A Night at the Opera: Coloring the Iconic Lincoln Center

There is a specific kind of magic that happens at the corner of 64th and Broadway.

As the sun dips behind the Upper West Side, the five golden arches of the Metropolitan Opera House begin to glow, reflecting in the fountain of Josie Robertson Plaza. It’s a place where the grit of the city meets the grandeur of the stage. This page from our Upper West Side Coloring Book captures that intersection perfectly—complete with a classic Checker Cab and the towering posters for Aida and Salome.

Why we love this scene

This illustration is a masterclass in architectural rhythm. The repetitive glass panes and soaring arches provide a meditative "grid" to color, while the foreground elements—the bike, the taxi, and the pedestrians—keep the scene grounded in the everyday life of the neighborhood.

Coloring tips for the Met

Because this building is so iconic, you can play with light in some really fun ways:

• The "Golden Glow": Use a mix of pale yellows and warm ambers for the interior seen through the glass. This makes the building look like it’s lit up for an evening performance.
• The Checker Cab: While modern taxis are bright yellow, this vintage model looks stunning in a deeper "school bus" yellow or even a two-tone black and white for a noir NYC feel.
• The Posters: The Aida and Salome posters are your chance to add pops of bold color—think deep Egyptian blues and golds for the Eye of Horus, and dramatic reds or purples for the Salome figure.

Palette inspiration: NYC Evening

• Building Stone: Warm beige, travertine, or light gray.
• Windows: Deep navy or charcoal (if the lights are off) or bright gold (if the show is starting).
• The Taxi: Iconic yellow with chrome silver accents on the bumpers.
• The Sky: A gradient of twilight purple to deep indigo.

A moment of observation

Next time you’re walking past Lincoln Center, take a second to look at the travertine stone. It’s not just "white"—it’s full of textures, fossils, and shadows. When you color this page, try using a light touch with a tan or gray pencil to mimic that natural stone texture.

Bring the UWS home

This page is part of our collection dedicated to the landmarks that make the Upper West Side feel like home. Whether you’re a local who walks this plaza every day or a visitor who remembers their first opera, we hope this page helps you find a little bit of "center" in the middle of the city.