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Museum mayhem in the Big Apple

Prepare to be captivated as you step into the vibrant world of museums in NYC.

My first encounter was a breathtaking moment that rendered me speechless. Standing there, I felt an overwhelming surge of emotions as tears formed in my eyes. Those around me instinctively gave me space, understanding the profound power that art possessed. It became a ritual—a transformative experience—that repeated itself with every visit. Vincent van Gogh's ‘The Starry Night’ at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), nestled on 11 West 53 Street in Manhattan, had an indescribable pull. The vivid interplay of brushstrokes and the way the colours danced across the canvas left a deep, emotional imprint on me. MoMA was merely the starting point of the museums that found a special place in my heart in New York City. Scattered throughout the boroughs, a wealth of coveted masterpieces await discovery, each with the potential to astonish and ignite inspiration even within the most skeptical minds.

Table of Contents:

  • Exploring Manhattan
  • Discovering Brooklyn
  • Venturing into Queens
  • Uncovering the Bronx
  • Delving into Staten Island

Exploring Manhattan

Every trip to Manhattan has been an adventure. Back in 2015, as a student of the Arts, I visited as many museums as I could, and found myself in the throes of various emotions as I soaked in the works of various artists. MoMA has always been my top favourite. From ‘The Starry Night’ to works by Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, Frida Kahlo, Henri Matisse and even Pablo Picasso, MoMa has never disappointed me. I even discovered a way to enjoy the museum's offerings at no expense, thanks to Uniqlo NYC Nights. To this day, my museum excursions are always arranged around this opportunity. Another unmissable favourite is The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) on Fifth Avenue. It houses 5,000 years of art in a gorgeous Gothic revival-style building, with iconic steps leading you in.

There is always so much to see here. The Egyptian temple is something I always go back to. For contemporary art lovers, I recommend the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and The Whitney for those who love to peruse American art. But the real star for me has always been The Met Cloisters. The Cloisters are a branch of the Met, and are known to be America’s only museum dedicated to art and architecture of the Middle Ages. Prepare to be surprised by its medieval structure and historic art pieces. For those who’d love to see something more eccentric and colourful, the Museum of Ice Cream is your best bet. With its iconic sprinkle pool, ice cream installations and bursts of colour all around, it’s one-of-a-kind.

Discovering Brooklyn

Brooklyn has always been my favourite borough. It’s a mixed bag of culture, food, and so much more. Museum hopping, here, always starts at the Brooklyn Museum, which sits at the edge of the bustling Prospect Park. I've consistently found myself losing track of time within its walls, particularly when exploring its ancient Egyptian art collection, located on the third floor. However, what truly elevates the museum is its dedicated space for feminist art. A highlight not to be missed is Judy Chicago’s remarkable creation, 'The Dinner Party', which stands as the centrepiece of this section. The Wyckoff Museum left me captivated when I visited it for the first time. As one of the oldest houses in New York City, it offered a unique window into the city's early Dutch colonial history. For anyone exploring Brooklyn for the first time, this museum stands as an essential stop. Another spot you shouldn't miss is the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, a place that is guaranteed to be enjoyable to both adults and children alike. I always make an effort to visit on Thursdays, during its Amazon Free Hours, to explore its exhibits. Among them, my absolute favorite is World Brooklyn, where kid-sized shops recreate the diverse neighbourhoods of Brooklyn.

Venturing into Queens

Queens holds a special place in my heart. I briefly lived in Sunnyside, a residential place in the borough. The very first museum I visited here was the Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) in Astoria. I also attended many film screenings and enjoyed its collection of artefacts. It was the perfect space for a movie lover like myself. I also found a favourite summer museum activity. Warm Up Summer is an activity that was held at MoMA PS1. It had live performances by local and international musicians and DJs, and the museum's outdoor courtyard was transformed into a vibrant and energetic music venue. MoMA PS1 also has a lot of contemporary art, but what makes it worth visiting is its commitment to experimental art that pushes the boundaries of artistic expression, and the fact that they support emerging artists. New York City is undoubtedly an artist's paradise.

Uncovering the Bronx

I never did make it into this borough, but my museum list has always included the Bronx Museum. This one is known to showcase contemporary and modern art, focusing on works by local artists and themes relevant to the Bronx. Another one on my list is The Van Cortlandt House Museum. It is a historic museum that displays an authentic portrayal of colonial life in the 18th century. They also have guided tours and exhibits.

Delving into Staten Island

Staten Island is another neighbourhood that I am yet to discover. It boasts some wonderful cultural, historical, and artistic experiences with its museums. For starters, The Staten Island Museum is the borough's main museum. It is dedicated to exploring the arts, sciences, and the natural history of Staten Island as well as its surrounding areas. Snug Harbor encompasses a group of interconnected buildings and gardens. It includes the Staten Island Museum, Staten Island Children's Museum, Noble Maritime Collection, and the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art. Each institution offers unique exhibits and programs. It’s a pity I haven’t spent time here, but it’s on my list. Discovering the museums in NYC has been a journey of discovery, a tapestry woven with passion and inspiration. Each visit has ignited my love for art and deepened my appreciation for the diverse forms of creative expression. If you find yourself in this bustling metropolis, make sure to carve out time to explore these incredible establishments.

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