In this third installment of a three-part series of New York’s museums, we will take a look at some of the more unique museums that allow us to enjoy experiences that we may not find every day. From relaxing in earth rooms to experiencing other cultures, New York has it all!
The New York Earth Room
Made from up to 280,000 pounds of dirt, The New York Earth Room is considered to be one of the city’s hidden gems. This interior earth sculpture, created by Walter De Maria, can be found at 141 Wooster Street.
Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum
The Cooper Hewitt, which is the Smithsonian’s museum for design, was recently reopened after undergoing a $91 million overhaul that created 60 percent more space for exhibits. Located at 2 East 91st Street, the museum was once the mansion of business tycoon Andrew Carnegie. Today, it is home to exhibits confronting textile waste while also displaying a number of objects related to the industry.
New York Botanical Garden
Situated on over 250 acres at 2900 Southern Boulevard in the Bronx, the New York Botanical Garden boasts spectacular floral collections. The annual Orchid Show, which brings more than 1,000 species to the garden, will focus on the flowers of Thailand this year. Meanwhile, the Holiday Train Show, which is on display at the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, is a popular winter attraction.
Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA)
Located at 215 Centre Street, the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) boasts a treasure trove of artifacts telling the story of the Chinese-American experience. The museum also offers a number of walking tours and hosts a variety of events throughout the year.
Second Avenue Subway
Finally open to commuters, the Second Avenue Subway also serves as home to artwork gathered and commissioned as part of the MTA’s Arts and Design Program. Pieces to enjoy include lively mosaics of real-life New Yorkers at 72nd Street created by Vik Muniz, portraits of artists created by Chuck Close and Sarah Sze’s abract on 96th Street entitled “Blueprint for a Landscape.”
Museum of the City of New York
The Museum of the City of New York gives visitors the opportunity to experience all things New York. With its recently debuted “New York At Its Core” exhibit, the museum invites visitors to learn the story of the city through a series of interactive exhibits and the exploration of more than 400 items. Visitors can even “digitally meet” famous New Yorkers of the past. The musem is located at 1220 5th Avenue.
Brooklyn Museum
The Brooklyn Museum specifically looks at Brooklyn and the history of the borough. The building, which was designed by McKim, Mead & White, is an attraction itself, but inside the museum offers a number of interesting exhibits. This year, the focus is on women, with exhibits celebrating the works of artists such as Marilyn Minter and George O’Keeffe.
Van Cortlandt Park
Named after the first mayor of New York City to have been born in the city, Van Cortlandt Park is just one of many gorgeous parks located in the Bronx. Located on Broadway, the park is also home to the first public golf course as well as the oldest house in the borough.