One of the most serene museum experiences you will ever have is at Staten Island’s own Museum of Tibetan Art. Nestled amongst a rustic complex that resembles a Tibetan monastery, the museum offers New Yorkers and visitors from around the world an opportunity to experience the eastern philosophies while staying in the New York area. The museum itself offers a variety of live Tibetan cultural experiences designed to enlighten those intrigued about the Eastern Philosophies. The exhibits to be experienced include a very in-depth look at the art and music that developed from the Himalayan area including a how and why explanation of the Tibetan lifestyle. Interested in Tibetan food? The museum also has a vast sampling of different foods and drinks inspired y the Tibetan region. Want to expand your mind? Take one of the classes on meditation and Tai Chi, designed to bring one closer to nirvana. The S even includes musical demonstrations such as the concert series in the Summer of 2012. The Museum of Tibetan Art is a great link to another culture and will give New Yorkers a great opportunity to not only enjoy the beautiful scenery but also to fully immerse themselves into Tibetan society.

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.

Gazing down the skyline, you might just find yourself lost in the distracting beauty of the breathtaking views. Ships sailing by, the sounds of waves churning off the schooners, this New York City museum takes you back to the time when trade and travel was all done by sea. Located in this vast historical district, a treasure trove of maritime history, lies some of the oldest buildings in Manhattan boasting renovations to mercantile buildings, ships and even the former Fulton Fish Market. Nearby you will also find a few modern tourist malls, although you might not want to venture too far as there are many things at this Manhattan museum that spark the curiosity of many a passerby. Located within the South Street Seaport Museum you will find a working 19th Century print shop, a craft center where wood carvers and model builders demonstrate their skills, much to the delight of visitors. Some might say the most impressive thing here is the privately owned fleet of historic ships, the largest such fleet in the United States. Similarly on display is an outstanding collection of model ships. Come and support maritime history and enjoy some of the many beautiful buildings, great food and street performers. A new experience bound to leave you longing to come back.

What do Justin Bieber, the Queen of England and Mike Tyson all have in common? Honored positions at the world renowned Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. Take the entire family for stimulating, intriguing, and “don’t look now but is that…?” experiences in the heart of Manhattan. Featuring some of the most brilliant waxwork in the world, Madame Tussaud’s takes you beyond fiction and places you alongside your favorite actors, athletes and celebrities. Spring 2012 takes this New York City museum to a whole new level with exhibits including the new Marvel 4D experience. This multi-level display not only features your favorite Marvel superheroes but also includes a special effects laden movie extravaganza that is sure to take your breath away. Another special attraction this season is the very special display dedicated to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Capturing the duo as they were at the BAFTA awards, you will forget that you are looking at two wax sculptures and instead find yourself whisked to the red carpet with royalty themselves. This, and many more exhibits, feature an absolutely unbelievable array of displays that makes any trip to New York’s Madame Tussaud’s an unforgettable experience.

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.

Manhattan has the distinction of being home to some of the most wonderful museum experiences in the world. One of these stands out from the rest, as it grasps the simple idea of presenting a solitary moment for its visitors. The International Center of Photography gives its patrons an opportunity to gaze at frozen moments in time and bring public attention to outstanding achievements in photography. Inside the enormous glass windows that make up the entrance lies some of the most dynamic exhibitions ever presented in the New York Museum scene. Current exhibits include works by Weegee, dealing with New York crime and news events and the first American presentation of Christer Stromholm’s “Les Amies de Place Blanche.” On top of the already vast selection of pictures and exhibits, Spring and Summer 2012 will have the museum partnered up with several instructors to provide hands-on classes for the aspiring photographers of tomorrow. This museum also houses the only library dedicated to photography, which presents even more opportunities for visitors to engulf themselves in this culture. In the simplest terms, the International Center of Photography is a life changing experience that will leave its crowds speechless and give everyone a chance to experience New York like never before.

