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Museum of the City of New York

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At a Glance

Time Needed: 120 min.

Ages: All

Allows Food/Drink: No

Luggage Storage: No

The Museum of the City of New York is a must-visit destination for any tourist interested in the history, culture, and development of New York City. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that showcase the city's past, present, and future. Visitors can explore the various exhibits that cover topics such as immigration, fashion, music, and art, and gain a deeper understanding of the city's diverse communities. One of the highlights of the museum is the New York at Its Core exhibit, which tells the story of the city's evolution from a small Dutch trading post to a bustling metropolis. The exhibit is interactive and engaging, featuring immersive installations, multimedia displays, and oral histories that bring the city's history to life. In addition to the exhibits, the museum also hosts a variety of events, lectures, and workshops throughout the year, making it a dynamic and ever-changing destination. Overall, the Museum of the City of New York is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in exploring the rich history and culture of New York City.

1220 5th Ave, New York, NY 10029 Get Directions





Museum of the City of New York Videos

Get to know the artist, Manny Vega as he takes you through his life and vibrant mosaics, watercolors, and drawings in “Byzantine Bembé: New York by Manny Vega" now on view at the Museum of the City of New York. Learn more about the exhibition: https://www.mcny.org/exhibition/manny-vega

Hear from artist, Manny Vega about what it means to be a mosaic artist, what inspires him, and about his vibrant mosaics, watercolors, and drawings in “Byzantine Bembé: New York by Manny Vega" now on view at the Museum of the City of New York. Learn more about the exhibition: https://www.mcny.org/exhibition/manny-vega

Listen to Manny Vega as he takes you through what inspired his vibrant mosaics, watercolors, and drawings in “Byzantine Bembé: New York by Manny Vega" now on view at the Museum of the City of New York. Learn more about the exhibition: https://www.mcny.org/exhibition/manny-vega

See the unique NYC neighborhood of El Barrio through eye of artist, Manny Vega as he takes you through how the neighborhood has influenced his vibrant mosaics, watercolors, and drawings in “Byzantine Bembé: New York by Manny Vega" now on view at the Museum of the City of New York. Learn more about the exhibition: https://www.mcny.org/exhibition/manny-vega

Curator Lilly Tuttle talks about two pieces from the 'Joy' and 'Struggle' sections in the exhibition now on view 'This Is New York: 100 Years of the City in Art and Pop Culture' at the Museum. We asked each of the four curators of the exhibition to talk about two objects they selected for the show and tell us why they chose them, what they say about New York and how objects in an exhibition can be in conversation with one another. You can see 'This Is New York' on view now at the Museum of the City of New York. To learn more about the exhibition go to the Museum's website: https://www.mcny.org/exhibition/new-york-100

Curator Fran Rosenfeld talks about the depiction of Time Square by different New York artists in the exhibition now on view 'This Is New York: 100 Years of the City in Art and Pop Culture' at the Museum. We asked each of the four curators of the exhibition to talk about two objects they selected for the show and tell us why they chose them, what they say about New York and how objects in an exhibition can be in conversation with one another. You can see 'This Is New York' on view now at the Museum of the City of New York. To learn more about the exhibition go to the Museum's website: https://www.mcny.org/exhibition/new-york-100

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Museum of the City of New York News

Patrick Hoffman, NYPL's Curator and Director of the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive, To Retire

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Lin-Manuel Miranda, Martin Short, Shoshana Bean, and More Join STARS IN THE HOUSE Vote-A-Thon

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Bronx-Based Artist Alethea Pace To Premiere BETWEEN WAVE AND WATER

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New York City Celebrates More Than $210 Million In Funding At 80 Cultural Nonprofits Citywide

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BAM Adds Three Leadership Roles

BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) has recently added three key roles to its core leadership team. Luis Felipe Farfán and Alice Stryker joined the organization as Chief Brand Officer and AVP of Advancement, consecutively, in January 2024. Jordana Kier became BAM’s Chief Growth Officer in the summer of 2023.

New York City Ballet 2024 Spring Season To Include Works From Balanchine And More

New York City Ballet's 75th anniversary celebration will continue with the 2024 Spring Season which will open on Tuesday, April 23 and conclude with a week-long run, May 28 through June 2, of Balanchine's full-length production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

THE SCRIPT IN THE CLOSET Comes to La MaMa in March

'The Script in the Closet,' a new farce written and directed by Joyce Griffen, follows the misadventures and jealousies of a Pulitzer Prize-winning, husband-and-wife writing team who discover untitled pages of a mystery screenplay on their shared laptop.  Catch the show from March 1 to 17, 2024 at La MaMa E.T.C. (Downstairs Theatre), 66 East Fourth Street.

Photos/Video: Tony-Winner Susan Stroman Receives 2023 Louis Auchincloss Prize

Museum of the City of New York has presented with the 2023 Louis Auchincloss Prize to award-winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman. See photos from inside the event including a special video message from Stro's The Producers collaborator, Mel Brooks.

Susan Stroman to Receive 2023 Louis Auchincloss Prize From Museum of the City of New York

Museum of the City of New York to present the 2023 Louis Auchincloss Prize to award-winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman.

