Skyscraper Museum
The Skyscraper Museum is dedicated to the history and design of tall buildings from around the world
A true New York original, the Skyscraper Museum has been the only museum in the world dedicated solely to the architecture of the high-rise since it opened in 1997. Exhibits in the collection focus on the artistic design, technology, construction, influence on real estate values and human inhabitancy of tall buildings worldwide.
The museum interior features mirror polished stainless steel floors and ceilings creating the illusion of an infinitely vertical space and has been met with critical acclaim in architectural and interior design community.
The Skyline Museum houses two galleries, one dedicated to the Manhattan skyline and a special exhibitions hall. The permanent collection includes two hand-carved, highly detailed models of Midtown and Downtown, informative displays on the world's tallest buildings and a visual history of the buildings of Lower Manhattan. In 2006, an exhibit was added to commemorate the architecture and history of the World Trade Center and the construction of the Freedom Tower.
A full calendar of lectures, exhibitions and guided walking tours organised by museum staff are available on the website. On Saturday mornings, museum educators host a family program to introduce children to engineering, architecture and urban development through hands-on activities.
Nearby attractions include Battery Park, Staten Island Ferry, Financial District, Trinity Church, St. Paul's Chapel and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes. See the official website for details.Skyscraper Museum Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Address: 39 Battery Pl, New York, NY 10280, USA
Phone: (212) 968-1961
Official Website: Skyscraper Museum
Skyscraper Museum Reviews
Rated out of 5
A modest museum by the waterside with fairly crafted model skyscrapers. There is care put into each tree decoration and interior lightning.
Many buildings are somewhat plain and would like to see an improvement on par with the nicer ones
Andrew Lam - 3 months ago
Amazing museum and historical pictures showing the rise of skyscraper and technology.
Special exhibit on wooden high-rises was also interesting
Chintan Desai - 3 months ago
small museum with very friendly staff, a cool bookstore but okay-ish exhibitions. liked the mass timber exhibition a bit more than permanent collection (the latter doesn’t feel v curated). estimated duration of visiting: 1h max.
Miranda - 5 months ago
Great free and informative museum in downtown Manhattan. Although it is free, reservations online are required in advanced for entry. (As of July 2023)
Although small, it is free and contains lots of information on the concepts, structures and building process of many skyscrapers all over the world. It takes you through the history of skycrapers and looks into a few future projects.
I believe this may be more interesting to those who like engineering and want to know the "why" and "how" behind many of these incredible structures.
It is conveniently located in downtown Manhattan, nearby the Freedom Tower, Jewish Museum, Battery Park and Statue of Liberty Ferry areas...so can easily be worked into a site-filled itinery while exporing that area. I was able to see and read almost everything within an hour. So, it shouldn't take up too much time out of your day.
Staff there was nice and informative.
Jason Persaud - a year ago
Very informative. It’s a small museum and the skyscraper are mostly NY buildings. There is an exhibition showing other iconic buildings around the world but most information is about NY.
The bookstore is very lovely.
I will say most of it is informative and there are a few things actually see, it is mainly reading but I enjoyed it very much!
FYI it is like a decent room of items so not a lot of things to look at, I will say you can finish examining all the exhibits within an hour.
Adati Tarfa - a year ago
Directions
| Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| 4 or 5 | Bowling Green | 6 minutes |
| 1 or R | Rector Street | 8 minutes |
How to get to Skyscraper Museum by Subway
Take the 4 or 5 train to Bowling Green, head west towards the river on Battery Place continuing to the entrance on your right or take the 1 or R train to Rector Street and walk south on either Greenwich Street or Trinity Place to Battery Place and go right. The entrance is on the right-hand side of the road directly across from the Museum of Jewish Heritage.
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Photo Gallery
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The Skyscraper Museum features many fascinating models, photos, videos and books cc licensed photo by shinya
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