You and four family members or friends (Five people total) are invited to enjoy a complimentary visit to the Musuem and to refresh with a beverage of your choice at RMA.

Spring 2008 exhibitions include Buddha in Paradise, Kevin Bubriski; Nepal in Black and White, and From the Land of the Gods: Art of the Kathmandu Valley. The 1,500 piece collection includes paintings (thangkas), sculptures and textiles from countries throughout the Himalayas including Bhuttan, Nepal, Tibet, India and China, as well as a few pieces from other parts of the world.

The thangkas, which take up the most space, are elaborate epic stories that were painted with ground minerals by students at monastaries between the 12th and 19th centuries. Although painted with the naked eye, the pictures are full of tiny, intricate details, so magnifying glasses are on hand for a close-up look.

Knowledgeable guides walk around every floor to answer questions, and help promt guests' imaginations.

Tidbits from your catalogue writer, a mom who loves this place: Gorgeous spiral staircase, new environment if you bring kids, near a M14 stop. Very cute yak toys. Great weekend programs for kids. If you go without kids, the café is very futuristic tea-parlor elegant. 

Another fan on the Internet. “Friday nights at the Rubin are a very classy affair. On Fridays the entire cafe space is turned into the K2 lounge, complete with a fully stocked bar, cute bartenders, and drink specials. Happy hour from 6-7 includes two for one priced drinks, and the lounge stays open until about 1am."

www.rmanyc.com