At a Glance
Time Needed: 120 min.
Ages: All
Allows Food/Drink: No
Luggage Storage: No
1220 5th Ave, New York, NY 10029 Get Directions
Welcome to a gingerbread wonderland, where beloved New York City landmarks and neighborhood icons come alive in sugar, spice, and imagination. From winter traditions celebrated across all five boroughs to the city’s most recognizable sights, nowhere captures the spirit of the season quite like New York. This year, intricate details and festive creativity return in a new frosted cityscape for our annual bake-off. The Museum once again invited bakers from every corner of the five boroughs to craft gingerbread displays inspired by “Iconic New York”—bringing to life buildings, places, and stories that celebrate their communities. During your visit, you’re invited to take part by voting for the People’s Choice award and helping select this year’s winning creation.
On June 11, 2025 at Cipriani 42nd Street, in a spectacular evening that brought together cultural icons from across New York’s sports, media, and entertainment worlds, the Museum of the City of New York hosted its most successful Gala in the institution’s 102-year history, generating over 2.5 million dollars. Honoring Candace Bushnell, the bestselling author and creator of Sex and the City; Carmelo Anthony, 10-time NBA All-Star and Class of 2025 Naismith Hall of Fame inductee; and John McEnroe, Hall of Fame tennis legend, New York Times #1 Best Seller, and philanthropist, the event celebrated individuals whose work has profoundly shaped New York City. Guests were treated to a powerful short film highlighting the impact of the Museum’s educational programs, a fireside chat featuring the honorees in conversation with Matt Brown, MCNY’s Board Chair, and an electrifying performance by Tony-Award winner Darren Criss, who concluded the event by leading the 650 guests in a rendition of New York, New York. With a record-breaking turnout and overwhelming support from patrons and partners, the night underscored the Museum’s role as a dynamic space for celebrating the city’s enduring spirit.
The Museum of the City of New York tells the story of one of the greatest cities in the world and helps New Yorkers of all ages understand the rich history and culture of their city. This year 35,000 students and educators will experience a civic education program at the Museum. To learn more about the Museum’s Frederick A.O. Schwarz Education Center's educational offerings, online resources, and information, visit: https://www.mcny.org/education #newyork #museum
Visit the exhibition and explore the legacy of Shirley Chisholm. Get tickets: https://www.mcny.org/visit See the full exhibition description below. Shirley Chisholm was a trailblazer who changed the face of American politics. As the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first woman to seek the presidential nomination from a major party, she shattered barriers and redefined leadership. Set against the backdrop of New York’s political landscape, Caribbean communities, and Black women’s activism, Changing the Face of Democracy: Shirley Chisholm at 100 traces her remarkable journey—from Brooklyn and Barbados to Capitol Hill and the national stage. Follow Chisholm’s groundbreaking campaigns, including her 1964 election to the New York State legislature, her 1968 election to Congress, and her historic 1972 run for President. Through powerful artifacts, photographs, artwork, and multimedia, step into Chisholm’s world, hear her in her own words, and explore the still-relevant issues she championed—education and childcare, migrant and workers’ rights, abortion access, and racial and gender equality. Engage with interactive elements and reflect on how Chisholm’s legacy continues to shape our democracy today. With the 2024 election cycle in mind, this exhibition invites you to learn, reflect, and take inspiration from a changemaker whose work is far from finished. On view now. Learn more: https://www.mcny.org/exhibition/changing-face-democracy Changing the Face of Democracy: Shirley Chisholm at 100 is made possible in part by the Lily Auchincloss Foundation, Dobkin Family Foundation, The Puffin Foundation, Ltd., The Barbara Lee Family Foundation Fund at Fidelity Charitable, and an Anonymous Family Foundation. This exhibition is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.
Playful, kinetic, and full of surprises, Songs of New York is an immersive interactive experience that introduces visitors to a full range of music from and about New York City, from the 1920s to the 2020s, showcasing everything from be-bop to K-pop, across genres, boroughs, and musical movements.
Welcome to a snowy wonderland, where famous landmarks and icons of New York City are lovingly recreated in gingerbread. From ice skating in the parks across the five boroughs to holiday displays in department store windows, nowhere is more iconic than the city in winter. Now, sweet details and tasty history combine in a miniature frosted cityscape for our third annual bake-off. The Museum has invited bakers from across the five boroughs to create gingerbread displays on the theme of “Iconic New York”—creating distinctive buildings, places, or things that represent their neighborhood, community, or borough. During your visit, you’re invited to help select the final award by voting for the “People’s Choice.”
