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Museum of the City of New York

The Museum of the City of New York is located at 1220 5th Ave, New York, NY. Founded in 1923, the museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history and culture of New York City. Its collection includes over 750,000 objects ranging from photographs and prints to costumes and decorative arts. Notable exhibitions have included “New York at Its Core” which explores the city’s 400-year history and “Activist New York” which examines social activism in the city. The museum is housed in a Georgian Colonial-Revival building designed by Joseph J. Freedlander. It offers educational programs, lectures and public events fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of New York City’s rich heritage. Read more about Museums.

A rooftop installation of Christmas trees at DUMBO House, each tree decorated with multicolored lights and playful, fabric-covered arms reaching outward, set against sweeping views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline at dusk.

10 New York Museum Shows Worth Slowing Down for Over the Holidays

After Miami and before the new year, the art world calendar briefly loosens its grip, creating a rare pause that invites unhurried engagement with New York’s most compelling museum exhibitions.
By Elisa Carollo

The Best Gifts From Museum Shops

A treasure trove of artful delights.
By Merin Curotto
A black-and-white portrait of Elisabeth Sherman shows her smiling with arms crossed, wearing a light-colored blazer and necklace.

Incoming MCNY Chief Curator Elisabeth Sherman On Getting to Know a Collection

"I’m excited to engage with the city itself as both subject and storyteller," she told Observer.
By Dan Duray
Close-up of red street signs reading “5 Av” and “Museum Mile” mounted on a metal pole, with leafy green trees in the background.

What Not to Miss at This Year’s Museum Mile Festival

By Christa Terry and Elisa Carollo
Picture in black and white of a young man with a fake goat and paintings.

Why 2025 Is Going to Be the Year of Robert Rauschenberg

By Elisa Carollo
Dancers flock the streets in different colors for the dance scene of West Side Story.

For MCNY’s Centennial, an Exhibition Celebrating Stories Inspired by New York City

By Tiffany Del Valle

Cultural Comings and Goings: Art Basel’s Newest, HERE’s Director Steps Down and More

By Christa Terry

On View Now: Warhol, Lee Friedlander, Njideka Akunyili Crosby and More

By Steph Eckardt

Gifts for Your Mother, Brother, Lover, and Friends From New York’s Museum Stores

By Observer Staff
Kamie Lightburn, Kathy Prounis.

New York Society Swans Flock to the Museum Party

By Amanda Taylor
Mulberry Street, Manhattan, c. 1900.

Museum of the City of New York Gets Biggest Gift Ever For Permanent Show

By Guelda Voien
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 28: U.S. President Barack Obama (R) presents the 2013 National Medal of Arts to Architect Billie Tsien (L) and Tod Williams (2nd L) during an East Room ceremony July 28, 2014 at the White House in Washington, DC. Tsien and Williams were honored for their contributions to architecture and arts education.

Architects Named for Obama Library, Sotheby’s Auctioneer Stands Behind London Market

By Alanna Martinez
Ms. Chast in the studio.

Roz Chast’s Dark Humor at The Museum of the City of New York

By David D'Arcy
A self-portrait by Robert Mapplethorpe.

Artist Sues Mapplethorpe Foundation, Museum Director Protests Anti-LGBTQ Law—and More

By Alanna Martinez
Joel Grey at home

A Love Letter to Joel Grey on the Occasion of His New Memoir

By Laren Stover

NYC’s Museums Are Swapping Instagram Accounts for Today

By Alanna Martinez
Affordable housing units in East Harlem in the 1950s.

Affordable Housing Leaders Tackle Tough Questions at ‘Housing Legacy’ Exhibit

By Parker Richards
Terry Borton holding a slide used in his Magic Lantern, dating from the 1890's. (Harry Zernike for the Observer.)

The American Magic-Lantern Theater Casts Light on Victorian Christmas

By Kim Velsey
The Museum of the City of New York, located at 1220-1227 Fifth Avenue between East 103rd to 104th Streets in the East Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan.

Museum of the City of New York Hires New Director

By Ryan Steadman

The End-of-Summer Art World Bucket List

By Alexandra Peers

Take a Look at New York’s Lost Landmarks, Past and Present

By Christine Park

Jeff Liao: ‘Photography can only preserve the moment, you cannot change the reality.’

By Kim Velsey

6 Things to Do in New York's Art World Before August 10

By Nate Freeman and Nikki Lohr

Graffiti (R)Evolution: From the Street to the Gallery and Back Again

By Marie Solis
More
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