Updated July 29, 2025 – Extended Pool Hours Through Wednesday
As dangerous heat dome conditions create feels-like temperatures of 107°F, Manhattan’s dense urban core requires strategic cooling relief. From world-class museums to Central Park’s new Gottesman Pool, this comprehensive guide helps residents, workers, and visitors find essential cooling resources in the nation’s most visited borough.
Official NYC Cooling Centers in Manhattan
Call 311 or visit maps.nyc.gov/cooling-center/ for real-time status and hours.
New York Public Library System
All NYPL Manhattan locations serve as cooling centers during heat emergencies:
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building (Main Branch)
- 5th Avenue & 42nd Street (across from Bryant Park)
- Iconic main branch with extensive air-conditioned spaces
- Multiple reading rooms, exhibition halls, and public areas
- Accessible via 4, 5, 6, 7, B, D, F, M trains (42nd St stations)
- Free WiFi, restrooms, and quiet spaces for relief
Major Neighborhood Branches:
Lincoln Center Library for the Performing Arts
- 40 Lincoln Center Plaza
- Specialized collections, fully air-conditioned
- Part of Lincoln Center complex (also a cooling center)
- Accessible via 1 train (66th St-Lincoln Center)
Mid-Manhattan Library
- 455 5th Avenue at 40th Street
- Business and career resources, extensive AC
- Accessible via 4, 5, 6, 7 trains (42nd St-Grand Central)
Jefferson Market Library
- 425 6th Avenue, Greenwich Village
- Historic building with modern climate control
- Community programming and events
- Accessible via A, B, C, D, E, F, M trains (W 4th St)
Yorkville Library
- 222 E 79th Street, Upper East Side
- Serving upper Manhattan communities
- Air-conditioned spaces with programming
Hamilton Grange Library
- 503 W 145th Street, Harlem
- Serving Harlem and upper Manhattan
- Community center functions with cooling relief
Additional Manhattan Library Branches:
- Chatham Square (Chinatown): 33 East Broadway
- Bloomingdale (Upper West Side): 150 W 100th Street
- Roosevelt Island: 524 Main Street
- Tompkins Square (East Village): 331 E 10th Street
- Washington Heights: 1000 St. Nicholas Avenue
Visit nypl.org for complete hours and current cooling center status
Major Cultural Institution Cooling Centers
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
- 10 Lincoln Center Plaza
- New NYC cooling center program participant
- Multiple air-conditioned lobbies and public spaces
- David Geffen Hall, Metropolitan Opera House, and other venues
- Accessible via 1 train (66th St-Lincoln Center)
- Free cooling relief in public areas
Museum of the City of New York
- 1220 5th Avenue (at 103rd Street)
- Official NYC cooling center
- Fully air-conditioned galleries and public spaces
- Near Central Park’s northern section
- Accessible via 6 train (103rd St-Lexington Ave)
Additional Museums Welcoming Heat Relief Visitors:
- Metropolitan Museum of Art: Suggested donation, extensive AC spaces
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): Midtown location, cool galleries
- American Museum of Natural History: Upper West Side, massive climate-controlled spaces
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum: Downtown, powerful air conditioning throughout
Community and Senior Centers
NYCHA Community Rooms (during heat emergencies):
- Multiple Manhattan housing developments
- Extended hours during Code Red heat alerts
- Air-conditioned community spaces
Senior Centers:
- Carter Burden Network: Multiple Manhattan locations
- DFTA-funded centers: Throughout Manhattan with extended hours
- Religious institutions: Many offer cooling space during emergencies
Public Swimming and Water Recreation
Manhattan Public Pools
Gottesman Pool at Central Park (Harlem Meer)
- NEW: NYC’s newest and largest outdoor pool
- 285 x 120 feet (larger than Olympic-size)
- Located at Davis Center in Central Park’s northern section
- Opened summer 2025, replacing former Lasker Pool
- Free admission, 11 AM – 7 PM (extended hours during heat advisory)
- Accessible via 2, 3 trains (Central Park North-110th St) + walk
- Modern facilities, multiple entry points, spectacular setting
Hamilton Fish Pool (Lower East Side)
- 128 Pitt Street (at Houston Street)
- Historic 1936 WPA-era pool complex
- Olympic-size main pool + diving pool + children’s wading pool
- One of Manhattan’s most popular public pools
- Adult Lap Swim program available
- Accessible via F train (2nd Ave) or J, M trains (Essex-Delancey)
- Free admission, full locker and shower facilities
Tony Dapolito Pool (Greenwich Village)
- 1 Clarkson Street & 7th Avenue South
- 100 x 50-foot pool in the heart of Greenwich Village
- Famous Keith Haring mural on pool wall
- Diving area still available (rare in NYC public pools)
- Less crowded than larger pools
- Accessible via 1 train (Houston St)
Asser Levy Recreation Center Pool (Kips Bay)
- 23rd Street & FDR Drive
- Indoor pool available year-round
- Recreation center membership required
- Near East River for additional breezes
- Accessible via 6 train (23rd St)
Marcus Garvey Pool (Mount Morris Park, Harlem)
- 18 Mount Morris Park West
- Community pool serving Harlem neighborhood
- Historic park setting with mature trees
- Accessible via 2, 3 trains (116th St)
Recreation Center Indoor Pools:
- Carmine Recreation Center: 1 Clarkson Street (Greenwich Village)
- East 54th Street Recreation Center: 348 E 54th Street (Midtown East)
- Multiple other locations requiring recreation center membership
Spray Showers and Water Features
Manhattan has 100 parks with spray showers, with 12 parks featuring multiple spray features!
