The New York City Traveler

"Museum Monday" Begins with the Museum of the City of New York

by Heather on May 12th, 2008

At last count there are well over one hundred museums in New York City.  They range from the well-known and world famous (Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art) to the provocative (Museum of Sex) to the virtually unknown (African American Wax Museum).

In an attempt to make sense of all of the museums in the city, and based on The DC Traveler’s immensely popular postings entitled “Monument Monday,” I am starting a regular weekly post featuring a different museum… so think of it as “Museum Monday!” 

Housed in an impressive 5-floor Neo-Georgian-Colonial style brick and limestone building, Museum of the City of New York explores the past, present, and future of New York City.  Founded in 1923 and with over 1.5 million items in its collection, the museum collects, preserves, and presents important items from the long history of New York.  From costumes and textiles to prints and photographs, this museum celebrates New York’s heritage of diversity, opportunity, and transformation. 

The Museum of the City of New York offers six ongoing exhibitions: 

• Timescapes  From a small settlement to America’s most populous city, trace the growth of New York City.  This multimedia experience film features animated maps, archival photographs, prints, and paintings from the museum’s permanent collection.  The exhibition lasts 25 minutes and runs every half hour from 10:15am to 4:45pm.
• Perform  One reason New York draws so many visitors is the vibrant Broadway shows.  Costumes, photographs, props, and other original material explores New York’s link with the theater. 
• New York Interiors (1690-1906)  Daily life in city is examined in this exhibition which features New York’s domestic environments through daily objects.     
• Protect  Fire and fire safety has shaped New York and this exhibition examines that evolution.  
• Trade New York City ports and commerce has played a vital role in the history and development of New York City.  Explore the changing face of the New York City waterfront, past and present. 
• New York Toy Stories  Featuring toys, and games all owned or made by New Yorkers, learn more about childhood in New York.  Also, see the Stettheimer doll house. 

The museum hosts various temporary exhibitions as well.  Visit the museum website at www.mcny.org for more information.  

Location:  Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue (at 103rd Street) map, 212-534-1672

Subway:  6 to 103rd Street

Days and Hours:  Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm.  Open on Monday holidays including Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Columbus Day.

Cost:   Suggested admission is adults $9; seniors, students $5; families $20 (max. 2 adults); children 12 and under free.  Free admission on Sundays between 10am and noon. 

Photo credit: flickr

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POSTED IN: Art, Harlem, Museums, Upper East Side