The Museum of the City of New York
The Museum of the City of New York is one of the most important cultural institutions in the city. Located on Fifth Avenue, the museum is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the city’s rich and diverse history.
The museum was founded in 1923 by Henry Collins Brown, a writer and civic leader who was passionate about the history and culture of New York City. Brown established the museum as a way to promote the study and appreciation of the city’s history, and to provide a home for the city’s vast collection of artifacts and documents.
Today, the Museum of the City of New York is home to a vast and diverse collection of over 750,000 objects, including photographs, paintings, costumes, documents, and other artifacts. The museum’s collections cover a wide range of topics, from the city’s early history to its present-day culture and society.
One of the most important parts of the museum’s collections is its vast archive of photographs. The museum has over 400,000 photographs in its care, including rare and iconic images of the city’s streets, buildings, and people. The museum’s photography collections provide a unique and intimate glimpse into the city’s history, and are an important resource for scholars and researchers.
In addition to its collections, the Museum of the City of New York is also known for its innovative and engaging exhibitions. The museum hosts a wide range of exhibitions each year, focusing on everything from the city’s early history to its present-day cultural and political landscape.
One of the most popular exhibitions at the museum is “New York at Its Core,” a permanent exhibition that explores the city’s history and development from its earliest days to the present. The exhibition is designed to be immersive and interactive, with a variety of multimedia displays and interactive exhibits that bring the city’s history to life.
The museum is also committed to education and research, with a wide range of programs and resources for visitors of all ages. The museum offers guided tours, workshops, and lectures, as well as access to its extensive collections and research materials.
The Museum of the City of New York has faced its share of challenges and controversies over the years. One of the most notable controversies involved the museum’s decision to display a controversial painting by artist Chris Ofili, which some critics accused of being blasphemous and offensive. The controversy sparked a heated debate about free speech and artistic expression, and the museum ultimately decided to display the painting as planned.
In recent years, the museum has also faced criticism for its lack of diversity and inclusivity. Some critics have accused the museum of underrepresenting the experiences and contributions of communities of color and other marginalized groups. In response, the museum has launched a number of initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion, including the creation of a new curator position dedicated to collecting and exhibiting works by artists of color.
Despite these challenges, the Museum of the City of New York remains one of the most important and respected cultural institutions in the city. Its commitment to preserving and interpreting the city’s history and culture, as well as its innovative programming and educational initiatives, make it a valuable and beloved resource for New Yorkers and visitors alike.
Maps
Opening Hours
Video
FAQ's
WIFI
Free WiFi access is available throughout the building as well as on the Front Terrace.
Smartphones
Feel free to text, post, and share what you see during your visit. As a courtesy to other visitors, please set your phone to vibrate and take all voice calls outside of the galleries.
Sketching
Pencils, sketchbooks, and notebooks are permitted. However, pens, paints, and easels are not permitted.
Coat Check
Coat check is currently closed in order to help us reduce the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Photography
Still photography for personal, noncommercial use is permitted unless otherwise noted. Tripods, selfie sticks, and flash photography are not permitted.
Strollers/Bags
Single strollers are permitted in the galleries, at the discretion of gallery guards. The Museum will not hold or store luggage. All bags are subject to inspection.
Unsolicited Donations
Can I donate objects to the Museum’s collection? We cannot accept materials without prior approval. Please send a description of your proposed donation, as well as photographs or scans, to collections@mcny.org.
Will timed tickets be required?
Timed tickets purchased in advance are highly recommended. Building capacity is limited and if we reach capacity, your entry time may be delayed. Walk-in visits are possible, but we strongly recommend purchasing timed tickets in advance.
Will complimentary admissions passes/discount codes/Groupon passes be honored?
Yes, but we cannot process discount passes online. Please present your discount pass in person to use.
Will all entrances be available?
Visitors may enter at 5th Avenue. Ramp access is available on East 104th Street between Fifth and Madison Avenues.
Will restrooms be available to the public?
Yes.
Will water fountains be available to the public?
Yes.
Will hand sanitizing stations be available to the public?
Yes.
Will elevators be open to the public?
Yes. Stairs access is also available to all floors.
Will there be any group tours?
Yes, tours must be scheduled in advance. If you are interested, please email groups@mcny.org. In addition, virtual field trips are offered for groups interested in a guided experience from home.
Will there be audio tours?
Yes – audio tours are available to download on your own mobile device. Please bring your own headphones.
Will all exhibitions be open?
Yes.
Will there be public programs?
Will there be public programs?
What new measures and safety precautions are you putting in place?
Please view the Museum's Courtesy Code here, and our enhanced cleaning plan here
How is the building being ventilated?
The Museum has a state-of-the-art HVAC system that was installed with our recent building renovations, completed in 2016. Our HVAC system runs 24/7, both for the health and safety of visitors and to protect all of the historic objects in the Museum. While we have always circulated outside air, we will be increasing ventilation rates and the percentage of outdoor air that recirculates into the system. Outside air will be recirculated at a minimum of 20%, and up to 100% outside air when possible. All outside and indoor recirculating air is always being filtered. Our central air and other HVAC filtration system uses a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) 14 Filter, which exceeds the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers guidelines.
Is there parking available near the Museum?
Yes, there are several parking garages nearby as well as street parking available. Garages: Mount Sinai Parking – 14 East 103 street (next to NYAM) MPG Parking – 10 East 102 Street – 212-490-3460 MPG Parking – 1568 Madison Avenue (106 Street) – 646-739-0403 Icon Parking (Merit Parking LLC) – 12-14 East 107 Street – 212-722-9498 Street Parking: Along Fifth Avenue – Metered parking (up to 2 hours) from 8:00am to 7:00pm, except Sundays. No Parking 7:30am-8:00am except Sundays (street cleaning). 104th Street between 5th and Madison South Side – No Parking 11:30am-1:00pm Tuesdays and Fridays. North Side – No Parking 11:30am-1:00pm Mondays and Thursdays. 103rd street between 5th and Madison South Side – No Parking 11:30am-1:00pm Tuesdays and Fridays. North Side – No Parking 11:30am-1:00pm Mondays and Thursdays.
What are the closest subway and bus stops for the Museum?
6 train at 103rd 2/3 trains at 110th St./Central Park North M1, M2, M3 M4 and M106 bus at 104th St.
