement.