David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center — Local services in New York

Rubinstein has changed a lot over the years since it was called the Harkness Pavilion. Back then it was a lonely backwater. A smattering of rickety tables. Failed attempts to draw crowds by entertainment at a baby grand that had obviously seen better times and a small concession stand. This POPS was mixed use as it shared spacecwith a struggling wall climbing school. One whole wall was covered by a simulated rock wall. There was not much to do other than make mental bets which climbers would make it to the ceiling or drop to the floor mats.

TODAY. The David Rubinstein Atrium has gotten to be so popular I am surprised you don't have to make reservations in advance there is so little tabling left. In fact you have to wait sitting on the minimalist marble benches for an opening. A typical wait is 1/3 to 1/2 hour so get their before 12N.

But you will be amused. Background music is tastefully and interestingly curated as you would expect from this community of artists called Lincoln Center. People watching is another thing. The upscale cultured crowd seem like works of art themselves. Clothing assembled like a painting, bodies like renaissance statuary.

There is a multimedia art installation in place of the wretched climbing wall. Then there are also two amazing "Vertical Gardens". These are rare shrubbery growing out of the wall. As if someone had peeled off your front lawn, grass and topiary and trees and all like a section of square Astroturf and nailed it to the side of your house like a mural of some kind. I remember sending a shot of myself with the Vertical Garden in the background. My friend looked at the lush green behind me and concluded I had moved to a tropical country.

Nowadays respected artists in World Music play the atrium. Also Chamber music, jazz and comedy. Lots of equipment and instruments moved in and out. No more falling apart baby grand. Most events are open to the public, some are fcfs or by reservation only. There are events by invite only and forget about crashing the party. They have hired security.

Recently the Atrium lost its restaurant - wichcraft? Now they have a temporary caterer whose contract keeps getting extended as no permanent vendor has shown up yet. I can't describe the food. I did see that the former restaurant had table service.

Don't worry! There are at least 5 bathrooms. The one downstairs does a brisk business so don't expect to be long in there. Upstairs are the other 4 restrooms. Each toilette is in a private room! Really spacious but at first the full length frosted door window makes one feel self-conscious about disrobing. Be prepared to spend time fighting with the broken door locks as each toilette has a private keyed entry. If you need a long stay upstairs is best. Also these close early.

Back downstairs they have LED mood lighting they should use more. The place is a bit cold and drafty. Bring a sweater and hat.

Rubinstein serves as an information centre for Lincoln. Make yourself an Official Culture Vulture by joining or getting season tickets. Both live reps and computer kiosks are available for any service you may need.

Speaking of computers, Rubinstein is a hotspot meaning they have free wifi internet! Also there are a few charging ports available but not at the tables. The process of getting online has been much streamlined so kudos to the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts IT team!

There is security on premises.

I have seen this POPS used for all sorts of purposes by citizens. Tutoring. Homework from local private schools. Card games. Online research into the occult. Book clubs. Acting auditions. Resume writing. You name it!

So stop by. Almost guaranteed you will...

Free Wi-Fi, plenty of seating, air conditioning, and a 'wichcraft? YAY. Okay, maybe that last thing is not exactly a draw, but it means that I can grab something to drink or eat while I'm working. Or, I can bring my own food.

It's a great place to write due to the ample seating, comfortable enough chairs, and outlets. There`are only a few outlets, granted, but if you are polite and share with nearby people, everyone will have enough juice.

I'm not fond of the giant, giant screen on one wall, but then there are places to sit where you don't have to see it. I adore the plants growing out of the walls. A tour guide near me just said they are for air purification. All right, then.

Thursday nights and some Saturday mornings there's a free concert. Otherwise is sounds like they play a well-picked list of instrumental music, which is not too loud.

This is also the place to come for guided tours and discount Lincoln Center tickets.

The hours mean that I won't likely be here on weekday evenings, but I may opt to spend some weekend writing time here since I can bring my own food and drink and not have to worry about buying something to justify the space...

This review might seems strange to some or extremely helpful to others. In search of a bathroom and a decent place to study, I stumbled upon this place. I've walked by here numerous times but I didn't know it was open to the public. This is a great place to get some studying in if you can grab a good spot and have some headphones. This is a great spot to watch some live performances. This is also a amazing spot if you need to use the bathroom. After trying 2 different Starbucks, this was definitely a step up. A lovely front desk officer directed me to the bathroom which was on the second floor. They give you a key specific to the bathroom door you'll use and it can't be opened without it (I love privacy and security in a bathroom) and the door is from top to bottom. They even care about conserving water. I'm such a geek for these things. Definitely returning and not just to use the...