My family's story in the United States has roots on the lower east side of Manhattan. Lost history…read moresince my grandfather refused to talk about his early life, emigrating from Russia. My grandmother was just a baby with few recollections. In 1988 two visionaries founded the Tenement Museum. Their intent was to spread tolerance and understanding of the immigrant experience. The museum purchased two tenement buildings on Orchard Street and rehabbed several apartments to simulate the way they were when occupied. Between 1863 and 1935 it's estimated thousands of people from 20 nations called these tenement buildings 'home.' I found the tour fascinating with our guide talking about two families -- one Italian, the other Jewish -- and the hardships they endured living in over-crowded quarters. There are several tours you can choose from focusing on different immigrant experiences, each $30, each ranging from 60 to 75 minutes. (The only way you can see the museum is by booking a tour.) Make reservations on line and check-in at the visitors' center upon arrival. Learn more about the museum by watching the 26 minute film that's run on a loop in the back room. A very worthwhile afternoon.

This is a very great museum and experience. It is focused on the history of the tenants in this…read morearea over time. it is not the typical museum where you see fixed exhibits, but rather pick a tour and then visit a particularly tenement based on the tour you selected. We went on a tour called "family-owned." The tours seem to fill up quickly on weekends, so it is a good idea to reserve in advance. You meet in the main building and then form into your tour group. You get a quick briefing at the start, then go into one of the tenements. This tour started in one that was a saloon in the front and then an apartment in the past (with families from Prussia and Bavaria). The tour guide was excellent and the history was really interesting. I will likely go back again for a different tour--definitely worth a visit.

The South Sea Seaport Museum chronicles the history of lower Manhattan begining with Lenni Lenape…read morehabitation and Henry Hudson's 1609 discovery voyages. The development of New Amsterdam by the Dutch West Indies company (1624), the British seizing the city and renaming it New York after the Duke of York (1664-1776) and George Washington's inauguration as the first president of the United States in (1789) at Federal Hall. The seaport became a major hub of commerce, travel overseas (the Cunard line) and an important immigration center. The museum galleries are open Wed-Sun from 11-5. You can tour the Wavertree and and smaller Ambrose ship with a General Admission ticket of $18. There are free admission events as well. Check their website for details.

Macy's 4th of July: DO.NOT.WASTE.YOUR.MONEY! This is the absolute worts experience the museum has…read moreput together: the security was rude beyond reason; to make more money they added another zone; they packed people like sardines in a "hallway" made of rope, and considering that the view is already obstructed by the buildings on each side of pier 16, on top of that they had a tent right in the middle at the end of the pier obstructing the view even more. When purchasing the tickets they don't ask about especial accommodations for families with kids with special needs and then those families have to watch from the very back, completely wasting the money paid. They don't apply the rules to everyone: they said no chairs, but they let them pass security for a lot of people and space was even more to a premium.

My first time going to the Cloisters. I went with family last week- they went at their pace then…read moresat in the courtyards which had some seating, while I went around at my pace. Good thing I didn't take my boys when they were younger, wouldn't have been for them. A smaller museum compared to the Met but there were still many items to look at. What caught my attention were the details - in the paintings, written books, carved pieces/sculptures (esp the really small ones), tapestries, etc. There were groups having an activity in some areas which blocked us from seeing some of the works of art up close though, like the Unicorn tapestry. I think visits in the spring and summer are better so can enjoy the outdoors. The open courtyards/gardens were lush with greenery and it's nice to spend time out there. The museum has 2 floors. Be ready for going up/down via stairs. It is wheelchair-accessible though I read it is limited. There are a few wheelchairs - free to use, first come-first served. Best to contact them re: the accessible entrance, a shuttle, etc. I learned from another visitor that a staff member has to accompany when taking the elevator. Restrooms are in the lower level, with a wheelchair-accessible one. Took the A train - Dyckman St. station. Entered Fort Tryon Park, then walked uphill a bit then took the stairs (towards the left from the path, steep in some areas). If you have difficulty with stairs, continue on the path or ask about the shuttle.

4/24/26: The Met Cloisters is a must see when in NYC!…read more It's been ages since my last visit. The Cloisters overlooks the Hudson River. It officially opened in 1938. The museum is dedicated to medieval art and architecture. The Cloisters itself is a stunning building. Our first Tour Guide took us around the wonderful medieval statues and gardens. She explained thoroughly about all the herbs and plants that are culinary and for their medicinal purposes. Our second tour guide Valerie was excellent for the "Highlights of the Met Cloisters. A major museum highlight is the Unicorn Tapestry Room (Permanent Display). These 7 tapestries were created approximately 500 years ago. (The Narrative: The Unicorn series tells a story ranging from the hunt's start and the unicorn at a fountain to its defense, capture, and, finally, the famous "Unicorn in Captivity" image). The museum does have a café (The Trie Cafe) on the premises. It's very good for a quick bite along with garden view seating. Museum times as follows: Sunday through Tuesday 10 AM - 5 PM Wednesday- Closed Thursday-Saturday 10 AM- 5 AM. It's best to arrive at the Cloisters upon opening. During the first tour, it wasn't too crowded, but the second tour was extremely crowded. The Met Cloisters is located at 99 Margaret Corbin Drive Fort Tryon Park, New York City, NY 10040. Highly recommend visiting the stunning Met Cloisters.

