A major exhibition venue for fine art, literature and music, this edifice of Manhattan’s museums and culture is also one of New York's great historical sites. A good place to shop, dine and immerse yourself in an abundance of programs for all age groups, Spring 2012 offers a celebration of the exhibition “In the Company of Animals”. The Morgan invites children ages 6–12 and their families for a day filled with music, dance, art, and... animals. Come one, come all and spend the entire day enthralled in all that is offered at this fun destination. The bright colors and variety of literature will keep the interest of even the most easily distracted. Embrace your inner intellectual, allow yourself to be drawn in and find something that peaks your curiosity. A definite must for summer vacations, minutes from Empire State Building, Bryant Park and the International Center of Photography, you will leave with a wealth of knowledge that will stay fresh in your mind for years to come. Just over 2 miles from the Guggenheim, New York City is rich in art, culture and good food. Stop by and grab yourself a bowl of famous Manhattan Clam Chowder or a delicious hot dog from Nathan’s in true New York style!

The Whitney Museum houses one of the world's foremost collections of twentieth-century American art. The Permanent Collection of some 12,000 works encompasses paintings, sculptures, multimedia installations, drawings, prints, and photographs—and is still growing. The Museum was founded in 1931 with a core group of 700 art objects, many of them from the personal collection of founder Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney; others were purchased by Mrs. Whitney at the time of the opening to provide a more thorough overview of American art in the early decades of the century.

Money - to think of America and New York City, is to think of money. No other single object has been such a driving force for power and prestige than money. The Museum of American Finance houses a collaborative history celebrating money and the American free-enterprise system. Walking into the brass and concrete entrance you will see several displays focused on the growth of American commerce and the spirit of entrepreneurship. Visitors have the opportunity to look at many of the economic issues that have faced America, including exhibits dedicated to the history of money and the stock market. Spring 2012 brings two new exhibits to the museum. “Checks & Balances” focuses on the presidential side of economic security and the issues each president has faced. The second exhibit is the credit crisis which focuses on the bottoming of the stock market in 2007 and displays the vast change that resulted in the American financial institution over the last few years. The Museum of American Finance, Manhattan, is a unique perspective into a hub of the United States. If you wish to understand more about money and the desire to better the economy, then definitely make a stop in here.

Let your wild side reign free as you explore the many faces of some very unique creatures at this Brooklyn museum of life. Venture deep into the jungle as you see the animals up close. Dare to spend the day with the valor of a lion roaming with his pride. A family spending time together, appreciating nature in all its ferocious glory is what this NYC museum is all about. Take the children to the discovery center where they can try their hand at some basic veterinary skills while conducting check-ups on real live animals. Then, head over to the young naturalist camping area, cook food on a "campfire", and explore using field guides for animals that one might see on a camping trip. Feeling the urge to feed some of the animals’ springtime is the perfect time to head over and feed the sea lions - they just love the attention too. Weekends are an ideal time to visit as you can chat live with the zookeepers and learn how they care for the animals. Maybe even find out what your favorite animal does when you're not there. Overall, this taste of the wild offers a wide variety of things to do, see and learn. Spring/Summer 2012 is a great time to come see this gem.

Many Americans can trace their ancestral roots to immigration through the New York system. The Lower East Side Tenement Museum offers an opportunity to understand directly what their families went through. This Manhattan museum delivers a remarkable re-creation of New York City’s past. Apart from the traditional glass-housed displays, the museum goes above and beyond, featuring several reconstructed apartments that show the day-to-day life of New York immigrants. Complete with actors and actresses, these apartments allow visitors to assume the role of a newly arrived immigrant and interact as if they were really there. The tours of the apartments even give visitors the opportunity to handle the household objects and completely blur the line between yesterday and today. Summer 2012 goes a step further with a walking tour of the Lower East Side, providing a firsthand account of the when’s, where’s and why’s of immigrants in Manhattan. Another feature during the summer will be a series of educational lectures from today’s immigrants, providing a fresh perspective on the reasons for immigration and the hardships of migration. Unlike many more traditional museums, the Lower East Side Tenement Museum is a fully interactive experience that must be seen to be believed. Easily accessed from all of New York, one must make the time to find out exactly where their families came from.

