This Off-Broadway theater has a reputation for debuting great new works. Founded in 1985 by David Mamet and William H. Macy, both of whom act and direct plays there. To date, the Company has produced more than 100 plays.

This theater calls itself home to the Off-Broadway extravaganza otherwise known as "The Donkey Show," Created by Diane Paulus and Randy Weiner, it's a bizarre combination of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and 70's disco. Definitely not your run-of-the-mill musical, it has become a cult-like hit.

Many people credit this gallery as inspiring the birth of the Chelsea art scene. With another location uptown, the downtown gallery is located in a vast warehouse and tends to showcase very large-scale works. There was even an exhibit of Richard Serra's vast steel sculptures a few years ago. Some of the artists whose works have been featured include Warhol, Schnabel, Baselitz and Hirst.

This theater group, bringing Irish and Irish-American works to the stage, occasionally gets some big names to appear in their repertoire. The likes of Ally Sheedy has graced their stage.

One of New York's most renowned dance theaters, The Joyce is a non-profit organization committed to showcasing the best of international dance to audiences of all ages. Check in to see what they have on their roster. From modern to ballet and domestic to International in orientation, you are likely to find something extraordinary on their calendar of events.

Another prestigious gallery name in the field of contemporary art, recent shows have included the early drawings of Francis Bacon and a show by photographer Sam Taylor-Wood featuring portraits of well-known, male actors.

This is the downtown gallery for this esteemed name in modern art. The Chelsea space is usually reserved for larger, more contemporary works.

Part book store, part gallery, the two components often overlap especially when it comes to their exhibit/sale of limited edition handmade artist books. Rather than focusing on paintings or sculptures, the works here are usually books, prints or objects modified by the artists. Hot-shot young artist, Ryan McGinness, recently displayed items for sale here.

Sonnabend tends to show only the bigger names in contemporary art, ranging from photography to paintings. They sometimes showcase original furniture pieces. The space is large enough to accommodate more than one exhibit at one time, which makes a visit here all the more enjoyable.

This museum is located in the heart of the happening gallery district of Chelsea. Dedicated to modern and contemporary art, they are currently sharing space with the New Museum of Contemporary Art. Always interesting and sometimes provocative, it's definitely worth spending an afternoon.

The Cutting Room hosts Off-Off-Broadway and variety shows. Their burlesque show, Le Scandal, features everything from magic tricks to fan dancing. The co-owner of the space is Chris Noth of "Mr. Big" fame.

One of New York's newest museums, it's located in the former Barney's store on Seventh Avenue. Featuring six full floors of Himalayan art, it features a fine collection of tapestries, sculptures and paintings that date back up to 2,000 years. There are also a few contemporary exhibits, including one featuring the work of Japanese photographer Kenro Izu.