I forgot how huge this museum is. Wonderfully designed…read moreexhibits spaced out enough so that you can actually appreciate each piece Very helpful staff

I used to love it here for years, but it's gotten too popular and lost the charm it had for me…read more The popularity is great for the museum itself. It's experienced an undeniable glow up. People I could never get to step a toe in a museum now beg me to come with them to see some trendy exhibit they heard about. Marketing has improved immensely. They've expanded their reach beyond geeks and schoolchildren to a wide variety of people, and that's good. It keeps the museum alive. It's just no longer one of my favorite places personally. What I miss the most are the old First Saturdays that no one knew about. I'd look forward to them all month like a child looks forward to Christmas. It felt like Brooklyn's best kept secret. Now you have to preregister to get sardined. I'm not much of a noisy crowd person, so I end up leaving early the rare occasion I attempt to go. I do enjoy the salsa parties. Those are fun. Staff can be rude as all else. I've never personally had an issue, but I've seen some uncalled for behavior towards other patrons, especially if they give touristy vibes. The littlest thing can set someone off. It's completely uncalled for.

Nice place if you are around the area…read more 1) It is a small museum with two floors. 2) The exhibits gives you an insight of architecture both modern and old. 3) It is free, so give it a shot.

Finally the Center for Architecture is improving after years of neglect. With a new website and…read morebetter curation, it seems like something positive has changed for the more important institution for architecture in New York City. Especially since former design leadership at the MoMA and New York Times has gone absent in the past decade. Looking forward to their new era of putting architecture at the center of urban issues!

Pretty cool, small gallery of history from the last 40 years in the LES. Cool to see an ex squat…read morebuilding too

It's so rare that a museum's built and run by the very people it's about. MoRUS is one of the few…read more For many tourists, the history of the Lower East Side ended with the great immigration of Eastern Europeans during the Pogroms. The Lower East Side Tenement museum does a great job of bringing that history to life. But, what else is there to learn about this vibrant and exciting neighborhood? There's a rich history of reclaimed gardens, squats and community activism in the LES. Through a well narrated photographic exhibit, and through walking tours, the staff and volunteers of MoRUS can walk you through a living history. I was lucky enough to catch "UnrealEstate!"- A lecture, slide show and concert built around an oral history of Lower East Side squats....in the belly of C-Squat. Fly's story, illustrations and photos really brought home the challenges of building C-squat (and other reclaimed spaces); a living space Giuliani once called, "The most dangerous venue in New York". Nico De Gallo kept things light with a hilarious Shel Silverstein reading, while Seth Tobocman and Eric Drooker rounded things out with their own graphic histories of their LES experience. I'll have to visit again and take the walking tour!

Probably one of the COOLEST museum concepts I've come across!! Every item in this exhibit is…read moreavailable for viewers to buy shares of - from Rolex watches to signed Michael Jordan sneakers, to Pokémon cards! LOL Very hip and street-inspired items inside. Theres a cute coffee counter in the front with a seating area in the back to hang with friends. Lots of neat items on display to peruse and an entire LED wall as a photo op. Overall, a very cool spot to drop by if you happen to pass by in SoHo (although pretty hard not to spot, with a huge dinosaur skull as the window display)!

The National Jazz Museum of Harlem (NJMH) is located on W. 129th Street in Harlem. It is blocks…read moreaway from Corner Social, Sylvia's & other popular establishments / stores that are on 125th Street. NJMH is a beautfully cozy, intimate & casual museum. Merch is available for purchase alongside the front desk by the museum's front entrance. NJMH has "Sounds of Harlem" - 1932 Night Club Map of Harlem that guided people to Harlem's most popular night spots at that time. Duke Ellington's original handwritten manuscript for song entitled "Harlem Air Shaft." & Duke Ellington's Baby Grand Piano have been upon display at National Jazz Museum of Harlem. Jazz is one of my favorite genres of music, and I look forward to always visiting this museum where Jazz ic celebrated. Fantastic events / exhibits have been held throughout the years & include the following: 1.) Performances by Jazz Power Initiative & Virgin Island Jazz Collective. 2.) The Intergenerational Jazz Power Jam w/ Nikara Warren & Saxophonist Craig along w/ Dr. E & Jazzpower. Nikara Warren performed selections from her debut album, "Black Wall Street." 3.) "The Soul of Jazz in American Adventure" Exhibit - based on Disney / Pixar's "Soul". 4.) During the height of the pandemic, virtual events included DJ Tony Touch's Afro- Latin Roots Dance Party & the Crib Collective Concert. 5.) Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz's "Jazz In The Vortex: Poetry, Healing & Self-Archaeology" Exhibit. 6.) Live Jam Sessions are held throughout the year. The "Eately Uptown Jazz Session" was one of my favorites. 7.). Special tap dancing performance recently held in honor of Jazz Tap Dancer "Baby" Laurence Jackson to celebrate his 103rd Birthday! Website - jmih.org / jazzmuseuminharlem.org Instagram - natljazzmuseum Hours of Operation - Thurs. - Sat. 12pm- 5pm When one Checks-In to unlock their special offer, one can get a free NJMH mug w/ a $15 donation.

I organized a field trip for two of my kindergarten classes to take a trip to the museum for Black…read moreHistory Month and we all loved it. The kids were very engaged thanks to our host who had the kids be in their own band. The kids learned and were enthusiastic to participate. The programs they provide for kids are great and everyone left in smiles