At a Glance
Time Needed: 120 min.
Ages: All
Allows Food/Drink: No
Luggage Storage: No
170 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024 Get Directions
New-York Historical Society Videos
Now on view! "House Made of Dawn: Art by Native Americans 1880 to Now, Selections from the Hsu-Tang Collection" showcases paintings, watercolors, sculptures, prints and drawings, photography, textiles, baskets, mixed media, ceramics, precious metal, and rare books by artists of diverse Indigenous heritage.
Recorded February 12, 2026 Step into the world of Harlem's tastemakers and cultural innovators in a conversation with A'Lelia Bundles -- journalist, Emmy-winning producer, New York Times best selling author, and descendant of Madam C.J. Walker. Drawing on her acclaimed biographies On Her Own Ground and Joy Goddess, Bundles will explore A'Lelia Walker's extraordinary life and impact on Harlem's cultural life, elite social circles, and artistic flowering during the Harlem Renaissance. Moderated by Allison Robinson, associate curator of history exhibitions, the discussion spotlights rare personal artifacts that Bundles lent to the exhibition The Gay Harlem Renaissance, offering an intimate look at the material and historical legacies of this remarkable woman. *** For more about The New York Historical, visit our website: https://www.nyhistory.org/ *** Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/nyhistory?sub_confirmation=1 Check out our full video catalog: https://www.youtube.com/c/nyhistory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyhistory/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nyhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nyhistory Twitter/X: https://x.com/NYHistory
As we head toward the Met Gala, we take a look at one of the foundational figures of the event—Diana Vreeland. A part of the Bill Cunningham archive, images of Vreeland by Bill show her at work and at play. Plus, a couple of other fashion-related highlights from Bill's archive, including Anna Piaggi and the Battle of Versailles! In 2025, The New York Historical acquired Bill Cunningham’s archive, which includes photographs, negatives, slides, contact sheets, prints, correspondence, and ephemera of the iconic fashion photographer—tens of thousands of images in total. One of the late 20th century’s most influential trend-spotters and style authorities, Cunningham was a legendary New York Times journalist and photographer who was frequently spied on the city’s streets, at fashion shows, and at elegant soirées capturing images of New York’s fashion innovators and cultural glitterati.
Recorded May 8, 2026 The Page Act of 1875 forbade the entry of Chinese women based on assumptions of immorality and was the first restrictive federal immigration law in the United States, passed seven years before the more commonly-remembered Chinese Exclusion Act. It heralded a transformative moment in US immigration, reflecting and cementing long-standing stereotypies towards Asian American women. Watch this virtual program with historians Beth Lew-Williams (Princeton University), Maddalena Marinari (Gustavus Adolphus College), Hasia Diner (New York University), and moderator Shiyong Lu (Mellon Foundation Predoctoral Awardee in Women’s History and New York University) as they discuss the complex history behind the Page Act, its influences on both Asian American and other immigrant groups, and its legacies today, 150 years after its passage. *** For more about The New York Historical, visit our website: https://www.nyhistory.org/ *** Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/nyhistory?sub_confirmation=1 Check out our full video catalog: https://www.youtube.com/c/nyhistory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyhistory/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nyhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nyhistory Twitter/X: https://x.com/NYHistory
Recorded April 18, 2024 In 1873, “anti-vice crusader” Anthony Comstock persuaded Congress to pass the Comstock Act to prohibit circulation of “obscene, lewd, and lascivious” materials. With materials related to contraception and abortion included in its definition, the law has profoundly and disproportionately impacted women ever since. Watch legal scholar Melissa Murray, historian Alison M. Parker, and historian Gillian Frank, as they discuss the complex history of the women who worked with Comstock, the women who challenged him, and the legacy of the Comstock Act itself–which has never been fully repealed. *** For more about The New York Historical, visit our website: https://www.nyhistory.org/ *** Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/nyhistory?sub_confirmation=1 Check out our full video catalog: https://www.youtube.com/c/nyhistory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyhistory/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nyhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nyhistory Twitter/X: https://x.com/NYHistory
Plus FDR's leg brace in the background. This snake jug represents the Boss Tweed ring, a notoriously corrupt group of New York City politicians. It's currently on view on our museum's fourth floor, alongside tons of other objects from NYC history 🏛️
More in The Upper West Side
More Museums
- The Tenement Museum
- New Museum
- International Center of Photography
- Museum at Eldridge Street
- National Museum of the American Indian
- National September 11 Memorial & Museum
- The Rubin Museum of Art
- Whitney Museum of American Art
- The Morgan Library & Museum
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
New-York Historical Society News
Brooklyn Film Festival has announced its 28th edition titled Pause. BFF, a Canadian Screen Award qualifying festival, received 3,270 films from 130 Countries for its 28th edition, and will program the selected films into 43, two-hour program blocks.
