Armory art show kicks off its centennial year

The city kicked off an anticipated week in the art world Wednesday at the opening of the annual Armory Show at Pier 94.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg said more than 66,000 people are expected to attend Armory Arts Week, which takes place between Thursday and Sunday. The week is expected to bring in more than $54 million.

"Thousands of artists, collectors, curators, and art lovers flock to New York City to take advantage of this week's happenings, and that's good news for the city's tourism industry and our economy," he said in a statement.

The Armory Show celebrates its 100th anniversary this year with 214 exhibitors showing off their best pieces.

More than 70 of the exhibitors are New York-based, according to Noah Horowitz, the executive director of The Armory Show.

The second component of art week, the 25th Annual Art Show, will be held at the Park Avenue Armory until Sunday.