Lapin and I came here one weekend to enjoy the sights and the warm weather. To be honest, we both didn't know what to expect of the museum because we never went or heard of it before our trip. The museum is free but it is donation based, so do consider making at least a small donation. The museum is a bit smaller than the other museums but after talking to the staff, you can tell they really love working there and they are fully engaged (unlike the Morbid Anatomy Museum). Our museum guide was insightful and awesome. He made us do a group activity to actively engage with the exhibits instead of enjoying it passively. I love how he came across one exhibit and he was like sometimes it's modern art isn't really much more than what it is (in this case a blue doe with a chip's bag on it's head). They have a lot of modern art and displays from the World's fair but the crown jewel is the NYC panorama. If you have time, definitely scope out the globe outside. Lapin wished we had more time to rent bikes and go for a spin, maybe that would give us another reason to visit! read more

This is a review for the Queens Museum as a wedding venue! My now husband and I aren't the only ones who think the Queens Museum was the most magical place for a wedding. All of our guests were blown away and stunned by the beauty, art, and location of this museum. The panorama room alone is well worth it and was such a treat for all of our guests. The caterer that is associated with the museum (Delish NY) was second to none. We received so many compliments from our guests on the incredible food and fun, whimsical nature of a wedding at this venue. I still can't get over how perfect an evening it was. Many, many thanks to Emily Herbig, who helped us from the very start to coordinate everything with the venue, as well as the incredible staff that worked so hard to make it the best night of our entire lives. We hope to attend more events at this venue and will forever hold it in our hearts. Even more fun - now we can come to the museum each year on our wedding anniversary :) read more

Located right next to the Globe in Flushing Meadow Park, once you step inside, you completely forget where you are. The museum is beautiful and it was my first time here last night. I came for a yelp event, which I must say was really fun! Aside from the eating, drinking, music and Photo Booth, I was able to get a glimpse of the art, but not all. I know the main attraction is the panorama they have. I received a free pass for the museum and a discount at the gift shop. Hopefully next time I will be able to see it all. read more

It's a fun place to go. It's in the middle of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. They have a giant model of New York City with lights and moving planes. People walk around it, see things they've never seen before, and it sparks conversation. I appreciate the museum's collection. Their Tiffany lamps are breathtaking. They have an awesome exhibition on the New York Watershed. I believe these are on permanent exhibition. There's a lot to see, and you learn something new every time. read more

Nice little museum in Flushing Meadows Park in Corona Queens. The main exhibits showcase the 1964-1965 World's Fair but they have a nice Tiffany's exhibit. The other modern art exhibits are just ok. Best of all is they have a really cool model New York City exhibit that I love. I always enjoy trying to find where I use to live in Brooklyn and being happy when I pin point exactly where Stanhope St and St. Nicholas Ave are. Admission is only $8 so if you're in the area or don't mind a long subway ride on the 7 train go check it out. read more

This place is worth a somewhat harrowing drive from Mineola (then again, for me ANY drive is harrowing:S). The miniature panorama brings me back to my childhood obsession with miniatures, and the World Fair exhibit is super enlightening. Other exhibits are very user-friendly---this is an unpretentious museum. But Target Free Fridays, with music, movies and dancing, remain my favorite feature! read more

Holy panorama Batman! This place gives you a whole new feel for your city and a perspective we all desperately need. Get thee to Queens!

Are you a huge fan of the World's Fair? This place has a wonderful collection of memorabilia, some of which is on sale. Go for the Panorama, and check out whatever else is being exhibited. read more

The Diorama of NYC is pretty much the sole reason you should go. It's pretty great. While the art gallery was pretty interesting, I am not sure I can really grade the rest of the museum mainly due to the fact that it probably changes it's art gallery every so often. Than again it is a gallery, which may be something you'd want to see after a certain period of time. read more

I, a lifelong Long Islander, only visited the first time the other day; I wanted to see the exhibit on The Ramones before it closed. They did a great job curating, as well as with the displays and signage. We got going pretty late, so we didn't get to see the other items in the museum's collection. That means I'll be back! read more

