In a nod to New York's rich history, a retro-style newsstand in a Brooklyn subway station has been transformed into a full-fledged dinosaur-themed bodega. Located at Grand Army Plaza in Park Slope, Rex's Dino Store is an interactive art installation that blends humor and nostalgia.
Artist duo Akiva Leffert and Sarah Cassidy brought the concept to life after repurposing an unused newsstand. Initially brainstorming about what could be done with the space, they started joking around with ideas like a bodega on the moon or one for cats. However, as their imagination ran wild, the project evolved into "a really old newsstand... a really, really really old newsstand." This idea eventually led them to envision a bodega run by dinosaurs – an amusing concept that became a reality.
Rex's Dino Store is filled with clever nods to local culture and NYC icons. References abound, from Steg Yun, a stegosaurus dancing on a poster, to ads for fictional products like "Cellino & Barney" and "Dino Smith Will Teach You Flying." The installation is an exercise in creativity, where artists are free to interpret the city's rich history.
The project showcases how NYC can be both a source of inspiration and a canvas waiting to be transformed. As Leffert remarks, "New York is just like a rich text... everyone knows what a bodega is and they've got their own ideas." The success of Rex's Dino Store demonstrates that art can thrive even in unexpected places, making it a must-visit for anyone in the area.
Visitors to Grand Army Plaza subway station or online at rexs.nyc can experience this whimsical art installation until April. For those seeking an immersive look into New York City's playful side, Rex's Dino Store is an absolute treat that promises laughter and entertainment.
Artist duo Akiva Leffert and Sarah Cassidy brought the concept to life after repurposing an unused newsstand. Initially brainstorming about what could be done with the space, they started joking around with ideas like a bodega on the moon or one for cats. However, as their imagination ran wild, the project evolved into "a really old newsstand... a really, really really old newsstand." This idea eventually led them to envision a bodega run by dinosaurs – an amusing concept that became a reality.
Rex's Dino Store is filled with clever nods to local culture and NYC icons. References abound, from Steg Yun, a stegosaurus dancing on a poster, to ads for fictional products like "Cellino & Barney" and "Dino Smith Will Teach You Flying." The installation is an exercise in creativity, where artists are free to interpret the city's rich history.
The project showcases how NYC can be both a source of inspiration and a canvas waiting to be transformed. As Leffert remarks, "New York is just like a rich text... everyone knows what a bodega is and they've got their own ideas." The success of Rex's Dino Store demonstrates that art can thrive even in unexpected places, making it a must-visit for anyone in the area.
Visitors to Grand Army Plaza subway station or online at rexs.nyc can experience this whimsical art installation until April. For those seeking an immersive look into New York City's playful side, Rex's Dino Store is an absolute treat that promises laughter and entertainment.
, seems like just another attempt to get tourists to pay $$$ for a novelty that'll be over in 2 months... but i guess it's kinda cute 
, who doesn't love dinosaurs? and honestly, i'm more concerned about the cost of living in NYC and how they're gonna make this thing sustainable 
, still, gotta give them props for being creative and using public space to make something fun 
.
! Who wouldn't want to walk into a dinosaur-themed bodega in the middle of Brooklyn? The attention to detail on Steg Yun dancing to some funky tune had me dying 
. And can you imagine seeing those ads for fictional products like "Cellino & Barney"? Genius 
. I'm not surprised it's become a must-visit spot, art can really transform even the most mundane places into something magical 
. I mean, who says dinosaurs and NYC don't go hand in hand? It's like they say, 'you can find inspiration anywhere' 
.
I mean, can you believe a newsstand just transformed into a full-on dino bodega in Brooklyn?! 
Rex's Dino Store is like stepping into a time machine or a cartoon. And I gotta give them props for incorporating all these NYC references - it's like they're speaking our language! 
️ I'm not sure what's more impressive, the creativity of the installation or how it brings people together. Either way, if you're in Brooklyn, add this to your bucket list ASAP! 
The fact that they took an old newsstand and turned it into a dinosaur-themed shop is pure genius 
It's like they're speaking my language - I need to see this in person ASAP! 
The best part is that it just goes to show you that art can thrive anywhere, even in unexpected places 
. So if you ever find yourself in Park Slope, make sure to swing by Rex's Dino Store and get ready for a LOL fest #RexsDinoStore #NYCBound #ArtMeetsNostalgia
! As a parent, I love how they're using art to bring the city to life and make it fun for all ages 
Anyone planning a family outing in Park Slope should def check this out 
.
. I'm low-key hoping to check it out when I'm in the area, gotta get my dino fix 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to hang out at a store where Steg Yun is dancing on the wall 
!
...I need to get there ASAP with my squad 
From Steg Yun dancing on a poster to ads for fictional products like "Cellino & Barney" and "Dino Smith Will Teach You Flying", it's clear they put a lot of thought into making this a truly unique experience. And can we talk about how awesome it is that an old newsstand was repurposed into something so whimsical? It just goes to show that even the most unexpected places can be transformed into something amazing with a little creativity and imagination 
. It was like it came to life from one of those NYC squirrel pictures on Instagram 
. Anyway, back to Rex's Dino Store... have you ever noticed how weird it is that NYC has so many different types of food stores? Like, bodegas and delis and pizza places... it's crazy 
It's so genius how they repurposed an old newsstand and turned it into this interactive art installation 
I love that it's all about embracing the city's quirky history and letting artists have fun with it 
it's like, who would've thought? 
. It's so cool how the artists just went wild with their imagination, turning an old newsstand into a total adventure zone! 