The Standard Hotel in New York has come to be known for its exhibitionistic guests, flaunting their naughty bits in windows, on display for the entire Meat Packing District. Yet there are lots of hidden art and design gems inside that haven’t gotten nearly the attention they deserve.  I was lucky enough to have an insiders tour by my dear friend Spencer Product, who is resident dj in the lounge on the main area.

The Boom Boom, Andre Balazs’s latest creation, is the 18th floor bar/restaurant with a wrap around view of the city and the Hudson. It is an opulent den of 70’s chic done up in gold, bronze and beige tones. The staff is adorned in uniforms designed by Rubin Chapelle, and the bar circles a giant wooden structure, the shape of which escapes description right now. But here is a pic:

The elevator houses a mesmerizing video piece called Civilization by Marco Brambilla, which feels like a modern version of a Heironymous Bosch painting.  It is epic, hypnotic and creates a feeling of confusion, especially when the elevator doors open and you suddenly don’t know where you are or what you should do next. Images from the video are below, but you really should watch the whole thing on the artist’s site.