The panorama is a must-see for any tourist who wants to understand New York from a different angle. Unlike NYC with its closed spaces, here you have an expansive vantage point from which you can try to understand the joys and difficulties in living here. The Tiffany's are also superb and the museum is never overwhelming. Summer cultural festivals and the outdoor movie series are one of the hidden Queens secrets and great to take a date to. Even if the Queens Museum wouldn't have all these virtues, I would still give them top marks as I have nothing but unbridled respect for institutions that pay hommage to the rapidly diminishing middle class as they suggest admissions rather than imposing what a person should pay. read more

Awesome panorama! Even as a jaded New Yorker, I was impressed here! I spent probably over an hour in this one room walking around pointing out the different buildings, bridges, parks, landmarks, and my house! Interesting art shows as well, many focused on Queens, and a great display of Worlds Fair paraphernalia. read more

I really enjoyed the Tibetan exhibition as the paintings were inspirational and engaging. The museum was still undergoing constructionbut the atmosphere with its wide spaces was intriguing and left much space for own thoughts. I also enjoyed the panorama of NYC but I liked the exhibit best which displayed the different societies over time as an ever-evolving macro cosmos. read more

There is nothing to see here... Maybe 4 lame exhibits ...which is funny considering they have plenty of space and NYC has no shortage of artists. Also, they make u pay the "donation" for admission ... I call that a ticket. read more

This review is not for the regular visit with the museum, rather for their staffs and their so call "$1 Donation" to use the bathroom policy. This is to report an incident that took place this past weekend; and I hope your museum will re-evaluate your current policy and the way how your staffs are treating people. This past Saturday 4/15/2017 morning, my family and I stopped by the Flushing Meadows Corona park for the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival. My two years old daughter needed to use the bathroom in the middle of our trip. I looked around and panic since I did not see any bathroom in sight and this is a park. Then I saw the museum. I told my husband I am going to take my daughter there and quickly ran without my wallet or cell phone on me. My three years son was following us, so I brought him as well. So at this point, I have my two years old daughter in my arm, while my three years old son next to me, without my wallet or phone; while my husband was waiting outside with our stroller, etc at least twenty feet away. When I got to the museum with my two kids, I asked the staffs if they can let the kids use the bathroom since I cannot find any bathroom nearby. The staff (an older lady) in the front told me I must give them one dollar donation. I said, sure, but I explained to her since I ran in here with both kids, I do not have wallet or phone on me. But my husband is right outside, I will get him to give the dollar later. When I was about to enter, a male staff who was standing by, asked me again if I pay the $1 donation yet. I repeated again, not yet since I don't have wallet on me, but I will get $$ from my husband later. So we crossed the museum to use the bathroom since the bathroom is on the side, and when we walked out, the staffs on the other side told me I should exit their side. But I told them I didn't give $1 yet, so I need to go back to the other side. So I came back to this side, the first thing the male staff told me was, "you lied, your husband didn't give us $1 yet" before I could even signal my husband. Remember, I ran in here with both kids, my husband who was twenty feet away watching our stuffs had no idea this I going on. Without my phone, there is no possible way I could communicate and let him know that I need $1 to use the bathroom in here. So I asked them, do you really think I am going to run away because of $1? The older lady replied "yes, $1 is very important to us". First of all, I understand donation is very important to your museum, but this point, don't call it a donation since it is a mandatory fee to use the bathroom. So call it a fee, not a donation! Second, I ran in here with two kids, and I promised you I will pay you. I did not exit the other entrance, I made the conscious effort to come back here because I promised I would give you $1. And in return, you accused me of lying? Third, let's say if I really don't have $1 to give, so your museum will watch my kids pee in their pants, rather than lending the bathroom for two and three years old children? I gave the $1 "donation" like I promised on Saturday. But this whole incident is very upsetting and even till now, I am surprised a museum is turning into a such profit driven center. Shame! I am writing this to let your organization know this incident took place and I hope your organization will re-evaluate your current so call " $1 Bathroom Donation(aka $1 Bathroom Fee)" policy. Also maybe train your staffs to act more like a human, rather than a money hungry monsters! read more

Even though out side it looks with a lack of vivid architecture, it is not as bad as you think. They have really interesting cultural events, just try to find a suitable way to get informed and then you will enjoy some many great events read more

Good photo ops to take pictures of the city and Queens Museum if you have a tele-lens. Als fun to learn some of the geological history of NY. read more

You can see for miles, great for taking pics and the Hollywood sign is near by. I am glad we stopped here!

