Art & Lounge

Art & Lounge – New York/Newark, NJ (EWR)

Art & Lounge at New York’s Newark airport is the only independent lounge at EWR, located landside (before security) in Terminal B. From the checkin area, go down one level following the signs to retail and dining.

As the name indicates, the club intends to be as much an airport lounge as an art gallery. The Israeli carrier El Al was the first airline to contract the lounge for their business class passengers and has been supporting the innovative concept by coordinating rotating exhibits by Israeli artists.

The lounge also welcomes passengers flying to Paris on budget carrier La Compagnie, members of lounge access programs such as Priority Pass, as well as all passengers regardless of their airline or class of service, for a fee. Pay-in passengers do not need to present a boarding pass, so the lounge may be used to wait for an inbound passenger, for impromptu meetings, or as an informal arrivals lounge.

Art & Lounge – New York/Newark, NJ (EWR)

Art & Lounge EWR design

The club features a modern and pleasant design, in which the art meshes with the physical space. Every surface is a canvas — some hold traditional frames, while others are decked out in creative manners. The TV monitors also occasionally play short movies in lieu of news channels, contributing to the immersive experience. The lounge is furnished with designer furniture which strikes a good balance between look and comfort. Light background music plays throughout. To a certain extent, walking through the space is akin to visiting an art installation. Connoisseurs may find it interesting, while others will at least find it refreshing compared to more traditional and bland designs.

The layout features a reasonable amount of privacy with a few partitions and a variety of seating arrangements including couches, conversation pods, bar style seating, and a dining area. Unfortunately, power outlets are sorely missing overall, which is a surprising oversight for a lounge that opened in the last two years. And then there is the lack of daylight — the lounge is entirely located on the interior of the terminal. Initially, the art provides such a distraction that the lack of windows is hardly noticeable, and we commend the designers for the impact. On a longer stay, though, the lack of natural light and views becomes a bit depressing.

Art & Lounge EWR amenities

Art & Lounge – New York/Newark, NJ (EWR)

The buffet offers a light assortment of snacks, finger food and sandwiches, with a focus on healthy and kosher options, including a salad bar. It appears that the space is equipped to serve hot food, though we have yet to see any on offer. When we visited, most items were shrink wrapped, making the spread hyper hygienic but mildly attractive. A selection of soft drinks, wine and beer is also available, as well as cocktails from the bar, when it is staffed.

Other amenities include a small play space for kids, as well as a rather symbolic “business center” with a single self-service computer. There are also baggage lockers in the reception area, which could potentially be used to store carry-ons while hopping over to NYC on a layover.

Art & Lounge – New York/Newark, NJ (EWR)

Art & Lounge EWR bottom line

Overall, Art & Lounge at New York’s Newark airport is a unique lounge and an interesting concept. The location in Terminal B landside is a mixed bag — all passengers will want to leave early, whether to go through security in Terminal B, or to catch the AirTrain to another terminal. However, outside El Al and La Compagnie departure times, Art & Lounge offers a quiet and relaxing experience that none of the ever busy airline-operated lounges can match. While the club is hardly a destination, it is certainly a nice alternative to the crowded United Clubs should you happen to arrive at the airport early and have access to PreCheck security.