Museum Of The City Of New York

New York City has some of the best museums and I think my favorite might be the Museum of the City of New York. Located at the far end of the Museum Mile on 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street, the Museum of the City of New York happens to be across the street from the Central Park Conservatory Garden, a magnificent formal garden which  I happen to adore andI always try to visit both when I'm in the area. The museum is housed in a three story colonial revival style building which watchers of Gossip Girl might recognize as the front entrance to the Constance Billard School for Girls and St. Jude School for Boys.

The collections made up of photography, paintings, drawings, furniture, decorative objects, and manuscripts are an exploration of the city’s past, a celebration of its present, and a vision of its future. Rotating exhibitions focus on issues ranging from the city’s history of social activism to spotlighting notable figures and the work of artists from New York. A stunning focal point of the space is a brilliant light installation conceived by the the Cooper Joseph Studio that is suspended above the Rotunda in the main lobby. Entitled "Starlight" this celestial array of 10,486 brilliant LED lights appear to shoot star bursts in all directions adjacent to the spiral staircase.  The points of light boldly complement the Museum’s 1932 neo-Georgian design while reflecting its mission to connect the city’s past and present. Not surprising, it is among the Museum’s most photographed features and I take a photo of it from a different angle with each visit. I highly recommend a visit to this museum if you come to New York as it's a great place to learn more about the city. We always see something new whenever we view the You Are Here film which celebrates new York as seen on film and TV across 16 screens. It's fun to spot  productions that were filmed in our neighborhood. Which exhibit would you be most interested in?

New York At Its Core - This exhibit takes a look at New York's rise from a striving Dutch village to become a “Capital of the World"

Timescapes - this 28-minute film encapsulates the history of New York City

You Are Here - celebrates the rich archive of movies set in New York, combining thousands of cinematic moments across 16 screens.

Tempo of The City - highlights depictions of the streets and subways of New York

New York Now: Home - is the first of an ongoing photography exhibition series that examines the idea of "home"

Destination NYC - explores the 

Raise Your Voice - this immersive installation by Brooklyn-based artist Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya is inspired by the resiliency of New York’s Asian American and Pacific Islander community

Changing The Face Of Democracy - explores the life and legacy of barrier-breaking Brooklyn-born politician Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to US Congress

Activist New York - delves into the drama of social activism in New York City, past and present, with issues as diverse as immigration, civil rights, and sexual orientation

Photos: Through My Lens