10 Quirky New York Museums
Things to Do — By elizabethmonson on March 26, 2010 at 8:49 pmSure the Met, MoMA, and Museum of Natural History have big time name recognition, but as with many New York institutions, sometimes the smaller hidden gems are the best finds. Here are some New York museums you may not have heard of, but are worth a look.
Dive into this unique and celebrated neighborhood by experiencing the work of black artists. The expansive and varied collection is often political and provocative which is all the better for a neighborhood with such a rich history.
Lower East Side Tenement Museum
Housed inside of, you guessed it, a Lower East Side tenement, explore this museum by guided tour of the five-floor building built in 1863. This important glimpse at how life in NYC used to be is often used to promote tolerance and the plight of immigrants. Neighborhood walking tours of the Lower East Side are also available.
This nonprofit center specializes in the past, but also focuses on the future of the art. With a collection that features pieces by Bacon, Blake, Duchamp, Picabia, and Johns, there are certainly some big names present, but some of the most interesting pieces are by lesser-known artists like the late Margaret Kilgallen and student artists.
Like the Lower East Side Tenement Museum, this museum is housed in an old building built in 1832. It is now the only completely preserved 19th century home. The three open floors of the home show off how the upper class lived with their original furniture, decoration, and clothing.
The perfect offbeat museum for kids, the name says it all with this fun, interactive space. Exhibits focus on audio, imaging, robotics, design, and networks. More importantly, admission is free and it is located conveniently in midtown.
The Panorama at the Queens Museum of Art
One of the most innovative and interesting museums in the city, the shining star of this must-see is The Panorama, a complete 9,335 square foot architectural model of every building constructed before 1992 in all five boroughs of New York City. The model was built by Robert Moses, one of the NYC’s most important city planners, for the 1964 World’s Fair, but has been updated to reflect changes.
This quirky establishment in the Forbes Magazine building houses the collections of Malcom S. Forbes, Sr., dating back to the 1930s. Take a look at over 12,000 toy soldiers, 500 toy boats, 12 Fabergé Imperial Easter Eggs, antique trophies, and original Monopoly games.
Not a traditional museum, this intimate look into the life of one of America’s foremost music icons is a unique and special experience. The modest home is filled with Armstrong’s belongings is brought to life with homemade audio recordings. The gift shop (located in the garage) also sells Armstrong’s favorite products including boxes of his favorite meal, red beans and rice.
The original building of the First Precinct
Originally the First Precinct’s stationhouse, this museum now displays NYPD artifacts, memorabilia, and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Learn about special different sections of the force or take in special traveling exhibits like “Women on Patrol.” They also have a special section featuring vintage weapons and focusing on notorious criminals in New York.
The goal of this pop-culture landmark is to archive radio broadcasts and TV shows. Originally founded by CBS tycoon William S. Paley for academic research, the center is now used frequently by famous actors for research for roles. They often host interesting lectures with industry insiders, so be sure to check their schedule.
[photos courtesy of stevecadman, Mr. T in DC, Wikimedia Commons]
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