The world's greatest lecture hall.
Discover carefully curated public lectures, author talks, debates and intellectual events in New York, USA — selected by The Mindful City editorial team.
Last updated: August 17, 2026
Ta-Nehisi Coates · Brooklyn Academy of Music · September 17, 2026
Writer Ta-Nehisi Coates revisits the ideas in his landmark letter to his son — on the Black body in America, on fear, on love, on history — a decade on, in conversation with his ow…
Elizabeth Kolbert · 92nd Street Y (92NY) · August 18, 2026
Pulitzer-winning journalist Elizabeth Kolbert discusses her latest reporting on the accelerating impacts of climate change and the political choices that shape the future. She will…
Lisa Randall · The Metropolitan Museum of Art · August 18, 2026
Physicist Lisa Randall explores connections between contemporary physics and visual culture, discussing how scientific concepts influence artistic practice. The lecture is part of …
Rebecca Solnit · Strand Bookstore · August 18, 2026
Rebecca Solnit reads from her forthcoming book on urban life, climate resilience, and the possibilities of collective imagination. The reading is followed by a discussion and audie…
Colm Tóibín · Symphony Space · August 18, 2026
Celebrated novelist Colm Tóibín joins Symphony Space for a Selected Shorts conversation about craft, the short form, and the art of observation. Attendees will hear readings and in…
Ta-Nehisi Coates · 92nd Street Y (92NY) · August 18, 2026
Ta-Nehisi Coates discusses his new book exploring memory, history, and national identity in contemporary America. The author will read selections and take audience questions after …
Elizabeth Kolbert · The Metropolitan Museum of Art · August 18, 2026
Pulitzer Prize–winning environmental journalist Elizabeth Kolbert discusses biodiversity loss and its representation in visual culture with Metropolitan Museum curators. The presen…
Holland Cotter · The Metropolitan Museum of Art · August 18, 2026
Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Holland Cotter considers how contemporary art confronts environmental crisis and reshapes public visual culture. The lecture situates recent museum ex…
Ta-Nehisi Coates · New York Public Library (LIVE from the NYPL) · August 18, 2026
Ta-Nehisi Coates reads from his latest essays and explores themes of race, reparations, and American identity in conversation with a host from the NYPL. The program includes audien…
Roxane Gay · Greenlight Bookstore (Fort Greene) · August 18, 2026
Critic and essayist Roxane Gay discusses themes from her latest collection, including gender, race, and contemporary culture. She will engage the audience in a conversation about c…
Roxane Gay · Greenlight Bookstore (Fort Greene) · August 18, 2026
Writer and cultural critic Roxane Gay discusses her latest essays on gender, power, and contemporary culture. The program includes a moderated conversation and an audience Q&A.
Roxane Gay · Greenlight Bookstore · August 19, 2026
Roxane Gay presents new essays on gender, cultural critique, and the politics of everyday life, followed by a candid conversation. The event concludes with audience Q&A and a signi…
Roxane Gay · Greenlight Bookstore (Fort Greene) · August 19, 2026
Writer and cultural critic Roxane Gay discusses her latest essays on gender, race, and the cultural moment. The presentation will include readings and an audience Q&A followed by a…
Jennifer Egan · Strand Bookstore · August 19, 2026
Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Jennifer Egan discusses her new work, creative process, and innovations in narrative form. The event includes a reading and a moderated discussion w…
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie · New York Public Library — LIVE from the NYPL · August 19, 2026
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie appears for a reading and conversation about feminism, storytelling, and cultural identity. The event will include audience Q&A and book signing following …
Elizabeth Kolbert · New York Public Library - LIVE from the NYPL · August 19, 2026
Pulitzer-winning journalist Elizabeth Kolbert returns to discuss the state of biodiversity and what the latest research means for conservation policy. She will present recent findi…
Jonathan Safran Foer · Strand Bookstore · August 19, 2026
Author Jonathan Safran Foer reads from his latest novel and discusses the craft of fiction in the context of contemporary moral questions. The program concludes with a moderated di…
Rem Koolhaas · Cooper Union · August 19, 2026
Renowned architect Rem Koolhaas examines the evolving relationship between architecture, infrastructure, and civic life. The lecture will include case studies from recent global pr…
Public Walking Tour · Museum of Chinese in America · August 19, 2026
Uncover the history of one of New York City’s oldest and most culturally diverse neighborhoods! This walking tour explores how both everyday buildings and places of historical sig…
Zadie Smith · Strand Bookstore · August 20, 2026
Novelist Zadie Smith reads from her forthcoming novel and discusses themes of identity, migration, and literary form. The evening includes an audience Q&A and a short signing (book…