Museum of the City of New York
1220 5th Avenue at 103rd
Street
(212) 534-1672
What's
New? 
Inside
Tips
New York City has evolved into a teeming metropolis, full of
skyscrapers and lots and lots of people. It’s hard to believe
that things weren’t always the way they are today. It would be
nice to have a museum that details the Big Apple’s staggering
growth, wouldn’t it? Guess what…there is. It’s called the
Museum of the City of New York, and it’s a must-see for anyone
who’s ever imagined what life was like when NYC was young. Here’s
the scoop.
The museum itself is easily accessible, located at 1220 5th
Avenue at 103rd Street along Museum Mile, in a huge
mansion that was constructed in 1930. Within this daunting
structure lies the keys to the city’s past, elegantly displayed
and interestingly compiled. Featured items include films,
paintings, sculpture, and so much more. Beyond merely art and
pictures, the sociology and outside influences of the city are
explored, making for a well-rounded picture of the past.
Starting with the settlement of New York by the Dutch and
extending right into modern times, the museum aims to present the
visitor with a firm grasp on key events that shaped the course of
the city’s growth. To that end, several benchmark exhibits have
been created which detail such topics as the role of the harbor in
broadening immigration. In addition, gorgeous period pieces that
illustrate art, cinema, and architecture have been retained and
are on display.
Rotating exhibitions are frequent and diverse, with topics
ranging from the influence of the ASPCA on New York society to
visits from painters and essayists. Rest assured that no matter
when you visit, you will be exposed to something that will
hopefully make you think about the city in a way you don’t
normally. You definitely want to go.
It truly is awe-inspiring that a settlement no different than
any other could grow into what the city is today, and a visit to
the Museum of the City of New York will broaden your appreciation
for what it has become.
For more information, call (212) 534-1672. There is a $5
suggested donation, and the museum is open Wednesday through
Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5:00
pm.