Central Park Water Features:
- Multiple spray shower locations throughout the park
- Conservatory Garden area: North end cooling features
- Diana Ross Playground: West 81st Street, popular family area
- Heckscher Playground: Near 65th Street entrance
- Ancient Playground: East 85th Street, Egyptian-themed with water features
Major Neighborhood Spray Shower Parks:
Riverside Park
- Multiple spray shower locations along the Hudson River waterfront
- 72nd Street area particularly popular
- River breezes complement water features
- Accessible via 1, 2, 3 trains at multiple stops
Hudson River Park
- Waterfront spray features from Battery Park to 59th Street
- Pier 25: TriBeCa area with mini golf and splash pad
- Pier 46: Greenwich Village area with playground and water features
- Pier 84: Midtown West with open lawn and spray areas
East River Esplanade
- Spray features along FDR Drive parks
- John Jay Park: East 78th Street area
- Carl Schurz Park: East 86th Street, Gracie Mansion area
- Harbor breezes enhance cooling effect
Neighborhood Parks with Spray Showers:
- Washington Square Park: Greenwich Village (limited water features)
- Tompkins Square Park: East Village
- Madison Square Park: Flatiron area
- Union Square Park: Multiple neighborhoods convergence
- Bryant Park: Midtown (limited water features but extensive shade)
Use the Cool It! NYC map at nycgovparks.org to find spray showers closest to your Manhattan location.
Air-Conditioned Public Spaces
Shopping and Retail Districts
Midtown Shopping Corridors:
- Herald Square/Macy’s: 34th Street & Broadway, massive department store with extensive AC
- Times Square area: Multiple stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues
- 5th Avenue shopping: Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Apple Store (all with premium AC)
- Broadway theaters: Many offer lobby cooling during matinee and evening shows
Downtown Shopping Areas:
- Brookfield Place: World Financial Center with extensive mall and dining
- Westfield World Trade Center: Underground shopping complex with premium cooling
- SoHo shopping district: Numerous boutiques and stores with AC
- Nolita and Little Italy: Smaller shops but many with air conditioning
Upper Manhattan Shopping:
- Columbus Circle/Time Warner Center: Shops at Columbus Circle with upscale retailers
- Lincoln Center area: Multiple shops and dining with AC
- Upper East Side Madison Avenue: High-end shopping with excellent climate control
- Harlem shopping areas: 125th Street corridor with various AC retailers
Major Transportation Hubs
Grand Central Terminal
- Massive main concourse with air conditioning
- Multiple levels of shops, restaurants, and seating
- Food court and marketplace areas
- Available 24/7 during heat emergencies
Penn Station
- Underground complex with extensive air conditioning
- Multiple levels of shops and dining
- Connected to Madison Square Garden complex
- Amtrak, LIRR, NJ Transit access with cooling areas
Port Authority Bus Terminal
- Multi-level transportation hub with AC throughout
- Food court and shopping areas
- 24-hour access during heat emergencies
Cultural and Entertainment Venues
Major Museums (Extended Cooling Relief):
Metropolitan Museum of Art
- 1000 5th Avenue (Central Park East)
- Massive air-conditioned galleries spanning multiple floors
- Suggested admission for NYC residents
- Can easily spend entire day in climate-controlled comfort
- Cafeteria and dining areas for extended stays
American Museum of Natural History
- Central Park West & 79th Street
- Four floors of extensively air-conditioned exhibits
- Planetarium and IMAX theater (additional cooling)
- Family-friendly with multiple rest areas
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
- 11 W 53rd Street, Midtown
- Sleek, modern climate control throughout
- Multiple floors of galleries plus café and dining areas
- Sculpture garden provides outdoor but shaded relief
Smaller Museums with Excellent AC:
- Tenement Museum: Lower East Side history and cooling
- New-York Historical Society: Upper West Side
- Museum of the City of New York: Official cooling center
- Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum: Upper East Side mansion setting
Performance Venues:
- Broadway theaters: Air-conditioned lobbies and performance spaces
- Jazz clubs and music venues: Throughout Manhattan with excellent climate control
- Comedy clubs: Many offer afternoon shows during heat waves
- Movie theaters: AMC, Regal, and independent cinemas throughout Manhattan
