New York City, known as the cultural capital of the world, has nearly 100 museums that range in specialty
from space travel to Asian history. Here are five your art or history teacher probably won’t require you
to go to, yet are part of the quintessential New York experience.
1. The Museum of the City of New York (MCNY)
MCNY gives visitors a chance to brush up on their New York City knowledge, including historical and geographical facts. Visitors can read newspapers and magazines, such as the Jewish Daily Forward, to gain a unique perspective on the events and places New York played host to years ago. The wide array of exhibits of art and exhibits from several centuries appeals to people of all ages and interests. Along with a series of photographs and objects chronicling the start of baseball, there is also an exhibit on the development of dolls and toys in the City.
1220 Fifth Ave at 104th St
Manhattan
Students: $5
Open Tuesday - Sunday
10 a.m. - 5p.m.
http://www.mcny.org
2. American Museum of the Moving Image (AMMI)
Everybody watches movies but not many know the techniques behind making one. “It’s really cool, I never knew all of this went into making movies,” said British tourist Elizabeth Thatcher. Explore the history of movies, from the invention of video cameras to the introduction of CGI at AMMI. Interesting for all age groups, the museum offers interactive exhibits such as green screens and mock movie sets. The museum hosts nearly daily events, presenting clips from some of America’s earliest films. 
Learn about the evolution of the Loew’s Theater Chain in the temporary installation “From Penny Arcade to Megaplex: A Special Exhibition in Honor of the 100th Anniversary of Loews.” The museum also offers free educational programs, such as the Motion Family Workshop, on the digital world, screen-writing, special effects and even filming itself.
35th Ave and 36th Street
Astoria,Queens
Students with I.D.: $7.50
Open Sunday -Wednesday
Check site for specific times
http://www.movingimage.us/
3. The Museum of Jewish Heritage
As a Holocaust memorial, the Museum of Jewish Heritage offers visitors a look at the events leading up to and including the Holocaust over three exhibits. The thousands of photographs on display depict the horrendous treatment of the victims as well as the reunification of families. The museum’s hexagonal shape represents the Star of David, and the six million Jews killed during the Holocaust. 
Currently, the museum has several special exhibitions. “The Other Promised Land: Vacationing, Identity, and the Jewish-American Dream” showcases the actions and mindsets of Jews traveling to America in search of vacation spots and retreats. “Daring To Resist: Jewish Defiance in the Holocaust” explores the strong resistance against the leaders and ideals of the Holocaust. “From the Heart: The Photojournalism of Ruth Gruber,” delves into Ruth Gruber’s photographs as documents of Jewish history.
36 Battery Place
Battery Park City
Students: $5
Open Sunday -Friday
Check site for specific times
http://www.mjhnyc.org/
4. Socrates Sculpture Park
In 1986, artist Mark di Suvero and a group of his friends transformed an abandoned riverside landfill to Socrates Sculpture Park. It initially served as an open studio and exhibition space for artists and as a neighborhood park for local residents. Now, it is an internationally renowned museum visited by artists from all over the world. Every year, art from multiple countries is presented throughout the park. Visitors can examine these interesting, modern sculptures while taking a stroll in a space with a riverside view of Upper Manhattan. 
Currently, the park is hosting an Emerging Artist Fellowship Exhibition, which presents the summer works of a group of artists chosen by the park’s Board of Directors. “It really is a change from the usual museum experience. Sometimes it’s nice just to have a breath of fresh air while seeing the talented and inspired work of others,” said Martha Kowalski as she led her pair of five-year old sons to a bench surrounded by sculptures.
3205 Vernon Blvd
Long Island City, Queens
Free
Open daily: 10 a.m. - sunset
http://www.socratessculpturepark.org
5. The Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art (MoCCA)
MoCCA offers the cartoon and comic book-lover a wide variety of exhibits, spanning from the past to present day. “I never knew cartoons used to look like that,” said 11-year-old Alex Myers. Banker Jack Adle said, “I found myself looking back at all the comics I read before.” 
The museum provides a comprehensive view on the evolution of the comic and cartoon world. Currently, there are several special exhibits running through the museum. “Things That Go Bump…” explores the constant presence of monsters and villains in comics. It features drawings and analyses of antagonists from Dracula to Hammerhead. For a modern take on the comic world, check out “Infinite Canvas: The Art of Webcomics,” which presents several of the most popular modern comics such as Penny Arcade and Scary Go Round.
594 Broadway, Suite 401
Manhattan
Students: $5
Open Monday through Friday
12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
http://www.moccany.org/