The staff is really unhelpful and rude. Then after we paid and started to enter they told us we had to take a sleeping bag out of his stroller as they don't allow strollers at this time. There are no signs nor postings. We saw several families have to leave. Not much of a public museum if they don't respect all members of the public including children. I wonder what their policy is on wheelchairs? read more

Museum is small but with excellent goft shop. Also small parking lot with no designated handicap parking spots

Don't bother paying if you go to this museum. It is suggested donation only, so you don't have to pay. Trust me, it's not worth it. You can see everything in 10 minutes, not much going on there. When we went today, the gift shop was closed, and the cafe was closed too. Very spacious and clean, would be so much better if they had actual exhibits in this museum. Not sure why they let this space sit so empty. read more

The jewel of the museum is the Panorama of the City of New York which is an accurate, scaled model of the five boroughs which originally appeared in the 1964-65 NY World's Fair. It's been well maintained, and has an elevated railed walkway that overlooks the panorama and grades gradually upwards bringing you up to the second floor. There is plenty of room to change your position around the map. Some areas have glass floor sections so you can stand directly over sections of the Bronx and Staten Island. And there are tiny airplanes on wire that "land" and "take off" from LaGuardia airport. It's really cool, and both adults and kids will dig it. Other than the panorama, there is one wall of old artifacts and souvenirs on display from the World's Fair along with a pretty good digital "walk through" of the various buildings and pavilions that were in the Fair. The building that houses the museum is very modern and bright with a nice view of the Unisphere at the back of the museum. Unfortunately the first floor galleries all seemed to be in transition and there was nothing for visitors to look at. Gift shop had some interesting stuff. Taking my time, I saw everything there was to see in about an hour and a half. So a fun place to poke around for a quick visit but I'm hoping they add more permanent exhibits about Queens on the ground level. read more

This is one of those museums that is worth going to once and that's it. When I was there, there were exactly 4 exhibits on display and the rest of the exhibits were closed. While I did really like the exhibits that were there, why should half of the exhibits be closed at the same time? Also if so, they should at least offer 50% admission accordingly. Though, I think this place is pay as you wish? That wasn't quite clear which is obviously another criticism. The Tiffany lamp exhibit was cool and it was very well done. It is also not that common to see so many Tiffany lamps on display at the same place at the same time. The other exhibit was a panorama from the World's Fair that was basically a detailed topographic scaled map of New York City. That was really cool and it was a lot of fun to pick out where I live and other sites. Another exhibit wS also stuff from the World's Fair which was pretty neat as well. The gift shop is also worth checking out. You don't need more than 90 minutes here. read more

The NYC panorama is worth the trip alone. the Worlds Fair artifacts and the stainless steel outdoor unisphere are also very good exhibits as is the one on NYC's water supply. The gift shop actually has some '64 world's fair curios for sale, in pristine condition too. The bizarre abstract art is noise to the eyes, and seems to be there to fill the massive space. I recommend the museum's administrator repurpose the space for additional NYC-based exhibits. read more

I love it here. Nestled in Flushing Meadows Corona Park an hour trip from Manhattan via subway, The Queens Museum is a hidden gem. The park itself has incredible history and includes monuments to the past which is what the Queens Museum is. First built in 1939 as the New York state pavillion for the 1939-1940 World's Fair the building has undergone a few transitions. After the fair ended it was used as the United Nations building for a few years. Now it serves more as a World's Fair history museum, holding visible storage and other treasures from both the 39 and 64 fairs. I love how the building also holds a few exhibits such as the New York watershed map which isn't all that interesting but it is cool that it was part of the 1939 fair. My sister and I went last year for the first time for the 50th anniversary of the 1964 fair and I was impressed with the space enough to show my boyfriend when we came this year. This time I really wanted to show him the panorama which is amazing. I first found out about the panorama from the horrible movie New Year's Eve with Michelle Pfeiffer and Zac Efron. They get to go to find her New Year's resolutions, one of which going to the 5 boroughs all in the same day. Zac Efron's character takes her to the panorama where this goal is met. I thought that the panorama was really cool and wanted to go see it. The Tiffany exhibit is also worth seeing. I didn't know Tiffany was made in Queens I don't understand why they put contemporary art in the space. They had a blue paper mache goat eating from a chip bag. Really? Although the building has been made contemporary it really should be devoted to the history of the park, the borough and the fairs. read more

The worst. They turned the lights off and closed the museum early while we were still looking.