The closest subway stops to the Museum of the City of New York at 1220 5th Ave are:
1. 103rd Street Station: Located on the Lexington Avenue Line (6 train), this station is just a short walk from the museum. Exit the station and head north on Lexington Avenue, then turn right onto East 104th Street. Continue walking until you reach 5th Avenue, where the museum is located.
2. 110th Street Station: This station is served by the Central Park North–110th Street Station on the 2 and 3 trains. After exiting the station, walk south on Lenox Avenue (also known as Malcolm X Boulevard) until you reach East 104th Street. Turn left onto East 104th Street and continue until you reach 5th Avenue.
Both subway stops provide convenient access to the Museum of the City of New York, allowing you to explore the exhibits and learn about the fascinating history of the city.
While you're in the area, consider visiting other nearby attractions such as Central Park, which is just a short walk away. You can take a leisurely stroll through the park, rent a bike, or even enjoy a picnic on the Great Lawn. Central Park is a beautiful oasis in the heart of Manhattan and offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages.
For the latest subway updates and service changes, you can visit the official website of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) at https://new.mta.info. This website provides real-time information on subway schedules, delays, and service disruptions, ensuring that you can plan your visit to the museum with ease.
Enjoy your visit to the Museum of the City of New York and have a fantastic time exploring the city's rich history and culture!
The closest bus stops to the Museum of the City of New York at 1220 5th Ave are:
1. Madison Ave/E 103 St - served by the M1, M2, M3, and M4 buses. You can check for updates on these bus routes [here](http://bustime.mta.info/).
2. 5 Av/E 103 St - served by the M2 and M3 buses. You can check for updates on these bus routes [here](http://bustime.mta.info/).
Please note that bus schedules and routes are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check for updates before your visit. Enjoy your time at the Museum of the City of New York!
The ideal length of time to plan for a visit to the Museum of the City of New York depends on your level of interest in the exhibits and your schedule. On average, visitors spend about 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the museum. However, if you are a history buff or have a deep interest in New York City's culture and heritage, you may want to allocate more time to fully immerse yourself in the exhibits. Additionally, the museum often hosts special exhibitions and events, so it's worth checking their website to see if there's anything specific you'd like to experience during your visit.
The Museum of the City of New York does not have a strict food and drink policy. However, they do ask visitors to be mindful and respectful of the museum's exhibitions and artifacts. If you bring food or drinks with you, it is recommended to consume them in designated areas such as the museum's café or outdoor spaces. Additionally, please remember to dispose of any trash properly to help maintain the cleanliness of the museum. Enjoy your visit to the Museum of the City of New York!
The Museum of the City of New York does not offer luggage storage facilities on its premises. However, there are several options available nearby where you can securely store your belongings while you explore the museum and the city. One popular choice is to use a luggage storage service like LuggageHero or Vertoe, which have multiple locations throughout the city, including near the museum. These services allow you to drop off your bags for a few hours or even a whole day, giving you the freedom to explore without the burden of carrying your luggage. Another option is to check with your hotel if they offer luggage storage services for their guests, even after check-out. This way, you can leave your bags with them and pick them up later when you're ready to move on to your next destination.
Yes, the Museum of the City of New York is a great destination for visitors from other countries and non-English language speakers. While the museum's exhibits are primarily in English, they are visually engaging and offer a fascinating insight into the history and culture of New York City.
The museum also provides audio guides in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Mandarin. These guides offer detailed explanations of the exhibits, ensuring that non-English speakers can fully enjoy their visit.
Additionally, the museum frequently hosts special exhibitions that cover a wide range of topics, from art and photography to fashion and music. These exhibits often feature multimedia presentations and interactive elements, making them accessible and enjoyable for all visitors, regardless of language proficiency.
Overall, the Museum of the City of New York is a welcoming and inclusive institution that caters to a diverse audience. It offers a rich and immersive experience that can be enjoyed by visitors from all around the world.
The Museum of the City of New York is a fantastic destination for visitors of all ages. While it does not have a specific recommended age range, the museum offers a wide range of exhibits and programs that cater to different interests and age groups. Families with children will enjoy the interactive exhibits designed for kids, such as the "New York at Its Core" exhibition, which explores the city's history through engaging multimedia displays. Additionally, the museum often hosts family-friendly events and workshops that are perfect for younger visitors. However, adults and history enthusiasts will also find plenty to explore and learn about at the museum. So, whether you're traveling with kids or visiting on your own, the Museum of the City of New York is a must-visit cultural institution that offers something for everyone.
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