From Battery Park, you can take the ferry across to the famous Ellis Island Immigration Museum. You will be astounded by the wealth of information they have. Make sure you check out the American Family Immigration History Center where you can access passenger records. A great sense of pride comes with finding out about your family’s history by accessing this great interactive exhibit. The museum is also currently featuring a special exhibit in the west wing “The Spirit of America” Gibson Les Paul guitar is up on display. Made of artifacts preserved during the centennial restoration of the island, this exhibit is an amazing mixture of art, culture and beauty. Wood grain details from the preserved steps and doors of the main building really catch the eye, while the copper inlay is composed of copper preserved from the Statue of Liberty National Monument. While the creators seem to use the universal language of music to send a message of freedom and convey a great sense of pride for the land we call America. Visit often during the year to experience some of the most intriguing New York museums and culture. You may find you can spend a whole day lost in history at this one of-a-kind museum.

Just steps from the "Charging Bull" sculpture, Battery Park and The Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Foundation and walking distance from many favorite New York City attractions, lays the home of the greatest tribute to skyscrapers of NYC. Celebrating the great architectural history of the city and boasting many scale models this Manhattan museum houses a vast resource of information in print and via computers, chronicling the architecture, building styles and techniques used to create the great hub that is New York. Saturday mornings are all about family, with a rotating schedule of enticing events that families are sure to enjoy. Explore the principles of urbanism, architecture, and engineering through hands-on activities, a great way to get the family together to learn really intriguing facts and functions. The Skyscraper Museum also shares a building with the Ritz Carlton; so, after your fun-filled day you will surely want to stop by Crumbs Bake Shop and get yourself a taste of awesomeness offering a wide variety of flavors to satisfy any sweet tooth. The s'Mores cupcake will definitely leave you longing for s'more to take home and enjoy! Leave the area satisfied that you have learned most everything about the buildings that surround and captivate you.

Children, as much as anyone, need a place to go where they can experience the world and explore the possibilities of science, art and society. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan gives families an opportunity to not only have a fun-filled and interactive museum experience but also to help jumpstart their child’s education. Located on the upper west side, the museum features some of the most unique and diverse exhibits in New York City. Children may find themselves in the EatSleepPlay center which allows them to build healthier lifestyles by experiencing hands-on the various functions of the human body. The family can then go to a live performance from a variety of top flight Broadway artists that all have a positive and enhancing message. In Spring 2012 the Children’s Museum celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month by looking at various artists and writers who have helped shape the Pacific Asian culture. These artists and writers will be presented in such a way that children will grasp the concepts behind the work and help further stimulate their own thirsts for knowledge and understanding. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is a great time for the kid and the kid at heart and welcomes all families to their door.

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.

Housed aboard the 1914 Lehigh Valley Barge #79, a visit to this New York City museum will definitely leave you standing on your sea legs. Take a step into a little slice of history. Learn about maritime heritage and the importance of the great water highway for commerce. With public access to waterfront piers and recreational activities a plenty, there is never a dull moment here, you might even catch a show. Admission is free! This great place strives to make things available free and low cost to the public. With the amount of amazing art, community support, involvement and opportunities that this Brooklyn museum provides, you might consider giving a donation. Across the way, at the nearby Redhook Homeport, stands a beautiful garden, a stunning pier where the ocean seems never ending and the most picturesque view of the sunset over Lady Liberty that you will find anywhere. A must for summer 2012 travelers. Vacation photos will make you the envy of all your friends. So come down today and experience the wonder that is the Waterfront Museum of Brooklyn. On your way home, do not forget to stop by Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pie, a true treat just one tenth of a mile away and an easy walk after a beautiful day.