Perelman Performing Arts Center to Present IS IT THURSDAY YET? & More Dance Programming

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Student Blog: Conquering the First Month of College

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Museum of the City of New York Frequently Asked Questions

What are the closest subway stops to Museum of the City of New York

The closest subway stops to the Museum of the City of New York at 1220 5th Ave are:

1. 103rd Street Station: Located on the Lexington Avenue Line (6 train), this station is just a short walk from the museum. Exit the station and head north on Lexington Avenue, then turn right onto East 104th Street. Continue walking until you reach 5th Avenue, where the museum is located.

2. 110th Street Station: This station is served by the Central Park North–110th Street Station on the 2 and 3 trains. After exiting the station, walk south on Lenox Avenue (also known as Malcolm X Boulevard) until you reach East 104th Street. Turn left onto East 104th Street and continue until you reach 5th Avenue.

Both subway stops provide convenient access to the Museum of the City of New York, allowing you to explore the exhibits and learn about the fascinating history of the city.

While you're in the area, consider visiting other nearby attractions such as Central Park, which is just a short walk away. You can take a leisurely stroll through the park, rent a bike, or even enjoy a picnic on the Great Lawn. Central Park is a beautiful oasis in the heart of Manhattan and offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages.

For the latest subway updates and service changes, you can visit the official website of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) at https://new.mta.info. This website provides real-time information on subway schedules, delays, and service disruptions, ensuring that you can plan your visit to the museum with ease.

Enjoy your visit to the Museum of the City of New York and have a fantastic time exploring the city's rich history and culture!


What's the best way to get to Museum of the City of New York by bus?

The closest bus stops to the Museum of the City of New York at 1220 5th Ave are:

1. Madison Ave/E 103 St - served by the M1, M2, M3, and M4 buses. You can check for updates on these bus routes [here](http://bustime.mta.info/).

2. 5 Av/E 103 St - served by the M2 and M3 buses. You can check for updates on these bus routes [here](http://bustime.mta.info/).

Please note that bus schedules and routes are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check for updates before your visit. Enjoy your time at the Museum of the City of New York!


How much time should I plan to spend at Museum of the City of New York?

The ideal length of time to plan for a visit to the Museum of the City of New York depends on your level of interest in the exhibits and your schedule. On average, visitors spend about 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the museum. However, if you are a history buff or have a deep interest in New York City's culture and heritage, you may want to allocate more time to fully immerse yourself in the exhibits. Additionally, the museum often hosts special exhibitions and events, so it's worth checking their website to see if there's anything specific you'd like to experience during your visit.


Can I bring food and drinks into Museum of the City of New York?

The Museum of the City of New York does not have a strict food and drink policy. However, they do ask visitors to be mindful and respectful of the museum's exhibitions and artifacts. If you bring food or drinks with you, it is recommended to consume them in designated areas such as the museum's café or outdoor spaces. Additionally, please remember to dispose of any trash properly to help maintain the cleanliness of the museum. Enjoy your visit to the Museum of the City of New York!


Does Museum of the City of New York offer luggage storage?

The Museum of the City of New York does not offer luggage storage facilities on its premises. However, there are several options available nearby where you can securely store your belongings while you explore the museum and the city. One popular choice is to use a luggage storage service like LuggageHero or Vertoe, which have multiple locations throughout the city, including near the museum. These services allow you to drop off your bags for a few hours or even a whole day, giving you the freedom to explore without the burden of carrying your luggage. Another option is to check with your hotel if they offer luggage storage services for their guests, even after check-out. This way, you can leave your bags with them and pick them up later when you're ready to move on to your next destination.


Is Museum of the City of New York a good place to visit for foreign travelers who are not native English speakers?

Yes, the Museum of the City of New York is a great destination for visitors from other countries and non-English language speakers. While the museum's exhibits are primarily in English, they are visually engaging and offer a fascinating insight into the history and culture of New York City.

The museum also provides audio guides in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Mandarin. These guides offer detailed explanations of the exhibits, ensuring that non-English speakers can fully enjoy their visit.

Additionally, the museum frequently hosts special exhibitions that cover a wide range of topics, from art and photography to fashion and music. These exhibits often feature multimedia presentations and interactive elements, making them accessible and enjoyable for all visitors, regardless of language proficiency.

Overall, the Museum of the City of New York is a welcoming and inclusive institution that caters to a diverse audience. It offers a rich and immersive experience that can be enjoyed by visitors from all around the world.


What ages are appropriate for Museum of the City of New York?

The Museum of the City of New York is a fantastic destination for visitors of all ages. While it does not have a specific recommended age range, the museum offers a wide range of exhibits and programs that cater to different interests and age groups. Families with children will enjoy the interactive exhibits designed for kids, such as the "New York at Its Core" exhibition, which explores the city's history through engaging multimedia displays. Additionally, the museum often hosts family-friendly events and workshops that are perfect for younger visitors. However, adults and history enthusiasts will also find plenty to explore and learn about at the museum. So, whether you're traveling with kids or visiting on your own, the Museum of the City of New York is a must-visit cultural institution that offers something for everyone.


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