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For residents of New York, Times Square, bustling with people across all seasons, is often the first place to avoid. Similarly, enduring the chilly weather to walk the High Line is unnecessary. Renowned establishments such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, American Museum of Natural History, Guggenheim, and Whitney Museum entice thousands of visitors annually; yet for locals, these have become familiar territory. So, which lesser-known, yet impressive and peculiar museums reside in Manhattan? Venture beyond your comfort zone to explore these hidden museum gems.
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The Museum of Food and Drink (MoFAD) in New York pays homage to one of life's essentials: food. MoFAD, relocated to Brooklyn's Williamsburg in 2015, is a nascent institution occupying approximately 5,000 square feet. Aspiring to be "the world's first large-scale food museum with edible exhibits," it showcases New York's culinary heritage. Its diverse topics include the history of hot dog carts synonymous with New York street food, Brooklyn's 19th-century breweries, and the cultural narrative of pickles. A notable exhibition titled "Chow" delves into the history of Chinese cuisine in America, exploring the evolution of Chinese restaurants during early immigration times, the cost of Chinese food in the 1930s, and the ingredients initially used by immigrants. Visitors can view exhibits ranging from fortune cookie machines to nationwide Chinese restaurant menus and even sample food, enhancing the educational experience in a delightful manner. The museum exemplifies the philosophy that understanding enriches taste, and invites visitors to explore this realm dedicated to food.
Museum of Food and Drink (MoFAD)
62 Bayard St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Friday-Sunday: 12pm-6pm
Adults $14, Students/Military/Seniors $10, Ages 6-17 $7, Under 5 Free
For New Yorkers, the city's subway system might be the least appealing place. Yet, within its depths lies the New York Transit Museum, housing relics of the city's subway, bus, and commuter train systems. Located at the closed Court Street subway station in Downtown Brooklyn, with an annex in Manhattan's Grand Central Terminal, this museum transcends the notion of subways merely as transportation from A to B. The original station closed on June 1, 1946, due to low traffic, now serves as the museum's site. Periodic train operations maintain the railway's condition.
Visitors, some affirming the worthiness of its $10 admission, experience how turnstiles evolved and how the MTA's system advanced post-disasters. A descent into this historical realm unveils unused tracks displaying subway cars from the 19th and early 20th centuries, evoking past eras. Visitors can explore cars with authentic features and advertisements from different decades, enriching their understanding of New York's transit history.
New York Transit Museum
99 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Tuesday-Friday: 10am-4pm, Saturday-Sunday: 11am-5pm, Closed Mondays/Holidays
Adults $14, Students/Military/Seniors $10, Ages 6-17 $7, Under 5 Free
Some argue that New York itself serves as a skyscraper museum. However, the Skyscraper Museum challenges that notion. Enthusiasts of iconic structures like Dubai's Burj Khalifa and Taipei 101 populate this space, exploring the historical forces behind these towering edifices. The museum showcases 1:300 scale 3D models of various skyscrapers. Originally near the World Trade Center, it was temporarily closed during the 9/11 aftermath, reopening in Battery City in 2004. Columbia University Professor Carol Willis founded this 5,800 square-foot museum, with space donated by a developer.
Significant past exhibitions include the 9/11 World Trade Center architecture and history showcase (2006), "The Transforming Identity of Shanghai" (2009), and "Super tall!" (2011), examining the world's tallest buildings. This museum extends knowledge through programs and publications, making it a valuable destination for architecture enthusiasts.
Possibly the world's most unique museum, Mmuseumm, defies conventional norms. Located in a 60-square-foot freight elevator space in Chinatown, Mmuseumm displays themed modern artifacts narrating contemporary stories, a concept akin to "object journalism." Devoid of traditional artworks, it explores humanity and present-day events via items like Venezuelan toothpaste and restaurant receipts. Current exhibits feature ISIS currency, Iranian faux fast-food franchises, immigrant belongings, and Donald Trump products.
Situated in Cortlandt Alley between Franklin and White Streets, Mmuseumm’s first wing debuted in 2012, followed by Mmuseumm 2 in 2015. Although advanced reservations are required, its seventh season plans to resume regular hours come spring. For the impatient or adventurous, its 'peephole' offers 24-hour glimpses, marking it as one of New York's most distinct museums.
Mmuseumm
4 Cortlandt Alley, New York, NY 10013
Operates by reservation; will resume normal hours post-spring 2020
$5 or Suggested Donation
Explore these distinctive museums and broaden your understanding of New York’s rich cultural landscape.
