The National Museum of the American Indian
On view now at the National Museum of the American Indian is the exhibition “A Song for the Horse Nation.” The exhibition tells the story of the remarkable connection between native cultures and the animal. Also on view is the permanent exhibition “Infinity of Nations.” With almost 700 objects on display, these works celebrate regions throughout the Americas, illustrating the geographic and chronological scope of the museum’s holdings.

Downtown Disaster
We continue our look at visual art Downtown, at NYU’s Grey Art Gallery, with two very different exhibitions. Delving into New York history is the exhibition “Art/Memory/Place: Commemorating the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory.” This year marks the 100th anniversary of the disaster that killed 146 female garment workers. On view are haunting images revisiting the tragedy and artifacts tracing the last century of remembrance and reform. Collage and sculpture by abstract expressionist Esteban Vicente are paired together in the exhibition “Concrete Improvisations.” 60 works on paper and 20 small-scale sculptures illustrate the artist’s non-representational studies in texture and color. Both exhibitions are on view through March.

Parsons Dance
In Chelsea, the visually striking movement of Parsons Dance returns for a season at the Joyce Theater. The rich program of contemporary dance reflects the engaging artistry for which the company is known. Highlights include “Bachiana,” a classical style work, the seductive samba of “Nascimento,” “Slow Dance” – a performance by six dancers in a square of light, the captivating stroboscopic solo, “Caught,” and the company’s newest duet, “Portinari.”

The Cleveland Orchestra at Carnegie Hall
In music, the renowned Cleveland Orchestra comes to Carnegie Hall in February. Under the baton of music director Franz Welser-Möst, the Cleveland Orchestra is one of the foremost ensembles in the world. The programs will include music by Debussy, Richard Strauss, Wagner and Bartok. The orchestra’s program on Friday, February 4 at 8pm includes the New York premiere of Toshio Hosokawa’s “Woven Dream.” Soloist Pierre-Laurent Aimard joins Mr. Welser-Möst and the orchestra the following evening in Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A Minor.

BAMkids Film Festival
Over in Brooklyn, get ready for family fun. The Brooklyn Academy of Music’s 13th annual BAMkids Film Festival kicks off February 5th. 66 Films from 23 countries have been selected to entertain and delight children from ages 2 to 11 with themes of friendship, family and self-discovery. Feature-length films and shorts programs geared toward different age groups reach out with inspiring stories. Plus, live performances and hands-on events make the weekend a favorite of kids and parents from all boroughs.

The Merchant of Venice
After a brief hiatus this month, the Public Theater’s acclaimed production of “The Merchant of Venice” returns to Broadway. Director Daniel Sullivan helms Shakespeare’s gripping play, of love and betrayal, forgiveness and revenge. Al Pacino reprises his riveting and powerful role of Jewish moneylender Shylock. After he makes a loan agreement with the Christian merchant Antonio, the two men and everyone in their worlds are thrown into chaos. Lily Rabe returns as the heroine Portia, but for her and those she loves, even ‘the quality of mercy’ has its limits. Don’t miss this celebrated production extended through February 20th.