Museum of the City of New York

One of the first museums I went to when I came to New York for the first time on my own was the Museum of the City of New York. Where else to better understand where you are than a museum that has dedicated itself to the preservation of the history of New York City. The museum's exhibitions however don't focus solely on the historical aspects of the city. There is a great exhibition on theater's evolution through vaudeville, burlesque, and the modern musical. There are original playbills and costumes from musicals such as RENT and Avenue Q. There is a huge collection of vintage toys and doll houses from the early 20th century. There is an exhibition chronicling the beginning of New York through the present in a video presentation that makes for a good beginning to your experience there. In addition to this there are exhibitions focusing on topics such as photographers, fashion designers, and the development of the fire department. The museum has an important relationship with the City's school children who compete in history day competitions and come to the museum on field trips.

This museum is definitely worth visiting and is close to Central Park and on the famed Museum Mile that includes El Museo del Barrio, Whitney Museum of Art, The Jewish Museum, the Guggenheim, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

To get there take the to 103rd Street or the 2 or 3 to Central Park North.

Admission is $10 for adults or if you live in the East Harlem neighborhood you can provide proof of address and say "I'm a neighbor" for free admission!

Museum of the City of New York
1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street
New York, New York 10029
(212) 534-1672
www.mcny.org