Museum of the City of New York

The Museum of the City of New York consistently delivers insightful and well-curated exhibitions, but the temporary graffiti exhibit truly stands out. It’s more than just a celebration of street art — it’s a powerful narrative of resistance, identity, and the voice of a city in constant motion. The exhibition does a fantastic job of tracing the evolution of graffiti from its underground roots in the 1970s to its recognition as a legitimate art form today. From blackbook sketches and subway car photos to large-scale pieces and interviews with legendary artists, the show feels both authentic and raw. There’s a real respect for the culture and the people who helped shape it. What I especially appreciated was how the exhibit contextualized graffiti within the broader social and political history of New York. It’s not just about the art itself, but about the communities, the struggles, and the creative rebellion that fueled it. Whether you’re an art lover, a historian, or just someone curious about the soul of NYC, this exhibition is a must-see. It’s bold, honest, and leaves you thinking long after you’ve left the museum.
Jeroen Mylle - 3 weeks ago

Had a wonderful time visiting this museum, very nice, clean and well taken care, very informative. The civil rights movement, has a whole floor dedicated to that. This museum is a place to visit more than once, the Media Room alone, would be awesome to come back to and watch all the clips of the classic movies all playing at once, but synchronized!
BellaDuessa - a month ago

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the stunning Museum of the city of New York, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience. The museum is thoughtfully organized into various thematic areas, each meticulously detailed and rich in information, which beautifully encapsulate the last 400 years of this incredible city’s history. From the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the carefully curated exhibits that brought to life the vibrant and diverse story of New York. Each section was informative and engaging, providing deep insights into the cultural, social, and economic evolution of the city. The visit culminated in a breathtaking 30-minute video that narrated the city's history from its inception to the present day. The visuals were stunning, and the storytelling was both emotional and inspiring, offering a powerful reflection on New York’s resilience and dynamism. Overall, my time at the museum was memorable, and I left with a greater appreciation for the rich tapestry of experiences that have shaped New York City. I highly recommend this museum to anyone looking to understand the heart and soul of one of the world's greatest cities!
Marco Taroni - 4 months ago

I loved this place. Spent about three hours wandering the exhibits, all for free due to visiting on a Wednesday. Not busy at all (no line, not crowded) and lovely clean facilities. I think you would enjoy this if you like stopping to read about everything, but it's not for people interested in art or very young children. The first floor contains exhibits focusing on the history of NYC, with interesting facts and archival items. Further up are more politically focused exhibits on activism and Shirley Chisholm which were great. I also enjoyed the display of gingerbread buildings! Super unique and the room smelt so good.
Laura Goulden - 5 months ago

A varied and engrossing museum! To kick off, I enjoyed reading about the history of the city in New York at Its Core. The Songs of New York made for a fun, interactive musical interlude. My favourite, though, had to be Activist New York: stories of the many different examples of social movements.
TFT - a week ago