Museum of the City of New York

Museum of the City of New York Review

In a Colonial Revival building designed for the museum in the 1930s, the city's history and many quirks are revealed through engaging exhibits here. The museum is currently in the last phase of a three-part, $90 million renovation that will upgrade and modernize the entire facility. Improvements to date include a new climate-control system, new flooring, an updated lobby and terrace, a redesigned gift shop, and restored historical elements throughout the building. The third phase of the modernization includes renovating the North Wing to create three continuous floors of gallery space, a state-of-the-art auditorium, and a new café. Renovations are expected to be complete in 2015. In the meantime, the museum remains open, and rotating exhibits on subjects such as architecture, fashion, history, and politics are still on display. Don't miss Timescapes, a 25-minute media projection that innovatively illustrates New York's physical expansion and population changes, or Activist New York, an ongoing exploration of the city's history of social activism. The museum hosts New York-centric lectures, films, and walking tours. When you're finished touring the museum, cross the street and stroll through the Vanderbilt Gates to enter the Conservatory Garden, one of Central Park's hidden gems.