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.

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.

From dreams of cops and robbers to the reality of daily service, the importance of our boys and girls in blue cannot be overlooked. The New York City Police Museum is dedicated to the honor and preservation of our brave men and women who daily risk their lives for our safety and wellbeing. Housed in the rustic First Precinct in Manhattan, the museum is a journey through time, highlighting the various traditions of the NYPD, and enhances public awareness. Visitors are encouraged to learn every aspect of the Police Department as the exhibits do more than just educate; they provide a firsthand account of the vast history of the police and New York itself. Spring 2012 continues to display the 9/11 exhibit, which acts as a memorial for all the brave men and women who unselfishly gave of their lives in service during the devastating 911 tragedy. On the lighter side, Summer 2012 finds the popular annual vintage police car show, for its twelfth season. For a chance to celebrate the heroes beyond the shield, the New York City Police Museum is essential visiting for all New York citizens.

Between two beautiful sculptures that tell the story of the Americas lies the entrance to the amazing architecture of the New York branch of the National Museum of the American Indian. A step inside and you will be astounded by the beautiful exhibits canvassed amid architecture that will keep you buzzing for years to come. Adjacent to Battery Park, this vast collection of years of artifacts, culture, and knowledge also boasts FREE admission! Of all the New York museums and cultural attractions, it is a great place to take your entire family. This is one of the Manhattan museums that features films for public viewing. It also provides great music and dance programs; talk about fun! For teachers, the museum even offers materials listed by region or tribe for use in the classroom. You really feel and experience the desire of the museum to reach out to everyone in an effort to get the huge collection of knowledge and information it contains out there. A good place for a field trip or a part of your family vacation that won’t break the bank, a visit to this museum really gives a sense of pride for the great land we call America.

Two beautiful lion sculptures perched on pedestals in all their majesty, greet you at the entrance of the Hispanic Society of America, upon walking up the grand stairs and into a world of vast history and culture. Amazingly enough, the admission at this Manhattan museum is free, in addition to the wealth of resources they provide for the curious mind. The vast collections here are unparalleled, with information on nearly every aspect of culture in Spain, Portugal and Latin America. Boasting many archeological artifacts, paintings and sculptures, one will be awestruck at the beauty surrounding them. Just stepping inside this Manhattan museum provides great insight to the Spanish culture. Stop in and take a look at the wide variety of earthenware and porcelain artifacts from other museums. The collection of textiles is among the best in the world, with a fascinating selection of rare carpets that captivate and educate one in the history of each one-of-a-kind piece. If you are seeking to advance your understanding, gain a sense of self and your culture, or you if are simply desirous of surrounding yourself in the rich culture and beauty that abounds in this world, stop in for a spring or summer 2012 visit.

The Museum of Chinese in America has the distinction of being one of the first museums to provide a link between the enriched Chinese culture and American society. Located in Manhattan, the Museum of Chinese in America strives to be a model amongst interactive museums and provides a cultural experience unlike many others in New York City. The museum itself curates and displays an expanded collection in a variety of innovative ways. Want to learn about the Chinese immigrants living in California? Why not watch it in a multimedia production available on the main floor. Want to bring a Chinese fieldtrip to school? Take advantage of the museum’s educational programs and curriculum. The museum also offers oral histories and firsthand accounts through its community workshops and projects giving visitors a strong sense of what the Chinese culture is all about. Spring 2012 continues in the traditions of innovative exhibits by featuring new displays focusing on the Tiananmen Square massacre, the history of Chinatown, and a walk through Chinese America in the Artists Talk series. The belief is that by increasing local and global dialogues, New Yorkers and Chinese alike will promote wellness and shape a better tomorrow. The Museum of Chinese in America is dedicated to doing just that.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 bright light on a dark coast, the National Light Museum in Staten Island is one of the newest contributions to American culture and distinguishes an often overlooked part of maritime development. Guest speakers from the museum explain the significance and development of the lighthouse on the east coast. They also speak of the various stories involving the history of shipping and waterways of the State of New York and the application of lighthouses to the modern day maritime world. In Spring of 2012, the National Lighthouse Museum was given a high honor by playing host to the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the Titanic to New York. While the museum itself highlights some of the most unique and important developments for lighthouses and boating from the past, the crown achievement of the National Lighthouse Museum has been the development of in-depth boat tours chronicling the different lighthouses along the New York coast. The boat tour, in cooperation with the museum, establishes the history and importance of lighthouses and how they helped in everything from merchant travel to wartime efforts. The National Lighthouse Museum is a beacon, both literally and figuratively, of America’s growth and heritage.

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.

Large Scale Exhibits! Multi-Media installations! A unique outdoor environment! The Socrates Sculpture Park offers one of the most unique and amazing artistic experiences in NYC. Located in Queens and occupying what was once an illegal dump site, this picturesque park has been transformed from a lowly and dirty area into one of the most beautiful artistic displays known to man. Artists in the park are encouraged to utilize their unique and sprawling designs to capture the masses and produce a unique form of creative expression. The Park not only displays these amazing works, but also offers a variety of hands-on experiences and guest lecturers to give the newly aspiring artists the motivation to break through society’s norms and create their own legacy. Coming up in Summer 2012, the Park will be offering several unique workshops focusing on giving back to the community and utilizing one’s talents for the greater good of society. These workshops will include demonstrations on personal wellbeing, ways to volunteer and give back to the community, and the benefits of green technology. The Socrates Sculpture Park has raised the bar on what a museum experience should be and continues to benefit not only New York City but also the world.

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.

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.

The American Civil War has fascinated historians and the general public alike for generations. One of the most discussed and researched topics from this time period is the anti-slavery movement and how certain individuals utilized their abilities to help spearhead change in the country. The King Manor Museum is a Queens museum dedicated to Rufus King and shows the ramifications his life had on reshaping a nation. Located in the preserved home of King, the King Manor Museum is a step back in time as you experience the life of a foregone era. Inside, visitors are greeted by a variety of interpretive programs designed to enlighten them on the King family life, from the signing of the constitution to the struggles of post-Civil War America. Spring 2012 offers a unique opportunity to visitors as the King Manor looks to further enhance its grounds by allowing them to participate in the planting of the very first garden since the days of Rufus King himself. With over 1400 unique pieces of memorabilia and a dedication to informing about the past, the King Manor Museum is sure to impress and engage all who go.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.