Neighborhood-Specific Cooling Strategies
Financial District/Lower Manhattan
Cooling Highlights:
- Westfield World Trade Center underground shopping
- Stone Street restaurant patios with misters
- South Street Seaport with harbor breezes
- Multiple bank lobbies with premium air conditioning
Waterfront Relief:
- Battery Park with harbor views and breezes
- Brooklyn Bridge walkway (elevated cooling)
- Staten Island Ferry for harbor breeze relief
TriBeCa/SoHo
Cooling Highlights:
- Hudson River Park waterfront
- Numerous upscale restaurants and shops with excellent AC
- Art galleries with climate-controlled spaces
- Pier 25 family recreation area
Greenwich Village/West Village
Cooling Highlights:
- Tony Dapolito Pool
- Washington Square Park with fountain and shade
- NYU campus buildings (some public areas)
- Numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops with AC
East Village/Lower East Side
Cooling Highlights:
- Hamilton Fish Pool (major community resource)
- Tompkins Square Park spray features
- Diverse restaurant scene with air-conditioned dining
- Community centers and cultural venues
Chinatown/Little Italy
Cooling Highlights:
- Chatham Square Library
- Columbus Park with shade trees
- Numerous restaurants and markets with AC
- Cultural centers and community organizations
Midtown West/Hell’s Kitchen
Cooling Highlights:
- Hudson River Park waterfront access
- Theater district with numerous AC venues
- Major shopping and dining corridors
- Port Authority complex for extensive indoor cooling
Midtown East
Cooling Highlights:
- Grand Central Terminal complex
- 5th Avenue shopping district
- Bryant Park with extensive shade and programming
- Numerous corporate lobbies with public access
Upper East Side
Cooling Highlights:
- Central Park access along entire western border
- Museum Mile with multiple climate-controlled cultural institutions
- Madison Avenue shopping with premium air conditioning
- Carl Schurz Park waterfront with East River breezes
Upper West Side
Cooling Highlights:
- Central Park access and Riverside Park waterfront
- Lincoln Center complex (official cooling center)
- American Museum of Natural History
- Extensive tree-lined residential streets
Harlem/Upper Manhattan
Cooling Highlights:
- Gottesman Pool at Central Park (newest and largest public pool)
- Marcus Garvey Park and Pool
- Apollo Theater and cultural institutions
- St. Nicholas Park with mature tree coverage
Washington Heights/Inwood
Cooling Highlights:
- Fort Tryon Park with extensive green space and breezes
- Inwood Hill Park with natural cooling areas
- Community centers serving diverse populations
- Hudson River waterfront access
Fire Hydrant Spray Caps and Local Cooling
Available at any FDNY firehouse with valid ID (18+ years)
Manhattan Firehouses (partial list):
- Engine 1: 142 W Broadway (TriBeCa)
- Engine 9: 75 Canal Street (Chinatown)
- Engine 14: 14th Street & 9th Avenue (Greenwich Village)
- Engine 16: 223 E 125th Street (Harlem)
- Engine 21: 238 E 40th Street (Murray Hill)
- Engine 23: 215 W 58th Street (Midtown West)
Community Benefits:
- Creates legal neighborhood cooling areas
- Safer alternative to illegally opened hydrants
- Community gathering spaces during heat emergencies
- Free relief for entire blocks and families
Transportation During Heat Emergencies
Subway System Cooling Strategies
Air-Conditioned Stations (Underground):
- Times Square-42nd Street: Multiple line complex with extensive underground areas
- Union Square: Underground concourse with shops and cooling
- 14th Street-Union Square: Multi-level underground complex
- Grand Central-42nd Street: Massive underground terminal
- Columbus Circle: Underground shopping complex connection
Subway Heat Safety Tips:
- All train cars are air-conditioned – wait for next train if current car lacks AC
- Underground stations stay cooler than street level
- Avoid elevated stations during peak heat when possible
- Carry water during longer trips
- Plan routes to minimize platform waiting time
Bus and Other Transportation
All MTA buses are fully air-conditioned:
- M5: Riverside Drive route with waterfront access
- M15-SBS: East Side route serving multiple neighborhoods
- M14: 14th Street crosstown route
- M23-SBS: 23rd Street crosstown route
- M34-SBS: 34th Street crosstown route
Alternative Transportation:
- Citi Bike: Avoid during peak heat hours (10 AM – 6 PM)
- NYC Ferry: East River and Hudson River routes with harbor breezes