Join the Seaport Museum and celebrated historian Russell Shorto for a presentation focusing on Shorto's newly-released book Taking Manhattan: The Extraordinary Events That Created New York and Shaped America.
City Lore and Naming the Lost Memorials (NTLM) invites the general public to a panel discussion and community conversation to honor the 5th anniversary of the first COVID-19 cases in New York City.
Carnegie Hall has announced the Nuestros Sonidos Festival, celebrating Latin Heritage Month with a season-long series of performances highlighting Latin American music and culture.
DCLA has announced over $210 million in new funding for capital projects at 80 cultural nonprofits across New York City, supporting arts and cultural infrastructure.
Alonzo King LINES Ballet has announced the programming for its Fall Season, September 26–September 29 at the Blue Shield of California Theater at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco.
Broadway actress Shereen Ahmed (My Fair Lady) will join the cast of John Monsky's The Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day, with the Boston Pops Orchestra.
The world premiere of OUR AMERICAN QUEEN, a new play by Thomas Klingenstein, directed by Christopher McElroen, will run at The Flea Theater in NY. Opening night is June 14.
Join TFANA as they honor Robert A. Caro, Leonard Tow, and The Tow Foundation at their gala, while also celebrating the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's First Folio on May 13.
On Tuesday, May 1st, three NYC floral designers will flower-bomb sculptures uptown for Harlem Sculpture Gardens. The works selected for this experience will be Echoes of the Path by Dianne Smith; The Unbroken Project by Felipe Jacome and Svetlana Onipko; Gardening Angel by Vera Tineo in Jackie Robinson Park and I Dream of Becoming a Tree by ByeongDoo Moon in Jackie Robinson Park.
Opera Philadelphia welcomes Anthony Roth Costanzo as the new General Director and President, marking a new era for the renowned opera company.
Westport Country Playhouse’s Family Festivities series will present “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!,” See performance dates and learn how to purchase tickets.
Catch the 27th Edition of the Brooklyn Film Festival showcasing 150 film premieres. See the films been featured and learn how to purchase tickets.
Brooklyn Laundry has announced a two week extension at Manhattan Theatre Club ahead of its opening night tomorrow, Wednesday, February 28 at New York City Center.
First Stage has announced the return of ELEPHANT & PIGGIE'S “WE ARE IN PLAY!”, a rollicking musical adventure written by Mo Willems (Book and Lyrics) and based on his award-winning Elephant & Piggie children's books. Learn more about the production here!
New-York Historical Society Frequently Asked Questions
The closest subway stops to the New-York Historical Society at 170 Central Park West are:
1. 81st Street-Museum of Natural History Station: This station is served by the B and C trains. It's just a short walk from the museum, making it a convenient option. [Click here for subway updates](http://www.mta.info)
2. 79th Street Station: This station is served by the 1 train. It's also within walking distance of the New-York Historical Society. [Click here for subway updates](http://www.mta.info)
While you're in the area, here are a few recommendations:
1. Central Park: Take a stroll through one of the most iconic parks in the world. You can enjoy a leisurely walk, rent a bike, or have a picnic. [Central Park website](https://www.centralparknyc.org/)
2. American Museum of Natural History: Located just a block away from the New-York Historical Society, this world-renowned museum is a must-visit. Explore fascinating exhibits, including the famous dinosaur fossils. [American Museum of Natural History website](https://www.amnh.org/)
3. The Dakota: This historic apartment building is located across the street from the New-York Historical Society. It's famous for being the former residence of many notable people, including John Lennon. Take a moment to admire its beautiful architecture.
