I will take any and every opportunity to learn something new, and one of my favorite ways to do so is visiting a museum.
Most of these have free admission with a NYPL, BPL, or QPL card with Culture Pass!
Sections
3
Brooklyn
Manhattan
Queens
Brooklyn
Quite possibly my favorite place in NYC. Donation-based, unlimited pinball, and some of the kindest guys I’ve ever met. Great family-friendly option. Tell them I sent you!
Red Hook Pinball Museum
As a railfan I am a proud NYTM member and think the benefits are definitely worth the price!
New York Transit Museum
So many unique finds in this small space. I find something new in their collection each time I visit. Be sure to visit the bathroom to see more of their collection!
The City Reliquary
If you ask REALLY nicely they might let you play the pinball machine
New York Sign Museum
Located above the sideshow stage, this spot is so informative and gives you a new appreciation for the chaos on the boardwalk. Knowing about this spot is elite ball knowledge
Coney Island Museum
Manhattan
Always something new to see here! Really thoughtful, culturally mindful exhibits, and a wonderful historic building to wander through
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
The highest concentration of analog photo booths in the entire City and some extremely helpful staff. Will send you a scan of your photo strip for free if you leave a review!
AUTOPHOTO
The 1866 perfume in their “gift shop” is one of my faves!
Horological Society of New York
Okay this isn’t *technically* a museum but they do have on-site exhibits outside the office! Check their website and see what they have on right now. An actual hidden gem.
NYC Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS)
This museum doesn’t get nearly enough love. They have a huge, stunning collection of Tiffany lamps. Go on a pay-what-you-wish Friday!
The New York Historical
A sleeper hit! A lot of people come here to see the lions and the Rose Reading Room, but be sure to stop by the exhibits too.
The New York Public Library
Queens
The Jim Henson Experience 4 lyfe
Museum of the Moving Image
Best known for the panorama of NYC but I’m a sucker for the World’s Fair remnants inside and out