One of the most unique and beautifully preserved homes in America is the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum on Staten Island. Maintained to look as it was, over a hundred and fifty years ago, the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum is owned and operated by the Sons of Italy as a tribute to the famous Italians Antonio Meucci and Giuseppe Garibaldi. Inside, the house is divided to represent both of these famous men by having a variety of exhibits and displays documenting their lives work. You could try one of the early versions of the telephone which Meucci is proclaimed to have invented years before Alexander Graham Bell or even look at the first underwater communication models. If Italian revolutionaries are more to your liking, you can experience first renditions of Garibaldi’s novels about the Italian people or gaze at Italian artifacts provided directly from the Italian government. The museum is built by the people and for the people, giving its patrons an opportunity to feel a true part of this Italian legacy. This New York City museum is one of the most beautiful depictions of Italian culture and makes it a fun and highly informative destination for any native New Yorker.

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.

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.

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.

A very intriguing throwback to the past is the Queens County Farm Museum. Located on the largest undisturbed tract of farmland, the museum is the only continuously worked farm site left in New York City. Visitors have an opportunity to forget the busy life of the city and instead enjoy the rural atmosphere through a variety of activities designed to give patrons an idea of how farm life used to be in New York. The museum itself is rich in activities, as visitors can do just about anything involving farm life. Interacting with livestock, a working greenhouse and guided exploration of the historic farm buildings are all part of the experience. The museum also plays host to many guest presentations, including representatives of the Native Americans originally in New York, the Queens County Fair and several antique car and motorcycle road shows. Starting in Spring 2012, the farm is offering hayrides which encompasses the entire compound and make you feel like one of the farmers back in the agricultural heyday. For a chance to experience New York’s past in one of the most beautiful parts of New York City, plan a visit to the Queens County Farm Museum.

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.

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.

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.

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.

One of the crowning points of the Flushing Meadows Corona Park is the centerpiece building which houses the Queens Museum of Art. Easily accessible from all of New York City, the museum was constructed with the intent of presenting high quality visual art to the people of New York and helping to achieve a better understanding of the city’s diversity and magnitude. When you visit the museum, make sure that you allow yourself time to enjoy one of their many activities in a frequently changing roster of exhibitions. Long term exhibitions include The Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass, A Watershed Moment, which looks at the New York City water supply system and of course the Partnership Gallery which gives aspiring cultural and non-profit partners space to mount their own works and exhibitions. The Queens Museum of Art is also a museum dedicated to helping the community and giving back to those around them by offering several school-based tours and lectures to enhance young minds. If you care about enriching New York and having an opportunity to enjoy the finest work Queens has to offer, then you must take a trip into the Queens Museum of Art.

The Godwin-Ternbach Museum is a professional not-for-profit art institution situated on the Flushing, Queens campus of Queens College, the City University of New York. A comprehensive permanent collection of 3,500 objects from all cultures, ranging from the ancient world to the present day, is used to organize exhibitions and programs as cultural and educational vehicles for students, faculty and public audiences alike. Presentations of contemporary and historical significance alternate between showcases of the collection and special exhibitions. Founded in 1981 by art historian Frances Godwin and noted art restorer Joseph Ternbach, the Museum's mission has grown with the changing times from a teaching museum for the benefit of art students to a public museum that reaches out beyond the college campus.

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.

The first of its kind, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum paved the way for many to follow. Slated to be New York City’s first “green” museum, it integrates environmentally responsible building materials. Actively engaging in the education of sustainability and energy conservation, a fair amount of the hands-on exhibits encourage the appreciation of the bounty of plants and animals that surround the Brooklyn area and beyond. In addition, some of the green features of this NYC children’s museum also make for awesome visual appeal and presentations. Focusing on energy efficiency and a reduction in waste by using many recycled building materials, the grounds are awe inspiring. While browsing around, be sure to check out all of the interesting exhibits where a substantial amount are also made of recycled materials; also, here you will find Indian artifacts, a weapons and armor collection, and a doll collection that any little princess would be sure to enjoy. A little bit of something for everyone. Grab the family and head on down for a day of learning and culture, and then head on over to one of the many nearby parks for some relaxation. Nearing the end of your fun-filled day you might want to head over to the Brower Park Branch Library for some family reading.

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.