A smaller venue then Avery Fisher Hall, this Lincoln Center mainstay features a long roster of world-renowned classical musicians, with a particular emphasis on chamber music and young instrumentalists. They also play host to the annual New York Film Festival.

This museum is part of what gives the Upper West Side its family-friendly reputation. A lush campus with an imposing architectural profile that's chock full of fascinating exhibitions for young and old alike. There's a terrific IMAX theater for watching documentaries. And the state-of-the-art Rose Planetarium is just the space for seeing stars.

Home of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, Lorin Maazel became the music director in late 2002 and has continued to lead this renowned ensemble in their acclaimed performance and recording of both classics and lesser known, more "modern" works. Since 1917, the Philharmonic has created over 2,000 recordings and given over 13,500 concerts. This hall is also host to a wealth of other internationally acclaimed performers.

This beautiful, historic theater hall is host to some of New York's most notable music events, ranging from live rock and pop to hip-hop. There are also occasional stand-up comedians. But for many, this is simply where you go each holiday season to see a live performance of Dicken's, "A Christmas Carol."

This beautiful, historic theater is host to some of New York's most notable music events, ranging from live rock and pop to hip-hop. There are also occasional stand-up comedians. But for many, this is where you go each holiday season to see a live performance of "A Christmas Carol."

Aside from being one of the top universities in the country, Columbia also offers the public an extensive calendar of lectures and cultural events. Visiting professors from all over the world come here to lecture on politics, history and, archeology and art, among other things. There are also leading musical performances and film screenings.

Considered among the top conservatories in the world, this school has been training classical musicians for over one hundred years. They also offer a full roster of public performances, featuring their own students and international solo guests.

Considered among the top conservatories in the world, this school has been training classical musicians for over one hundred years. They also offer a full roster of public performances, featuring their own students and international solo guests.

One of the most esteemed opera venues in the world (the likes of La Scala), the Met has been graced with the finest names in opera, including all three tenors. The colossal stage is equipped to dump over 3,000 gallons of water should the scene require some precipitation. The halls are graced by massive murals by Chagall. To many, the fountain at Lincoln Center is the nucleus of life as we know it.

Although part of Columbia University, Miller Theater warrants distinct recognition for its roster of world-class musical performers. A showcase for everything from Bach Concertos to live jazz, they also sponsor an ongoing project dedicated to the works of Tudor composer, Robert Parsons.

Home to the New York City Ballet and the New York City Opera, this somewhat lesser known opera house features a wonderful repertoire of classical performance. Known for putting on a stellar production of the Nutcracker Suite, which is sold out each and every Christmas, New York City Opera is often overshadowed by the Met. That's unfortunate, as it tends to be somewhat more daring in repertoire and approach. Debuting on this stage, Beverly Sills served as the general director of City Opera for over ten years before heading a few feet over to the Met.

This is New York's newest addition to the performing arts scene. The first name in world-class jazz, this snazzy performance venue is located on an upper atrium of the Time Warner Center with views of the city for inspiration. Their program of events is under the supervision of Artistic Director and famed musician Wynton Marsalis. Although not in the main Lincoln Center complex, it stills fall under the moniker of "Jazz at Lincoln Center."

This is New York's newest addition to the performing arts scene. The first name in world-class jazz, this snazzy performance venue is located on an upper atrium of the Time Warner Center with views of the city for inspiration. Their program of events is under the supervision of Artistic Director and famed musician Wynton Marsalis. Although not in the main Lincoln Center complex, it stills fall under the moniker of "Jazz at Lincoln Center."

This wine store carries over 10,000 different labels, including a ton of hard to find and rare vintages and popular favorites. They also deliver.

Symphony Space isn't just about music, although they do feature some top-billing musicians. But you're just as likely to come across fine, innovative theater, film and dance. They even offer classes and special family programs, all of which showcase their dynamic, state-of-the-art facilities.

Symphony Space isn't just about music, although they do feature some top-billing musicians. But you're just as likely to come across fine, innovative theater, film and dance. They even offer classes and special family programs, all of which showcase their dynamic, state-of-the-art facilities.

Aside from its historic significance as one of the most architecturally magnificent churches in Manhattan, St. John the Divine also serves as a thriving cultural center and a regular venue for leading musical performances, readings and plays. Of special note is their annual holiday performance of Handel's "Messiah."

It's easy to overlook this small building at the back of the Lincoln Center complex. Nonetheless, it's as treasured a resource for live events as any you will find, anywhere. The Vivian Beaumont is dedicated to classic stage performance. One of their recent products was a revival of the 1942 comedy, "The Rivals." There is also a small 299-seat theater called the Mitzi Newhouse Theater, which similarly showcases interesting, somewhat innovative pieces.

Once upon a time, Manhattan was filled with old movie theaters dedicated to showing golden oldies and obscure foreign films. Then came the video age and, whoosh, theaters were turned into nightclubs and popcorn was suddenly microwavable. A tribute to things past, the Film Society of Lincoln Center honors the age-old tradition of screening classic, international and independent films. The roster is ever-changing, but the fact remains the same: Here you will see movies you'd never have the opportunity to see anywhere else.