Museum of the City of New York

The collections in Museum of the City of New York explore the vibrant past, present and future of New York

Museum of the City of New York
Museum of the City of New York

Housed in a 1930s American Colonial brick mansion on the northern end of Museum Mile, the Museum of the City of New York celebrates the history and panache of the Big Apple. The exhibitions explore all things New York from the urban landscape to the cultural diversity of its 8 million residents that define the city's distinct personality.

Collections of paintings, artefacts and photographs bring the sights, sounds and styles of the Empire City to life and provide tourists an essential introduction to the vibrant past, present and future of New York.

The comprehensive collection of the Museum of the City of New York is estimated to contain upwards of 1.5 million objects related to the five boroughs from their beginnings as a Dutch settlement and as a major port in the New World to modern day. The permanent collections include galleries dedicated to Broadway memorabilia and the history of nightlife and theatre, the history and evolution of police and fire fighting techniques and the influence of the fashion and textile industries. A large anthology of toys illustrate a social history of childhood in the city and an impressive decorative arts collection chronicles the trendsetting style of New Yorkers.

The museum has recently undergone a major renovation and they are also very active in introducing new exhibitions all the time, so even if you have visited in the past, you will find plenty of new things to discover.

Nearby attractions include Central Park, Whitney Museum of American Art, The Frick Collection and the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes

Museum of the City of New York Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Address: 1220 5th Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA

Phone: (212) 534-1672

Official Website: Museum of the City of New York

Museum of the City of New York Reviews

Rated 4.5 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating I had a great solo museum day (my favorite) here on a rainy weekday. The building itself is quite lovely and a great size to see everything in a slow paced few hours. The exhibits were incredibly well curated — using multi-media and interactive screens in a super effective way. If you want to learn everything about N.Y.C. history — this is the place!!! Loved the show about classic New York films and the main historical timeline exhibit. It felt like every artifact was perfectly chosen/rare for the era being described. Don’t miss the dynamic map/timeline of immigration flows depicted by growing tree rings in the restoration/conservation exhibit. Everyone working there seemed content as well! And a sweet cafe to boot. This place is great for thoughtful tourists and lifelong New Yorkers alike.
Hazel Macmillan - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating It’s educational, politically charged and emotional. The 2 hour tour was like a fun condensed history lesson. The lady was amazingly knowledgeable and fun to listen to. This history and art museum was founded in 1923 by Henry Collins Brown. Run by a private non-profit organization. It’s originally housed in Gracie Mansion. Joseph H. Freedlander’s Georgian Colonial-Revival design for the building in its current location started in 1929 and was completed in 1932. Museum’s collection contains approximately 1.5 million objects.
W Y - a month ago

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5 Star Rating If you live in New York City, I highly recommend you to visit the museum. You’re going to have many aha moments there. The museum uses quite creative way to tell the story. It was very fun to see and learn the history of New York City. If you visit New York City, you might find interesting to know what makes New York City this unique. After museum, we went to Central Park for a picnic and a nice walk. What a beautiful day! P.S. My friend used the culture pass to get tickets.
Cindy Chou - 4 months ago

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5 Star Rating Visited the Museum of the City of New York on a Sunday. Got the tickets online and went into the museum hassle free. Initially, I did not have many expectation on the quality of the exhibitions due to the small size, however i was proven wrong by the comprehensive exhibitions and films in the museum. I learnt so much about NYC’s history. Really recommend to catch the short film on the history of NYC which is shown only at specific timings. The staff in the museum are very helpful and knowledgeable as well - they could answer the questions that were asked.
Gezhi W - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating The Museum of the City of New York deserves a 5-star rating! This museum offers a fascinating and comprehensive look at the city's history, culture, and development. The exhibits are well-curated, engaging, and informative, providing deep insights into New York's past and present. The museum's modern and accessible design enhances the visitor experience, and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about the city's rich heritage, the Museum of the City of New York is a must-visit destination that offers an enriching and memorable experience.
magdy yasseen - 2 months ago

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Directions

Subway Line Nearest Station Walking Time
6103 Street7 minutes
2 or 3110 Street11 Minutes

How to get to Museum of the City of New York by Subway

Take the 6 train to 103rd Street, and follow it west for 3 blocks (use the pedistrian path to get between Park Avenue and Madison Avenue) then go right on 5th Avenue to the entrance; or take the 2 or 3 train to 110th Street, walk one block east to Fifth Avenue, then left (south) to 103rd Street.

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