- Taxis/Rideshares: Confirm air conditioning before accepting rides
Workplace and Tourist Cooling Strategies
Office Building Resources
Many Manhattan office buildings offer cooling relief:
- Corporate lobbies: Often open to public with seating and AC
- Food courts in office complexes: Available during business hours
- Bank branches: Premium air conditioning and public seating areas
- Hotel lobbies: Many welcome non-guests during extreme heat
Tourist Cooling Strategy
Manhattan visitors should plan cooling routes:
- Plan indoor attractions during peak heat hours (10 AM – 6 PM)
- Use underground shopping complexes for movement between destinations
- Visit multiple museums on extreme heat days
- Take advantage of hotel pools if available
- Use theater matinee performances for afternoon cooling
Street-Level Cooling Tips
- Building overhangs and scaffolding provide temporary shade
- Food trucks and street vendors often have cooling areas
- Pharmacy chains (CVS, Walgreens, Duane Reade) offer reliable AC throughout Manhattan
- Starbucks and chain cafes provide consistent cooling with purchase
Emergency Preparedness and Community Support
Power Outage Protocols
Manhattan’s density makes power outages dangerous during heat waves:
- Go immediately to nearest cooling center
- Never use generators indoors – carbon monoxide risk in apartments
- Check on elderly neighbors – especially in high-rise buildings without elevators
- Avoid elevators – use stairs if power is unreliable
- Call Con Edison: 1-800-75-CONED for outage updates and estimated restoration
High-Rise Building Challenges
- Upper floors become heat traps as hot air rises
- Elevator outages trap residents during power grid strain
- Limited cross-ventilation in many Manhattan apartments
- Roof access may provide cooling relief where available
Community Networks and Mutual Aid
Manhattan’s density creates opportunities for community support:
- Building community groups: Coordinate cooling center transportation
- Neighborhood associations: Share cooling resource information
- Religious institutions: Many offer cooling space and community meals
- Block-level networks: Check on vulnerable neighbors
- Community WhatsApp/social groups: Real-time cooling center updates
Vulnerable Population Support
Homeless Population:
- Code Red protocols activate additional shelter capacity
- Drop-in centers provide cooling without overnight commitment
- Street outreach teams increase during heat emergencies
- 24/7 cooling access at designated emergency sites
Elderly Residents:
- Senior services organizations provide transportation to cooling centers
- Meal delivery programs include wellness checks during heat waves
- DFTA cooling assistance: Air conditioner programs for low-income seniors
- Social services coordination for heat emergency response
Workers and Commuters:
- Labor rights to heat safety breaks and hydration
- Workplace cooling requirements for indoor and outdoor workers
- Commuter strategies for heat emergency travel
- Emergency shelter access regardless of housing status
Special Events and Cultural Programming During Heat
Heat Wave Programming
Many Manhattan institutions offer special programming during heat emergencies:
- Extended museum hours during extreme heat days
- Free community programming in air-conditioned spaces
- Outdoor movie screenings moved to indoor, air-conditioned venues
- Library programming expanded during heat emergencies
Cultural Institution Heat Relief
- Lincoln Center outdoor programming moved to indoor venues
- Central Park Conservancy events relocated to climate-controlled spaces
- Community centers extend hours and programming
- Religious institutions often open facilities for community cooling
Technology and Apps for Heat Safety
Essential Apps and Resources
- Notify NYC: Emergency alerts and cooling center updates
- Cool Options Map: Real-time cooling center locations and hours
- MTA apps: Real-time subway and bus information for AC transportation
- Con Edison app: Power outage updates and energy conservation tips
- Weather apps: Heat index and “feels like” temperature monitoring
Social Media Resources
- @NotifyNYC: Official emergency updates
- @NYCParks: Pool and spray shower status updates
- @NYCEmergencyMgmt: Heat emergency protocols and resources
- Local neighborhood accounts: Community-specific cooling information
Health and Wellness During Extended Heat
Hydration Strategies for Manhattan Living
- Water fountains: Available in most parks, subway stations, and public buildings