I hope you have a wonderful time exploring the area and visiting the New-York Historical Society!
The closest bus stops to the New-York Historical Society at 170 Central Park West are:
1. Central Park West/W 77 St: This stop is served by the M10 bus. You can check for updates on the M10 bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=400001).
2. Central Park West/W 81 St: This stop is served by the M10 and M79-SBS buses. You can check for updates on the M10 bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=400001) and the M79-SBS bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=400079).
Please note that bus schedules and routes are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check for updates closer to your visit.
The ideal length of time to plan to spend at the New-York Historical Society in New York City depends on your level of interest in history and the specific exhibits you wish to explore. On average, visitors spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring the museum. However, if you have a deep passion for history or plan to thoroughly explore all the exhibits, you may want to allocate more time. It's always a good idea to check the museum's website or inquire about any temporary exhibits that may be of interest to help you plan your visit accordingly. Enjoy your time at the New-York Historical Society!
The New-York Historical Society is primarily a museum and does not have a dedicated food and drink policy. However, please note that food and drinks are generally not allowed in the exhibition areas to help preserve the artifacts and maintain a clean environment.
If you're looking for a bite to eat before or after your visit, there are plenty of dining options in the vicinity. The Upper West Side, where the New-York Historical Society is located, offers a diverse range of restaurants and cafes to suit various tastes and budgets. Whether you're in the mood for a quick snack, a casual meal, or a fine dining experience, you'll find something to satisfy your cravings nearby.
Additionally, Central Park is just a short walk away from the museum, and it's a fantastic spot for a picnic if weather permits. You can grab some takeout from a nearby deli or restaurant and enjoy a leisurely meal in the park while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Remember to check the opening hours and availability of any dining establishments you plan to visit, as they may have specific COVID-19 guidelines or restrictions in place.
The New-York Historical Society in New York City does not have a luggage storage facility on its premises. However, there are several options available nearby for storing your luggage while you explore the museum and its surrounding area.
One convenient option is to use a luggage storage service such as Vertoe or LuggageHero. These services provide secure storage locations throughout the city where you can drop off your bags for a few hours or even a full day. Simply book online or through their mobile apps, and you'll receive a unique tag for each bag that you can use to retrieve your belongings later.
Another alternative is to check with your hotel if they offer luggage storage for their guests. Many hotels in New York City provide this service, allowing you to store your bags before check-in or after check-out.
Lastly, if you're traveling with larger items or need long-term storage, there are various self-storage facilities in the city that offer lockers or units for rent on a daily or monthly basis.
Remember to plan ahead and check the specific policies and prices of these services to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Enjoy your visit to the New-York Historical Society and have a wonderful time exploring the city!
Yes, the New-York Historical Society is a great destination for visitors from other countries and non-English language speakers. While English is the primary language used in the museum, there are many visual displays and exhibits that can be enjoyed by all visitors, regardless of language proficiency. The museum offers audio guides in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Mandarin, which provide detailed explanations of the exhibits. Additionally, the museum staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they are always ready to assist visitors in any way they can. So, whether you are a history buff or simply interested in exploring New York City's rich past, the New-York Historical Society is definitely worth a visit.
The New-York Historical Society in New York City is a fantastic destination for visitors of all ages! While it may be particularly interesting for history buffs and older children, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The museum offers a range of exhibits and interactive displays that cater to various age groups. Younger children can explore the DiMenna Children's History Museum, which is specifically designed to engage and educate kids about American history through hands-on activities and games. Additionally, the New-York Historical Society often hosts special events and programs for families, making it a great choice for a day of fun and learning for visitors of all ages.
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