This is my second event held by Jando, and it was a smash hit. Who would of thought a museum party would rock. I've been to a couple that were held to a strict code with suits and classical music. This was completely different. This was more modern, more hip and more of upbeat. its been a while since i have been here until I went here for a Yelp Summer Bash. Not only did I enjoy the food and music, I was able to re-live my childhood and enjoy my love of museum and art. The music was hitting the best of the best music mixes and wat was even interesting it was done by none other than the DJ Rugg-meister LOL. Next to Ruggy, there was a huge line for a photo booth. The food did not disappoint. There was some awesome mini-burgers that had a store that sold various meat such as snake, kangaroo, gators, etc. Another type of food I enjoyed was the sandwiches with a Korean / Vietnamese blend. Then I topped it off with some terrific Arepas and custom marshmallows (my favorite was the mint chip). On my way out, I took a slow walk down the ramp taking an over view of the small scaled but very detailed city and its 5 boroughs with actual motorized planes incoming and going from laguardia airport. I actually loved this party that I ended up looking for some worlds fair historic memorabilia on ebay to purchase. If you missed this party....why? Overall Jando again has gone above and beyond. I cant wait to visit these restaurants/business on my own. Thanks man for opening my eyes to more food. LOL. read more

I went to the museum yesterday and the Panorama is pretty SWEET! But that's about it. The rest was so so. I was actually most impressed with the giant living room size elevator. HA! read more

Being in the museum and seeing all the left-overs of the once-glamorous World Expo with the Unisphere in sight make me feel disappointed about not being born years earlier to witness such an event. This museum brings all of you back in time, and oh-please with the "hard to reach" or "semi-ghetto neighborhood in sight" complaints: true explorers only go for things that others do not notice. Take note, adventurers! I really hope they can get more funding in the future!! read more

shhhhhhhh... don't tell anyone about this museum. especially those annoying pseudo NY manhattan people who gauk at 7 train riders and mumble about the outer boroughs and how far away queens is .... blah blah. it is bad enough we have to see you during Met games/ US open tournaments. stay on your Little island and don't venture out into Corona, Queens for delicious food - old school Italian or Latin. Don't visit this very cool museum with filled with artifacts from Golden Days of NY, anD A stunning panorama or cool film/. cultural festivals, including the city's only Queer film series. Don't take cool pictures around the uni sphere or walk around the tennis grounds. don't do any of it. lest we may lose the best part of Northwestern Queens: the absences of the new newyork hipster. and if you really must come, show some respect - leave your borough bashing behind. and by the way, you will never ever never be a REAL NYER.... hahaha read more

nice museum not only for the exhibition of arts but also because of many community activities.

This has to be one of the most underappreciated museums in all of new york, as even though there isn't a lot to do here, there's still enough to take up a good hour or two and it is the quality of the stuff that really counts. They usually have a different main exhibit that is somewhat interesting, like the exhibit on Robert Moses only a couple of months ago, but the real draw is the mainstay attraction that is The Panorama of New York City. It is from the last world's fair in queens (1964 I BELIEVE) and it is a huge 3-D map of all five boroughs with miniatures of nearly every building that you can think of. All bridges, all parks. everything. It is amazing. It's like you just want to go down there and play with it like a toy town. They even have airports and staten island, of course. Very accurate in the position of everything. Next, the exhibits on the two World's fairs that occurred in Queens are great to look at, because you realize how amazing queens once was, even though it is still amazing in my opinion. So much rich history and a lot of interesting stuff to look at from these fairs. I miss them. If you went to one of the fairs and need a trip down memory land, then go here and take a step back to when the world was in flushing meadow park. By the way, you should be able to find your house if you look close enough at the panorama. The Unisphere is also right outside so go there and enjoy the view of the globe as well as all the skaters that frequent the area. Don't forget to get a little something at the gift shop, if you want. Don't miss this amazing little museum. read more