A Day at the Museum: NYC Area
Museums are special to me as an artist & former Met guard. There are many museums in NY, these are my recommendations to see in New York City, and things that will help you feel comfortable on your Museum Day.
Manhattan Museums
Imagine a place full of magic, beauty and wonder, that can change how you see your world. Now go there.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has a special place in my (and many other's) heart. It is the largest art museum in the United States, full of ancient to contemporary art, and home to The Costume Institute which holds the yearly celebrity gala. Centra...
The Cloisters is separate from the main Met museum, located up in Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan. It is a beautiful example of medieval architecture, full of art and a gorgeous garden that will take you back in time.
For modern and contemporary art head over to the Museum of Modern Art and spend a day immersed in color and creative thoughts.
Make sure you have scheduled your timed entry appointment for you and your party, now head over to the west side of Central Park to see some dinosaur fossils, a Blue Whale, beautiful life sized dioramas and the Hayden Planetarium. Sometimes in the wi...
An important sight to behold, to pay respect to the victims and heroes of the day, and to better understand the gravity of the event.
Visit the actual Intrepid aircraft carrier and get a chance to see a Concorde, a submarine and a space shuttle!
For another kind of visually stimulating experience check out The Museum of Illusions.
Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and take a trip to the National Immigrant Museum for a better understanding of America's history and people.
The Whitney has all your big names in American art and fun events too.
The Morgan Library and Museum allows you to enter the private collection of Pierpont Morgan and is filled with beautiful architecture and treasures.
Brooklyn Museums
The Brooklyn Museum has a great collection and fantastic temporary shows, but they also hold events and parties that are so much fun. They have stroller tours to make it easier to bring little ones, and it sits outside Prospect Park the arch at Grand...
If you're visiting the Brooklyn Museum, save yourself the energy you need to tour the nearby Brooklyn Botanic Garden. An absolute must see, one of the most beautiful places in the city.
Take a trip to Coney Island and spend a day by the water walking the historic boardwalk and make a stop at the Coney Island Museum for a full experience.
Queens Museums
If you're into film and movies check out what the Museum of the Moving Image has in store for you.
This is one museum where kids shouldn't have any trouble having fun.
Visit the Sculpture Center and MoMA's PS1 in one go as they are in close proximity to each other.
Nearby New Jersey
The Liberty Science Center is fun and interesting for people of all ages.
Be Prepared
Accessories and advice that will make your NYC Museum days more enjoyable.
You don't want to be bothered by an annoying bag, or guards asking you to wear your backpack on your front and stay back from the relics as you enjoy your museum experience. Some museums have coat checks where you might be required to leave bulky bag...
Comfortable walking shoes are a MUST for exploring museums and NY. You know your feet so make sure they don't distract you from the sights to see and pick up some comfortable walking shoes. Pure white shoes in NY are not a great idea so explore your ...
Download a PDF of the NYC subway map and learn how to read it to stay safe and have an easy trip to your museum destination.
As a guard I have seen people plugging their cellphones into outlets below priceless works of art and history like their are in their own homes. Please don't do this. If your battery is low bring a discreet portable charger and keep the cords at home...
A lot of people like to visit museums on cold or rainy days, great choice! But most people end up forgetting to pick up their umbrellas from the coat check at the end of their visit somehow. Get a compact umbrella with a cover that you can keep in yo...
Many museums actually allow you to bring plastic or secure water bottles. Check the visitor information and get yourself a good water bottle. Even if you do have to check it, it will be there for your trip to and from the museum to keep you from feel...
As a guard I was quite surprised by how often I was asked the time. Whether it's because you had to check your phone or can't take it out, make sure you have a watch for back up. Walking around NYC I would recommend bringing the "more affordable" acc...