Planning The Trip
First thing I did was check when “Kinds of Kindness” opens in NYC. Woke up early Tuesday, grabbed coffee while scrolling the exhibit website on my phone. Saw it requires timed tickets and freaked out – weekends were totally sold out! Snagged Thursday 2pm slot instead. Good lesson: book at least 5 days ahead or you’re screwed.
Getting There With Zero Hassle
Took subway to Lower East Side around noon. Bumpy ride but whatever. Place is near Essex Market exit. Walked past 3 wrong buildings before spotting the small sign above a unmarked door. Almost missed it! Pro tip: Google Maps pin ain’t accurate – look for crowd of confused hipsters holding coffee cups.
Inside The Experience
Showed QR code at this tiny reception desk. Staff handed me paper map scribbled with arrows. Started in dark basement room – trippy neon hands crawling on walls. Felt like Alice in Wonderland meets haunted house. Climbed stairs to second floor: giant pillow fortress! Actually laid down while strangers stepped over me. Weirdest part was crying room with free tissues – legit sat there blowing my nose next to some lady sobbing.
- What worked: Wore comfy sneakers (stood 3 hours)
- Mistake: Brought backpack – kept banging installations
- Holy crap moment: Free pickle juice shots at exit!
Post-Visit Thoughts
Left around 4pm with headache from sensory overload but weirdly happy? Best advice: ditch expectations. This ain’t MoMA. Saw people trying to “figure it out” – total waste. Just touch stuff, laugh at absurd things. Got burger afterward while replaying mental highlights: that taxidermy raccoon wearing sunglasses still kills me. Worth $35 ticket? Hell yeah if you like wtf moments with zero explanations.
Final tip: Go alone. Saw couples arguing about meanings. You don’t need that negativity. Bring open mind and emergency snacks.
