Museum of the City of New York

Overview

The Museum of the City of New York, founded in 1923, is dedicated to celebrating the rich tapestry of New York City's history and culture. Located in a stunning neo-Georgian building on 5th Avenue, the museum boasts an extensive collection of over one million pieces, including photographs, toys, textiles, and an array of unique artifacts. Highlights include rare manuscripts by playwright Eugene O'Neill, a meticulously recreated Duncan Phyfe room, and the fascinating graffiti art collection of Martin Wong. Visitors can delve into captivating exhibitions that illustrate New York's evolution from the 17th century to the present day. Don't miss the multimedia presentation 'Timescapes', which showcases the museum's most treasured exhibits every half hour, along with six beautifully designed period rooms that offer a glimpse into the lives of New Yorkers from various eras.

Photo of Museum of the City of New York
Photo of Museum of the City of New York
Photo of Museum of the City of New York
Photo of Museum of the City of New York
Opening hours
  • Sunday 10:00 - 18:00
  • Monday 10:00 - 17:00
  • Tuesday 10:00 - 17:00
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 17:00
  • Thursday 10:00 - 17:00
  • Friday 10:00 - 17:00
  • Saturday 10:00 - 18:00

Open 24/7

Contact Info
  • Address1220 5th Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA
  • Phone+1 212-534-1672

Reviews

Marco Rossi
Italy
4
I recently had the pleasure of visiting the stunning Museum of the City of New York, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience. The museum is thoughtfully organized into various thematic areas, each meticulously detailed and rich in information, which beautifully encapsulate the last 400 years of this incredible city’s history. From the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the carefully curated exhibits that brought to life the vibrant and diverse story of New York. Each section was informative and engaging, providing deep insights into the cultural, social, and economic evolution of the city. The visit culminated in a breathtaking 30-minute video that narrated the city's history from its inception to the present day. The visuals were stunning, and the storytelling was both emotional and inspiring, offering a powerful reflection on New York’s resilience and dynamism. Overall, my time at the museum was memorable, and I left with a greater appreciation for the rich tapestry of experiences that have shaped New York City. I highly recommend this museum to anyone looking to understand the heart and soul of one of the world's greatest cities!
Sophia
USA
5
I loved this place. Spent about three hours wandering the exhibits, all for free due to visiting on a Wednesday. Not busy at all (no line, not crowded) and lovely clean facilities. I think you would enjoy this if you like stopping to read about everything, but it's not for people interested in art or very young children. The first floor contains exhibits focusing on the history of NYC, with interesting facts and archival items. Further up are more politically focused exhibits on activism and Shirley Chisholm which were great. I also enjoyed the display of gingerbread buildings! Super unique and the room smelt so good.
Joshua Cohen
USA
4
While the ticket price is a bit steep (for a non NYC resident), it’s worth it if you plan to spend enough time exploring and immersing yourself in the exhibits. Each floor features multiple exhibitions, packed with dense information and key facts. These include exhibitions on different time periods, architecture, societal issues of the city, key historical figures, and films in NYC. My favorite installations were: 1. "A Timescape of New York": A fun and insightful journey. 2. "New York in the Movies": Engaging and full of fascinating details. I was hoping for a dedicated section that helped educate me on the different neighborhoods of NYC in detail along with talking to me about their key landmarks. I was surprised that such a section was missing.
Fernando Garcia
USA
5
A great place to visit. It is also the school from the show Gossip Girl. I definitely recommend this museum as it will give you the history of New York City and the amazing achievements it has accomplished. It makes you proud to visit New York City.
Isabella T
USA
5
Great museum to learn about the history of NY! We really enjoyed the first floor exhibits on different periods in New York. It’s a little dark in the rooms but great information and engages people of all ages. We also really enjoyed the gingerbread houses of places in NYC. Definitely recommend a visit here!