- Electrolyte replacement: Sports drinks for extended heat exposure
- Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine during heat waves
- Monitor urine color: Pale yellow indicates proper hydration
Nutrition During Heat Waves
- Light, frequent meals rather than heavy, hot foods
- Fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content
- Avoid using ovens that heat apartments
- Cold foods and smoothies from Manhattan’s abundant food options
Sleep Strategies in Hot Apartments
- Cooling towels and ice packs for bedtime relief
- Fans creating cross-ventilation between windows
- Cool showers before bed to lower body temperature
- Lightweight, breathable bedding and clothing
- Consider spending nights in 24-hour air-conditioned spaces during extreme heat
Economic Resources and Assistance
Cooling Assistance Programs
- HEAP Cooling Assistance: Help with air conditioner costs for eligible residents
- Con Edison payment assistance: Programs for customers struggling with energy bills
- Emergency cooling vouchers: Some social service agencies provide temporary assistance
- Community organization support: Local groups often provide emergency cooling aid
Free Cooling Options
- Public libraries: Free, all-day cooling with programming and WiFi
- Museums with suggested donation: Many offer “pay what you wish” hours
- Religious institutions: Often provide free cooling space during emergencies
- Community centers: Free or low-cost programming in air-conditioned spaces
Language and Cultural Resources
Multilingual Heat Safety Information
Manhattan’s diverse population requires language-accessible resources:
- 311 Language Line: Interpretation in 200+ languages
- Community health workers: Multilingual outreach in many neighborhoods
- Cultural institutions: Programming and information in multiple languages
- Religious institutions: Heat safety information in community languages
Cultural Community Cooling Centers
- Chinatown community centers: Cantonese and Mandarin-speaking staff
- Latino community organizations: Spanish-language programming and cooling
- Orthodox Jewish institutions: Cultural competency for religious communities
- Korean community centers: Serving Upper East Side and other communities
Emergency Contacts and Resources
Life-Threatening Emergency: 911 Non-Emergency Medical Consultation: Board Certified Medical Practitioners (8 AM – 9 PM, 7 days/week) Cooling Center Information: 311 (multilingual operators) NYC Emergency Management: Notify NYC alerts Power Outages: Con Edison 1-800-75-CONED Mental Health Crisis: NYC Well 1-888-692-9355
Manhattan-Specific Emergency Resources
- Tourist Emergency Assistance: NYC & Company Visitor Information Centers
- Workplace Heat Emergency: OSHA hotline for unsafe working conditions
- Building Emergency Services: 311 for apartment building cooling failures
- Transportation Emergency: MTA customer service for heat-related service issues
Community Resilience and Preparedness
Neighborhood Preparedness Networks
Manhattan residents can build community resilience:
- Building emergency plans: Coordinate with neighbors for heat emergencies
- Share cooling resources: Information about AC availability and transportation
- Vulnerable resident lists: Building communities checking on elderly and disabled neighbors
- Emergency supply sharing: Community coordination for cooling supplies
Long-Term Community Cooling Strategies
- Advocate for building cooling requirements in older Manhattan housing
- Community garden shading projects to create neighborhood cooling areas
- Rooftop cooling initiatives where building access allows
- Neighborhood cooling equipment sharing for emergency situations
Manhattan’s unique urban challenges during extreme heat require comprehensive community response and individual preparedness. From world-class cultural institutions serving as cooling centers to new state-of-the-art pools in Central Park, the borough offers extensive resources when residents and visitors know how to access them.
Remember: During this dangerous heat wave, prioritize your safety by spending several hours daily in air-conditioned spaces, staying hydrated, and checking on vulnerable community members. Manhattan’s cooling resources can keep you safe when used strategically and accessed early during heat emergencies.
For real-time cooling center status and emergency updates, call 311 or visit maps.nyc.gov/cooling-center/. Information current as of July 29, 2025.