Some of the bravest men and women in all the world are those who serve the community as fire fighters. The New York City Fire Museum pays homage to these public servants through a variety of art, artifacts and tributes to the fire fighters throughout history. Inside, visitors will find displays on all aspects of the firefighting legacy from the pictures and guidebooks of the very first volunteer firefighting brigades to the gear used by modern departments. The museum features real life engines and horse-drawn vehicles giving you a chance to see the progress of technology throughout history. The museum also plays home to a very special 9/11 tribute exhibit which keeps the memories of those brave souls who fought and died. Spring 2012 has additions to the 9/11 tribute with special displays made commemorating the emergency service workers that gave their lives on 9/11. Another Spring display includes the “Remembering Their Prayers” exhibit, a special tributes from the friends and family surrounding that tragic day. The New York City Fire Museum is a cornerstone to the valor and honor of these New York firefighters, an American legacy.

Ever wanted to know something about sex but were afraid to ask someone? Well a trip to the Museum of Sex is sure to answer most any question you have ever had about human sexuality. An ever growing museum filled with a vast wealth of knowledge, art and a resonance of desire. This Manhattan museum is one of the most diverse and innovative places you will ever visit. Push those hesitations to the side and allow yourself to delve into the creative and informational environment here. Exploring events, lectures, and publications without the concern for self-censorship one can easily put their inhibitions aside with no fear for judgment while touring the intriguing items on display. Here they are dedicated to preserving and presenting the history, evolution and cultural significance of human sexuality. After you tour the unique site you might be enticed to visit the bar offering a wide range of sensually stimulating adult beverages and epicurean treats from local bakeries that could very well be that aphrodisiac you have been searching for. Correlating the relationships between food, drink and passion, the bar is considered the museum’s own hidden gem. Erotic, tasteful and overall an interesting place to go with your partner, friends or a day out by yourself.

One of the most diverse cultures in the United States is the African-American. The Museum for African Art is a Queens museum that has taken the big step in solidifying a visual link between African society and the general populous by offering the best work on display to the public. This New York City museum has over 70 exhibitions, all showcasing the beauty and diversity of African art and constantly rotates their selections. It is also highly interactive with the public, housing an education department dedicated to enlightening people and helping to bring a better understanding about the African culture. While there, you may want to participate in one of the several hands-on workshops, take in a lecture from your favorite African artists, or perhaps sit down and watch a film series on one of many African topics. Most recently, the museum has constructed a whole theater program with the intention of further extending African knowledge through a wide variety of African live performances and visual arts. If you are intrigued by the depth of African society and want to see the very best displays of work from that society then make a stop into the Museum for African Art.

Known for being the first house museum on Staten Island, this New York City museum is rich in history on many levels. Its name lies in honor for the peace conference of 1776, a commemoration. Constructed circa 1680 by Captain Christopher Billopp, this 2 story rubble-stone masonry masterpiece has been restored over the years, as needed for structural integrity. Its steep gable roof gives the essence of the period. By 1934, much work had been completed including the Colonial Rose Garden and planting 13 trees to represent the original colonies. House tours are offered Friday-Sunday at 1 pm. In the midst of a collection of artifacts from the era, it is almost like stepping back to the time when our great country was still forming. The beauty and serenity overpower you while walking the grounds. Spring and summer bring the vivid colors of the trees to life. Why not stop for a minute to quite literally “smell the roses”? When the sun is descending, gaze over to the waterfront to enjoy the unparalleled sunset that exudes tangerine hues amid a backdrop of amber with scattered tones of violet entice you to just stand in awe of the beauty that is happening right before your eyes.

Created by Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988), The Noguchi Museum opened in 1985, presenting a comprehensive collection of the artist's works in stone, metal, wood, and clay, as well as models for public projects and gardens, dance sets, and Akari Light Sculptures. The Museum--chartered as The Noguchi Museum--is housed in thirteen galleries within a converted factory building and encircles a garden containing major granite and basalt sculptures.
After a two-and-a-half year long renovation, the Museum re-opened in June 2004 with the addition of an education center, a new cafe and shop, more adequate handicap accessibility, and a heating and cooling system that allows the Museum to remain open year-round. Besides launching its first-ever program of temporary exhibitions, the Museum has created a special gallery devoted to Noguchi's celebrated work in interior design.

