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History Museums in New York City

THE 10 BEST New York City History Museums

History Museums in New York City

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  • seanworc
    New York City, NY728 contributions
    Medieval Art in Manhattan
    The Met Cloisters is an art museum fearing medieval art. It is located on the edge of Washington Heights and Inwood in Upper Manhattan. It gives guests the sense of life in in medieval castle and/or monastery. Here, there are few world-class masterpieces that are easily found in Europe. However, the views from its outdoor gardens overlooking the Hudson River and the NJ Palisades are spectacular on a bright spring/summer day. There are 4 to 5 separate cloisters, all shipped over from France and Spain. The museum was created and fund by John D. Rockefeller, once the world's richest man.

    Tip: Guests tickets for the Met Cloisters are also good for entrance to the Met Museum on Fifth Avenue which often stays open to 9:00 PM. Same day only.
    Review of: The Met Cloisters
    Written 28 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jim G
    Saint Louis, MO705 contributions
    Worth A Stop
    We added Ellis Island to our tip to Liberty Island. Although we had no relatives who went through Ellis Island, it evoked images of the impressions of those who passed through its halls. The Great Hall was smaller than I expected from photos.

    If anyone is going to Liberty Island, I recommend a stop at Ellis Island.
    Review of: Ellis Island
    Written 14 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • isis r
    1 contribution
    Modernize museums
    Went on a date to the city with my girlfriend, and this was a great museum experience! Not only was able to learn the history behind at all but also, they had great artifacts as well as activities throughout the museum. There was never a dull moment while we were there in plenty of a picture opportunities, as well as prize-winning opportunities, which made it all so much fun. My girlfriend said she has been there three times and every time was a different experience immersive and so exciting and we both cannot wait until we return. Thank you so much for a great experience!
    Review of: Museum of Sex
    Written 30 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Adventure Diva
    Manchester, CT2,020 contributions
    History Matters
    You get to experience years of history here with the museum's exhibits, collections and films. We saw the "I'll have what she's having...the Jewish Deli" exhibit and enjoyed the experience. It showed how Jewish delicatessens became a cornerstone of American food.
    Review of: New-York Historical Society Museum & Library
    Written 14 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Claire D
    6 contributions
    Interesting glimpse into New York middle class life in the 19th century and the women who worked for them.
    Fascinating look at New York family life in the mid 19th century. Looking for a quieter activity amongst the bustle of the city this was ideal. The guide book and QR codes allow you to tour the rooms at your own pace and the garden at the back is very pretty. Details around the lives of the servants as well as the family are well done. A gem that deserves to be preserved.
    Review of: Merchant's House Museum
    Written 6 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ashely Fang
    New York City, NY238 contributions
    Super Fun Museum for All Ages
    While tickets are a bit pricey, the overall experience was super fun. The SPYSCAPE museum offers some games you can do at home in advance of the visit, and the Batman experience has a section to play in advance of your visit and hours more of playtime for after your visit. The games may be a bit frustrating for younger children, but all-in-all it was fun to challenge myself to do well and to beat my friend. I would definitely be open to visiting again. I advise against getting VIP tickets - they are expensive and unless you want the nice baseball hat that comes with it. The bracelet that comes with VIP tickets is not worth the money.
    Review of: SPYSCAPE
    Written 15 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CaesarBrutus
    Boston, MA311 contributions
    An important museum for all to visit
    We visited Nov 2019, but Trip Advisor app won’t let me go back that far.
    Important museum to visit; we went due to the Auschwitz exhibit, but also visited the museum itself. I signed up for emails from the Museum and have attended virtual events. I am not local, so I appreciate being able to attend virtually.
    So much to learn and the museum store has a lot to offer. We will definitely be back here when back to New York.
    If you can, you should visit and bring others. If not, ‘like’ their Facebook page, check out their website, and sign up for emails. There are virtual evens you will most likely be able to attend.
    Review of: Museum of Jewish Heritage
    Written 28 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • lithlith
    Michigan818 contributions
    Teddy Roosevelt birthplace
    The Teddy Roosevelt birthplace is awesome! It's free to visit. It won't take all day. And, hopefully you'll be reminded of what an awesome human and president that Teddy was!
    Review of: Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site
    Written 16 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • orcasgal
    Orcas Island, WA508 contributions
    Nice displays
    I really enjoyed this small museum. It is well signed and has interesting exhibits of the era it covers. The admission price is well worth it.
    Review of: Fraunces Tavern Museum
    Written 4 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Conny Wylie
    Ottawa, Canada554 contributions
    Celebrate NYC's Seaport Heritage.
    The Seaport district is situated on the East River in Lower Manhattan. It is a top nyc destination for unusual culinary, fashion, entertainment and cultural experiences. I couldn't resist a custom face cookie from the funny face bakery....it seemed almost too pretty to eat and the book-worm in me nudged me into the McNally & Jackson bookstore. I explored New York's origins as a world seaport in the South Street Seaport Museum and to get into a historical mood I toured the Wavetree cargo ship.
    Review of: Seaport District NYC
    Written 27 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Thomas V
    Oakland, CA15,229 contributions
    Fortress of Money
    Build sort of like a fortress, maybe a castle of money. Lots of power in this grand building that we stumbled upon while walking from Wall Street to City Hall.
    Review of: Federal Reserve Bank of New York
    Written 1 January 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • haveart
    Houston, TX340 contributions
    A Hidden Historic Gem in NYC - Built in 1799
    A Hidden Historic Gem in NYC - Tucked away on a very busy street! What an incredible historic building with period furniture and decor. Built in 1799 and now a historic landmark. Two guided tours offered daily and reservations are made online. Our guide was fantastic and brought the history to life - worth a visit! We loved it!!!!

