The borrowed display features photographs that record fleeting moments in London street life from the 1860s to the present—ordinary scenes of people in the midst of daily city life that follow the development of technology, culture and finance in a growing modern metropolis. It is accompanied by a new exhibit similarly designed to showcase the evolution of street life in New York City. Both shows will run through Dec. 2.

“The exhibit has perfect timing, opening as the world’s eyes fall on London this month,” said Alex Werner, the Museum of London’s head of history collections, who traveled to New York for the opening of the exhibition.

London Street Photography, which has been on display at the Museum of London since 2010, is the museum’s most visited temporary exhibit ever, drawing more than 125,000 viewers in the last two years. The exhibition contains more than 138 images taken by more than 50 photographers, with photographs arranged chronologically from 1860 to 2010.

“The exhibit follows a changing society, following culture and economic conditions as they evolve over time,” said Sean Corcoran, curator of prints and photography for MCNY.

The London exhibition also features a short film screening called Behind the Lens, in which four photographers with images on display reflect on their work. In the documentary-style video reel, artists Wolfgang Suschitzky, Paul Trevor, Matt Stuart and Polly Braden talk about their experiences photographing scenes of everyday London life.

City Scenes: New York Street Photography, the exhibit designed by MCNY to complement its London counterpart, is a smaller display of about 40 photographs taken between 1888 and 2002. The showcase includes several iconic New York images and boasts snapshots by renowned photographers such as Paul Strand, Diane Arbus, Jacob Riis and others.

The New York display serves as both a comparison and a juxtaposition to the London exhibit, drawing parallels between the two major metropolises, which, Corcoran said, are very similar in many ways despite their differences.

“[MCNY] is interested in urban life in New York, and what better way to explore that than to show life in a city, especially a city that is very culturally similar to New York but also different,” said Corcoran, who curated the companion exhibition.

He noted that similarities can be found in the progression of the technology and use of film in London and in New York. In London, famous photographers such as John Galt used imagery to provide social commentary, documenting the life of London’s lower class. American Riis chronicled the living conditions of New York’s poor, seeking to catalyze change by raising awareness through his work.

One difference between the two cities, Werner noted, is that New York essentially replaced London as the world’s vanguard urban center in the mid-20th century. In images captured in post-World War II London, photographers documented a city rebuilding its culture with a new and pervasive influx of American influence.

“London was the largest urban center in the world in the beginning of the 1940s. Then, after the war, New York sort of took over as the largest city,” Werner said.

By Laurent Berstecher

1. Smithfield

With its three floors and 21 Flat Screen TVs, Smithfield Bar will make sure that you don’t miss out on the action. Located a few blocks away from Madison Square Garden, the bar will provide live screenings all of the Olympics major events, from the opening to the closing ceremony, starting at 10am. Drink specials include 5$ Newcastle Brown Ale and 6$ Gin and Tonics.

Smithfield NYC, 215 W 28th Street

www.smithfieldnyc.com

2. Woodwork

After a busy month of Euro Cup Football, Woodwork will exceptionally devote its 3 soccer-loving flat screens to the London Olympics. The Prospects Heights bar is an ideal hangout for those who would rather watch the Games in Brooklyn. The bar will welcome you with a number of drink specials, including customer favorite “USA”: A pint of Miller and a shot of Evan William Green Label for 6$.

Woodwork, 583 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, Prospect Heights, NY.

www.woodworkbk.com

3. Big Screen Plaza

Tired of the thick atmosphere and sticky counters of sports bars? At the Big Screen Plaza you will be able to enjoy live sports without having beer spilled all over your shoulder. As the name indicates, the Plaza is a 10,000 square foot outdoor venue complete with a 30 x 16 ft. giant HD screen. Located in the heart of Manhattan, the plaza will be holding regular screening throughout the Olympics, and a special event for the opening ceremony.

Big Screen Plaza, 851 Avenue of the Americas (Behind the Eventi Hotel) New York, NY 10001

www.bigscreenplaza.com

4. Tonic East

Who said you can’t watch sports AND be comfortable? With its massive plasma screens, comfy sofas and surround sound, Tonic East offers a one-of-a-kind sports viewing experience. And if women’s curling is on, you can always go enjoy the view of Murray Hill from the bar’s rooftop. Drink specials include 3$ Budweisers and 4$ Well Drinks.

Tonic East, 411 Third Ave, New York, NY 10016 www.toniceast.com

5. SNAP

Yes, even the Meatpacking District has its sports bars. Sure, it’s a little fancier than your average British pub, but who doesn’t like massive leather couches? For those of you who are more into sports than style, fear not: SNAP has its basics covered, hosting 16 flatscreen TVs that will be airing all the Olympics you can handle.

248 W. 14th St, New York, NY 10011 www.snapsportsbar.com

6. Mulholland’s

One of the rare sports bars in Williamsburg, Mulholland’s does things right: The 22 beers on tap and juicy chicken wings will make you feel right at home (if you were born in a dive bar that is.) We hear that the atmosphere is casual, and the cocktails delicious. Oh, and by the way, they also have a bunch of TVs, including one in their backyard for some Olympic tanning sessions.

312 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
www.mulhollandsbklyn.com

7. The Churchill

If you feel like supporting the Brits, Churchill will certainly welcome you with open arms. Ok, this isn’t London, but it’s close. The English Pub will hold a special happy hour during the opening ceremony (Friday 27^th from 4 to 7pm), with special Olympic cocktails for decent prizes. During the rest of the competition, customers will get a free “surprise” for every gold medal won by the British. Go England!

The Churchill, 45 E 28th Street

www.thechurchillny.com 

8. Pulino’s Bar and Pizzeria

Tired of all this booze? Want to quit drinking? Or maybe you’re just hungry. Pulino’s is here to show you that you don’t need beer to enjoy sports: A pizza slice will suffice (hint: try both at the same time.) For the Olympics, Pulino’s blasts out the giant projector and promises live coverage during daytime hours. Don’t miss out on the complimentary snacks and appetizers, from 4 to 6:30 pm!

Pulino’s Bar and Pizzeria, 282 Bowery, New York, NY 10012
www.pulinosny.com

9. 121 Fulton Street

Who said you can’t drink beer and watch sports for charity? Located in the Financial District, 121 Fulton Street will be screening Olympic Women’s Soccer and hosting three fundraisers for the Claudio Reyna Foundation, which provides soccer programs for underprivileged children. Donate 10$ at the door, get 10% off your bill, and feel better about spending the day getting slightly hammered while watching the Games. It’s for a good cause!

121 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038
www.121fultonstreet.com

10. Southern Hospitality

Ever heard of the Beer Olympics? Well, we haven’t either, but I’m sure you get the idea. On the 28^th and 29^th of July, Southern Hospitality will be hosting its own, lager-drenched version of the Olympics. Teams of four can register for 100$ to participate in this epic beer pong and flip cups contest, which will see the winner take home a cash prize. And yes, TVs are provided, for those who might want to watch real sports or catch up on the score during a veteran’s restroom break.

1460 Second Ave, New York, NY 10075
www.southernhospitalitybbq.com