The Staten Island Children's Museum appeals to the intrepid explorer in every child. Interactive exhibitions and creative workshops offer plenty of opportunities for hands-on, first hand experiences that nurture children's natural curiosity and creativity. Visits to the museum launch children on a voyage of discovery - about themselves and the world around them.

The cornerstone of Brooklyn’s enlightened history and the pinnacle of museum life, the Brooklyn Historical Society takes everything that is Brooklyn and makes it vibrant and tangible for all to experience. The Brooklyn Historical Society is not just a museum; it’s the very vehicle designed to preserve and present the past. Every single aspect of Brooklyn’s history is represented within the Queen Anne styled building and offers something for everybody. If you are a baseball buff then you can relive the days of Duke Snyder and the Brooklyn Dodgers through the sports exhibit. If you are from a Jewish heritage you can learn more about the significant history of the Jews in New York through the Brooklyn Jewish Historical Initiative. Even the most prominent New Yorkers are featured within the Brooklyn Historical Society, giving you an opportunity to dive into the immense history of New York and how Brooklyn’s populace played its part in setting that stage. Summer 2012 marks the time of remodeling of the Brooklyn Historical Society which will further expand its walls and give even more people an opportunity to see the real Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Historical Society is one of the most awe-inspiring and enlightening experiences available in New York City and needs to be visited live in order to be appreciated fully.

If you are looking for more than just a museum and instead are looking for an educational center that inspires minds and promotes creativity, then look no further than Queens own Museum of Modern Art. The Museum of Modern Art is a short drive from anywhere in New York and provides an impressive look at a wide variety of modern art ranging from portraits to digital media with the concept of providing a bridge between the established social norms and the wildly experimental. Much of this museum promotes first-hand experiences with the artwork and gives the patrons a direct link to the artists. In summer 2012, the museum will be featuring another sampling of modern art with work set to be featured by Alighiero Boetti, the Quay Brothers, Alina Szapocznikow and more. The beauty of these incoming works is that each other pushes the boundaries of what typical art is and instead provides the catalyst for an acceptance of something new and exciting. The Museum of Modern Art is one of the few museums in the world that promotes something different as well as offering you the opportunity to witness, close up, the evolution of art.

One of the richest human cultures in New York, if not the world, is that of Judaism. With a history dating back over 3000 years, the Judaic culture has developed one of the most treasured and influential civilizations in human history. With The Jewish Children's Museum, Jews and Non-Jews alike have an opportunity to experience hands-on exhibits teaching all about creation, holy days observed, the kosher lifestyle and many other cultural topics. When walking through this vast building, it is quite apparent that much thought and financing went into making an enjoyable learning experience. The museum strives to open minds by offering a experiential programming that enhances the knowledge and appreciation of all Jewish culture. Some features of the museum include a Jewish game show, with audience participation, movies shown in a mini-theater, and many interactive displays that highlight daily Jewish life. As summer 2012 approaches, The Jewish Children's Museum will even be offering craft making to coincide with the approaching Shavuot, or giving of the Torah, holiday. For these interactive learning experiences that opens minds and entertains all, one simply has to visit this Brooklyn museum located in the peak of Crown Heights and easily accessible to everyone in New York City.

The Noble Maritime Museum is a tribute to maritime culture and displays the people and traditions of the working waterfront in its educational exhibitions. Before even entering into the museum, patrons are greeted by a beautiful array of sun and light overlooking the harbor. This is significant because the museum was built around the houseboat home of John A. Noble, the famous maritime artist and recorder of the past. The Noble Maritime Museum plays host to much of his life’s work in documenting the end of the Age of Sail. It is a beautiful example of the history of Maritime events. Several of the exhibitions include the oil paintings of John A. Noble with special focus on ship models and crew presentations, a look at merchant ships and their effect on New York trade, and a Spring 2012 opening of a Titanic exhibit. Also featured at the museum is the history of Sailors' Snug Harbor, the famous retirement home and the oldest charitable institution in America. This New York City museum is a significant part of Staten Island museums and culture, and continues to bring New Yorkers in to visit a storied part of America’s past.

P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center, an affiliate of The Museum of Modern Art, is the oldest and second largest non-profit arts center in the United States solely devoted to contemporary art. Recognized as a defining force of the alternative space movement, P.S.1 stands out from major arts institutions through its cutting-edge approach to exhibitions and direct involvement of artists within a scholarly framework. It acts as an intermediary between the artist and its audience. Functioning as a living and active meeting place for the general public, P.S.1 is a catalyst for ideas, discourses and new trends in contemporary art and its practices.