    From the webpage … “The Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden presents the period of the Mount Vernon Hotel which operated from 1826 until 1833.

    Constructed in 1799 as a carriage house for a 23-acre estate, and converted into the Mount Vernon Hotel in 1826, this stone building sits on land originally owned by Colonel William Stephens Smith, and his wife Abigail Adams Smith, daughter of John Adams.

    This fashionable country resort was popular among New Yorkers who wished to escape the hustle and bustle of the city which at that time extended only as far north as 14th Street. The Hotel advertised itself as “free from the noise and dust of the public roads, and fitted up and intended for only the most genteel and respectable” clientele. In those days, one could take the stagecoach or steamboat up to 61st street and spend the day at the hotel sipping lemonade in the ladies parlor or playing cards in the gentlemen’s tavern.”
    Review of: Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden
    Written 28 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nicholas R
    Burlingame, CA97 contributions
    Off the beaten path NYC
    If you’re looking for “off the beaten path” in NYC, this is it. The tour is in his apartment, and he’s a natural tour guide. His place is similar to an Edison Museum, but you can touch and operate old phonographs, etc. At the end, you get to open some of his recent acquisitions, which he catalogs them on Zoom. It’s a little bit like Christmas morning with presents.

    Definitely call ahead to schedule - it’s not something that’s open to the public where you “drop in”. If you grew up as a Gen X latch key kid, the tour may seem like a throw back to the old days.
    Review of: The Museum of Interesting Things
    Written 21 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Justin W
    Hasbrouck Heights, NJ3,203 contributions
    Hidden gem of a museum gallery run by New York University on Ancient Arts
    I must have passed this museum dozens of time when visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art but never knew that is was a museum. The Institute specialty is the ancient arts and history. In two small galleries it still packs a punch when it comes time for showcasing works of ancient cultures.

    I went in recently to see the exhibition on Babylonian Art called "A Wonder to Behold: Craftsmanship and the Creation of Babylon's Ishtar Gate". In two small galleries, it showed the excavation of the site, some of the art pieces found, the use of glazed brick art on the walls and floors of the palace and the creativity of the artists who made them.

    What is also nice is that the museum has free lectures to attend on the subject and it is free to enter the museum as well. You can make a small donation if you want. It is a nice way to spend the afternoon and see the art of ancient times.
    Review of: Institute for the Study of the Ancient World
    Written 17 November 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Judy V
    12 contributions
    Pleasant museum
    I enjoy history, and this museum was informative and explained Jackie Robinson's legacy well. The staff was friendly and professional.
    Review of: Jackie Robinson Museum
    Written 6 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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