There are no gilded icons and bejeweled book covers to dazzle you at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's "Byzantium and Islam: Age of Transition." Meditative, scholarly and low-lit, the show focuses on the cultural and artistic clash -- the adaptations, struggles and innovations -- that resulted during the initial contact between the southern provinces of the Christian Byzantine Empire and the emerging Islamic world. The exhibit runs at the New York City museum through July 8. 1-212-535-7710; www.metmuseum.org.BLOOMBERG NEWS
40 percent off a second night at Aloft hotels Aloft, a hipster brand in the Starwood Hotels family, is offering 40 percent off the second night. More than 40 North American properties are participating in the Better Tomorrows deals, including hotels in Austin, Texas; New York, and Montreal. Prices vary. For instance, at the Aloft Chicago O'Hare, one night in mid-May starts at $119; the second night drops to $71.40. Total with taxes: $215.15. Valid for Thursday, Friday and Saturday stays through Dec. 31. Use promo code ZB4 when booking. Info: 1-877-462-5638; www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels.
WASHINGTON POST