Historic Richmond Town is a living history museum located in Staten Island, New York. It is a complex of buildings and structures that have been carefully preserved to give visitors a glimpse into the past and a better understanding of the history and culture of Staten Island and New York City. The museum features over 30 historical structures, including a colonial-era courthouse, a one-room schoolhouse, and a variety of homes and businesses that were once located throughout Staten Island. Visitors can experience what life was like in the past through interactive exhibits, tours, and living history demonstrations. The museum is also home to the Staten Island Historical Society, which is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Staten Island and its residents. The society's collections include artifacts, documents, and photographs that provide a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived on Staten Island throughout history.
The museum is open to visitors throughout the year and offers a variety of programs, events, and activities for visitors of all ages. Visitors can take a tour of the museum's buildings and structures, participate in hands-on activities, attend lectures and workshops, and explore the museum's gardens and grounds. The Decker Farm is also part of the museum's property, where visitors can enjoy the bountiful harvests of produce from its well-maintained and beautiful organic fields, and learn about the farming practices used in the past.
In Historic Richmond Town, visitors can live vicariously through history and really gain a feel for the true American experience. It's a great place to bring friends and family to create memories that will last a lifetime. With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and engaging programs, it's easy to see why visitors keep coming back to this unique and historic museum.

The Brooklyn Museum of Art is a living edifice dedicated to, yes, paintings and sculptures, but also a collection of some of the greatest innovators and visionaries ever to grace the world. Located within the 560,000-square-foot Beaux-Arts building, the Brooklyn Museum of Art is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the entire country. Inside, visitors are greeted by some of the most amazing artwork from artists such as Andy Warhol, Fred Tomaselli, Lorna Simpson and more. Guest lectures and special demonstrations are constantly available, which gives the patrons a firsthand look at how some of this wonderful artwork has been created. The beauty of the Brooklyn Museum of Art is not just the work inside but the availability of traveling exhibits that frequent it as well. In Summer 2012, the Brooklyn Museum of Art will be featuring the works of Keith Haring, The New York Journalism of Djuna Barnes, and the spectacular collection of Ancient Egyptian sculptures and amulets known as “Body Parts.” Along with the Botanical Gardens and various other attractions, the Brooklyn Museum of Art is amongst the centerpieces of culture in Brooklyn and in the world.

As diverse and unique as any structure in Brooklyn, the Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum is a part of American Culture that you cannot afford to miss. Revered as the oldest standing building in New York City and a National Landmark, the Wyckoff Farmhouse is a stunning example of America's colonial past, nestled into the beautiful Brooklyn landscape. During its guided tours, patrons are able to learn about the rich history of the Wyckoff Farmhouse, from its use as a Dutch farm to the impact the farmhouse had on African-American culture. There are several different tours to experience including an in-depth look at the construction of the farmhouse and how it compares to today’s society. The more hands-on exhibits are truly the main attraction of the Wyckoff Farmhouse, offering a variety of colonial tasks including butter churning, herbs and sachet making, and crop examination. If you are fortunate enough to visit the Wyckoff Farmhouse in the Summer 2012 you will have the opportunity to see the organic lifestyle surrounding the colonial days and even participate in a scavenger hunt through the on-site garden. For an experience into Brooklyn's treasured culture and a clock-turning look at the past, make sure you visit the Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum.

As you approach the New York Hall of Science Museum, you will be awed by the visual appeal of the large, rounded entrance featuring an array of windows, enhancing the open feel. Upon entering, you will be drawn into a quizzical world of wonder, exploration and exhibits for every age level. The fun starts with a Pre-School area where children can make music, play with trains or turn a crank to see the process of a pulley system and leads to hearing a story at the Science and Technology Library. Here, parents and children can bond over many great learning experiences. Sharing in hands-on activities brings a sense of closeness as you watch the wonder in your child’s eyes turn to amazement as they learn a myriad of new things in the educationally stimulating environment this Queens’ museum offers. Occupying one of the few remaining structures of the 1964 New York World’s Fair, it stands alone as New York’s only inter-active science and technology center. Other features of the museum include the Science Playground and Rocket Park Mini Golf. Bring the family out for a fun filled day on Long Island of learning, fun and quality time.

