New York City Museums
There are many reasons to visit the Big Apple and the excellent New York City museums are one of them. There is something for all the family including exhibitions on the natural world, history, space, show business and art. There is a combination of privately run and public owned museums and galleries. The public sector asks its visitors for a donation. It should be noted that many museums are closed on Mondays.
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the city is Madame Tussauds Wax Museum on West 42nd Street. Inspired by the famous museum in London, it opened in 2000 and contains figures from history and modern celebrities, such as Jennifer Lopez and Madonna. The Horror Chamber is not for the squeamish or young children! Taking its lead from popular horror movies, it features Freddy Kreuger, Leatherface and Jason Voorhees. Other displays include themes on the film franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean and the recent Superman Returns movie. This is one of the most entertaining of the New York City museums and it’s not just about wax figures. There are interactive exhibits too.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Fifth Avenue has a worldwide reputation. Founded in 1870, the displays are varied, reflecting many different time periods. In addition to paintings and sculpture from the US, there are replicas of domestic rooms through the years. European art is also represented with such luminaries as Vermeer and Rembrandt and there are examples of contemporary art too. Other collections at this prestigious New York City museum include Egyptian art, ancient antiquities, arms and armor, costumes, musical instruments, and photography.
The American Museum of Natural History on Upper West Side, Manhattan has been exhibiting and undertaking research since 1869. Its departments include Anthropology, Invertebrate Zoology, Vertebrate Zoology, Paleontology, and Physical Sciences. The permanent collection contains displays on human evolution, gems and minerals, fossils, and meteorites. There are also oil paintings and watercolors. The highlight of the museum however, is the 94-foot long model of a Blue Whale. As part of the museum, the Hayden Planetarium on 81st Street turns people’s attention to the skies. It’s a great family day out when looking for fun museums in New York City. There are displays on different aspects of the universe and a Space Show titled The Passport to the Universe.
The Guggenheim Museum on Fifth Avenue is notable for its outstanding architecture, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Opened in 1959, it houses an impressive collection of contemporary works, including artists, Picasso and Kandinsky. A major restoration project for the building’s exterior took place in 2006 but all the galleries stayed open to the public.
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