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Museum of the City of New York - Public

The Museum of the City of New York is a nonprofit institution that educates the public about the rich history and diverse character of the city. With a collection of approximately 750,000 objects, the museum offers exhibitions, educational programs, and publications to connect the past, present, and future of New York City.

Museum of the City of New York - Public

Upcoming Classes at Museum of the City of New York - Public

  • New York on Film: A Thousand and One

    Experience the raw and unapologetic story of a mother and son navigating the harsh realities of mid-1990s New York City in this deeply American film. Follow Inez as she fights against a gentrifying Harlem, determined to build a life for herself and her son. Winner of the top U.S. Dramatic Prize at Sundance 2023.

    Next start date: Thursday, May 9th, 6:30–8:45pm Eastern Time
    Price: $20
    View full details
1220 5th Ave , New York, NY 10029
Museum of the City of New York - Public
East Harlem, Manhattan
1220 5th Ave
Btwn E 103rd & E 104th Streets
New York, New York 10029

Directions:
By Bus: M1, M2, M3, M4 or M106 to 103rd Street By Subway: #6 to 103rd Street, walk three blocks west; #2 or #3 to Central Park North/110th Street, walk one block east to Fifth Avenue, then south to 103rd Street.

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Description

The Museum of the City of New York was founded in 1923 by Henry Collins Brown, a Scottish-born writer with a vision for a populist approach to the city. The Museum was originally housed in Gracie Mansion, the future residence of the Mayor of New York. Hardinge Scholle succeeded Henry Brown in 1926 and began planning a new home for the Museum. The City offered land on Fifth Avenue on 103rd-104th Streets and construction for Joseph H. Freedlander’s Georgian Colonial-Revival design for the building started in 1929 and was completed in 1932. During the next few decades, the Museum amassed a considerable collection of exceptional items, including several of Eugene O’Neill’s handwritten manuscripts, a complete room of Duncan Phyfe furniture, 412 glass negatives taken by Jacob Riis and donated by his son, a man’s suit worn to George Washington’s Inaugural Ball, and the Carrie Walter Stettheimer dollhouse, which contains a miniature work by Marcel Duchamp. Today the Museum’s collection contains approximately 750,000 objects, including prints, photographs, decorative arts, costumes, paintings, sculpture, toys, and theatrical memorabilia.

Our Mission

The Museum of the City of New York celebrates and interprets the city, educating the public about its distinctive character, especially its heritage of diversity, opportunity, and perpetual transformation. Founded in 1923 as a private, nonprofit corporation, the Museum connects the past, present, and future of New York City. It serves the people of New York and visitors from around the world through exhibitions, school and public programs, publications, and collections.


Reviews of Museum of the City of New York - Public

(4.2-star rating across 50 reviews)
  • Intimate Subjects: Thomas Holton and the Lams

    Reviewed by Carrie P. on 1/17/2019
    Interesting discussion led by a warm and intelligent moderator. Memorable photographs.
  • Worn in New York

    Reviewed by LEONIDAS L. on 12/12/2018
    It was a nice outing and I enjoyed the panel giving their background experiences on their favorite pieces or for one sweet lady her favorite color!
  • New York at Its Core: The Archaeology

    Anonymous review on 7/28/2018
    Very cool and informative
  • New York at Its Core: The Archaeology

    Reviewed by DIA Q. on 5/17/2018
    It was very interesting to learn more about the anthropological and topographical history of the city.
  • Satchmo in the Studio

    Anonymous review on 5/3/2018
    Informative and entertaining and a great venue!
  • Feminists in Fashion with Norma and Christene

    Reviewed by Jennifer L. on 4/13/2018
    Great!
  • Feminists in Fashion with Norma and Christene

    Reviewed by Mildred M. on 4/6/2018
    I appreciated the speakers far more than the moderator who talked too much, questions ran on.
  • '60s Fashion: The Youthquake and Its Aftershocks

    Anonymous review on 3/16/2018
    I hoped it was more about the 60's fashion and the brands that most influenced the 60's in general.
  • Public Art in the City: Mural Making

    Anonymous review on 2/24/2018
    Was intended for children not adults.
  • Hidden Figures: Paper Doll Making

    Reviewed by V A B. on 2/21/2018
    It was a fun informative class. They gave us a pamphlet that included information on five women that had a major impact in our history.The volunteers asked that we go to the 'Hidden Figures' exhibit prior to starting our doll so that we would gather additional insight and information not contained in the handout. The exhibit and pamphlet inspired me and I came back and made a colorful paper doll that held a sign for equal rights for ALL!
  • Women and the Future of New York Politics

    Anonymous review on 11/2/2017
    Very prominent women in political field, but this was a very depressing evening. This was not an evening that talked about women and the future of New York politics, it only talked about these particular women. It was not inspirational in the slightest for a woman to jump into the political arena, nor did it serve as informational in how a woman could be effective whether you run for political office or not. No mention of the wonderful resources that are out there that are dedicated to teaching women how to run for office, such as VoteRunLead, Higher Heights, Emerge now has a branch in NYC. Sharon is well-meaning, but I don't believe her caucus is real, unfortunately. The five women were lovely to share their evening, but Tish and MMV did not get a chance to share what City Hall is like or what is needed to work in local government. Only Carol and Ronnie talked about the Lindsay days. It was unbalanced and silly in many ways.
  • Old Croton Bike Tour

    Reviewed by Ross F. on 10/29/2017
    Tour Guide Matt from NYV H2O was informed, attentive to the group, spoke clearly and audibly. I've no complaints!
  • New York Meets Havana

    Reviewed by Luis L. on 4/30/2017
    Great event and an amazing experience!
  • Photographers and Social Advocacy

    Reviewed by Maxmoore P. on 2/24/2016
    Really interesting. Intelligent people. Yay
  • Urban Art Legends

    Anonymous review on 2/11/2016
    I liked the topic and the fact that there was sufficient time for questions. One of the speakers could've been more enthusiastic, which would have made it more stimulating and energetic.
  • Chancellor’s Day: Immigration and the City

    Reviewed by Zlata A. on 12/7/2015
    It was amazing! Thank you!
  • New York in 27 Buildings

    Reviewed by Lucie L. on 10/29/2019
  • Unexpected Pairings: Gin Fizz à La Mode

    Reviewed by Katy D. on 8/10/2019
  • Night of Noir: A Kubrick Halloween

    Reviewed by Lucy H. on 10/29/2018
  • The Candela Allure

    Reviewed by Judith L. on 6/15/2018
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