Are you familiar with the work of Alice Austen? Even if the name doesn’t ring a bell, her photography and cultural impact is second-to-none and continues to be the definition of stunning work. The Alice Austen House Museum in Staten Island pays homage to Austen’s work by showcasing her vast talents and restoring her home to an era gone by. When visiting this Staten Island museum, patrons will find themselves admiring the beautiful gardens and simple Victorian design that defines the house that was Alice Austen’s life. By stepping between the doors, you enter in to the private life of this powerfully observant woman and the chronicles of how Austen led her own life via her own testimonials and the documentations of those around her. Hundreds of pictures that Austen took in her lifetime surround you and demand your attention at every turn, complimented by the works of those inspired by her. In Spring 2012, this Staten Island museum featured “Foreclosed” which was a documentation of the American housing crisis. A stunning look between Austen’s work and the modern pieces, “Foreclosed” is a great example of what New York City museums offer, a slice of life.

Do you love trains? Did you ever wonder about how the subway system was developed? Do you love seeing a part of New York that has influenced the world? If you answered yes to any of these questions then the New York Transit Museum is for you. This Cadman Plaza tourist attraction is home to one of the most uniquely vast transportation histories in the world. A visit to this museum gives you an opportunity to experience firsthand what this historic transit system is all about. Housed within ist walls are many different subway cars, engines and displays, all with their own story, and all showcasing the rich history of New York City transit. One can marvel in yesteryear with the ads from the early 1900s or discover the secrets of conduction, filtering and green energy through the interactive displays. The museum also offers full workshops and guided tours where patrons can further their knowledge and experience live the evolution of one of the most written about phenomenon in the world. This free Brooklyn Museum is open to the public and truly showcases how great Brooklyn has become in enriching its visitors and discovering the culture of New York City.

Are you interested in a quirky change to the standard museum experience? The Staten Island Museum is a small but very fun museum located just two blocks west of the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. The Staten Island Museum has a fun selection of exhibits that document the art, natural science and history that surrounds Staten Island. One great experience includes taking a look at the geological display that allows visitors to gaze through special microscopes that show the intricate designs within the local soil. Another fun fact is that the museum offers a wall of mounted butterflies and wildlife which is larger than any other display on Staten Island. The Ferry system is also extensively chronicled, showing the history of the ferry and how it has benefitted the people of New York. Always conscious of their family atmosphere, this modest New York museum even offers special free days for its visitors, which gives more people an added opportunity to experience the wealth of natural history. Featuring a variety of experiences and exhibits that are both informative and fun, the Staten Island Museum is really a crown jewel in the museum scene.

The Bronx Museum of the Arts (BxMA) is re-envisioning the role of museums in contemporary society: it addresses the changing needs of its diverse constituencies, while standing at the forefront of scholarly discourse, museum practices, and innovative public programs. As such, BxMA is recognized as "an important player in shaping New York art of both the present and the future" (The New York Times).
The Bronx Museum was founded in 1971 by a group of local residents to bring the visual arts to the Bronx. It has remained the only fine art museum in the Bronx. In its first decade, it was housed in the public rotunda of the Bronx County Courthouse located on Grand Concourse and 161st Street. In 1982, it moved five blocks north on the Concourse to 165th street into a former synagogue purchased and donated by the City of New York.

Also known as The Fort Schuyler Museum, this Bronx museum is housed on the campus at SUNY (State University of New York). Visitors enter through the Fort’s sally port, a tiny door that leads you back into maritime history. Once you step through this time portal, you can almost hear the wind in the sails, with a few “Aye Aye Captain” hollers thrown in. This museum is filled with one of the largest collections of maritime materials. The chronologically displayed exhibits provide a great experience of the history of the maritime industry. The underwater exhibit is filled with artifacts recovered from sunken ships around New York. On the second deck, you will find a bounty of art, paintings and artifacts from the early days of sea travel to the most recent merchant marine. The Promenade entrance offers the visual appeal of models of the Reliance, Hansa, Breman and many more. A perfect place for a father-son outing, or a day of maritime education and adventure for any interested in the history of trade, travel and sea adventure, this is a real treasure chest of knowledge. The interesting gift shop called the “Slop Chest” offers many unique treasures and trinkets to commemorate your adventure.