The Museum boasts habitat groups of African, Asian and North American mammals, the full-size model of a Blue Whale suspended in the Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life (reopened in 2003), the 62-foot Haida carved and painted war canoe from the Pacific Northwest, and the "Star of India", the largest blue sapphire in the world. The circuit of an entire floor is devoted to vertebrate evolution, including the world-famous dinosaurs.
The Museum's anthropological collections are also outstanding: Halls of Asian Peoples and of Pacific Peoples, of Man in Africa, Native Americans in the United States collections, general Native American collections, and collections from Mexico and Central America.
The Hayden Planetarium, connected to the museum, is now part of the Rose Center for Earth and Space, housed in a glass cube containing the spherical Space Theater, designed by James Stewart Polshek. The Center was opened February 19, 2000. Source

George Bellows - November 15, 2012–February 18, 2013. Accompanied by a catalogue and an Audio Guide. Gallery 999. George Bellows (1882–1925) was regarded as one of America's greatest artists when he died, at the age of forty-two, from a ruptured appendix. Bellows's early fame rested on his powerful depictions of boxing matches and gritty scenes of New York City's tenement life, but he also painted cityscapes, seascapes, war scenes, and portraits, and made illustrations and lithographs that addressed many of the social, political, and cultural issues of the day. Featuring some one hundred works from Bellows's extensive oeuvre, this landmark loan exhibition is the first comprehensive survey of the artist's career in nearly half a century. It invites the viewer to experience the dynamic and challenging decades of the early twentieth century through the eyes of a brilliant observer.
Once you step between the doors of this monumental edifice of man’s artistic achievement, you enter into a living body of culture and civilization collected from the four corners of the earth. Ancient Egyptian artifacts, Japanese silk tapestries, Mediaeval Chess pieces, oils and watercolors of Van Gogh, Turner, Rembrandt and Chagal, Collections of Native American art and crafts through the centuries, the opportunities are endless for seeing the wonders of man’s imagination and creative genius. The MET is a NY tourist attraction that holds tours for school classes, seminars on the restoration of ancient shards of daily life, and places you in the midst of cultures from around the world without ever having to step foot on a plane. Where else can you go and enjoy scrumptious art like Faberge eggs, the celebration of baseball in the collection of player cards or imagine yourself wrapped in a mummy cloth. Open every day but Monday and easy to get to, there is every reason in the world to come to the MET, the center of Manhattan museums and culture, spend the day and even eat some of the most delicious food in The City. The main building, often referred to simply as "the Met," is one of the world's largest art galleries, and has a much smaller second location in Upper Manhattan, at "The Cloisters," which features medieval art.

Upon entering, a copious amount of art speaks to your eyes, ushers you through the doors and into a world beyond your wildest dreams. Bringing to life some of the most amazing and detailed art you have ever seen, plan to come early and stay all day at this New York City museum. Paintings and sculptures entice you through the gallery, as your traverse the myriad of colors, textures and avant-garde esthetics. You are bound to find a few pieces that will stay engrained in your mind for years to come. As your vision returns to day-to-day Manhattan culture, prepare for some of the other facets of the artistic world that are offered here, such as classes, family oriented activities and even a “brown bag lunch lecture”. Throughout spring and summer of 2012, runs an exhibit titled “Murals for the Museum of Modern Art”. There could not be a more perfect time to gather the family and head over for a day filled with beauty and analytical thinking. Around every corner there lies something to be enjoyed and commended. The emotions that are encased within the art are themselves something one must feel for themselves to truly appreciate.

Set against an absolutely stunning cascading waterfall and reflective pool sits Manhattan’s premier link between Japanese culture and the American people. The Japan Society is a hotbed of activity and display with the central message of establishing a comprehensive link between Japan and the United States. With a constantly rotating selection of exhibits and displays, the Japan Society is an always fresh experience that encourages multiple visits in order to fully grasp the underlining message. While there, visitors are also able to engage in a variety of other ways, including visits to the Japan Society library, special guest lectures from a variety of Japanese-American artists and influential people, hands-on workshops and special seminars dedicated to shaping the global leaders of tomorrow. Spring 2012 brings a look at the political application of the museum as they delve into Japan’s role with the United Nations, and the healing and rebuilding process facing Japan after their multiple catastrophes over the last several years. Summer 2012 continues with a concert by Japan superstar JERO with benefits from sales going towards the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund. The Japan Society is an ever-growing hub of information and offers some of the most professional and informational materials in all of Japanese and New York culture.

The Society is dedicated to presenting exhibitions and public programs, and fostering research that reveal the dynamism of history and its influence on the world of today. Founded in 1804, its holdings cover four centuries of American history, and include one of the world’s greatest collections of historical artifacts, American art and other materials documenting the history of the United States as seen through the prism of New York City and State.
Forty thousand of the Society’s most treasured pieces are on permanent display in the Henry Luce III Center for the Study of American Culture, and a self-guided audio tour brings these artifacts to life with anecdotes and stories. Our collections provide the foundation for exploration of the nation’s richly layered past and support the Society’s mission to provide a forum for debate and examination of issues surrounding the making and meaning of history.

Many Americans can trace their ancestral roots to immigration through the New York system. The Lower East Side Tenement Museum offers an opportunity to understand directly what their families went through. This Manhattan museum delivers a remarkable re-creation of New York City’s past. Apart from the traditional glass-housed displays, the museum goes above and beyond, featuring several reconstructed apartments that show the day-to-day life of New York immigrants. Complete with actors and actresses, these apartments allow visitors to assume the role of a newly arrived immigrant and interact as if they were really there. The tours of the apartments even give visitors the opportunity to handle the household objects and completely blur the line between yesterday and today. Summer 2012 goes a step further with a walking tour of the Lower East Side, providing a firsthand account of the when’s, where’s and why’s of immigrants in Manhattan. Another feature during the summer will be a series of educational lectures from today’s immigrants, providing a fresh perspective on the reasons for immigration and the hardships of migration. Unlike many more traditional museums, the Lower East Side Tenement Museum is a fully interactive experience that must be seen to be believed. Easily accessed from all of New York, one must make the time to find out exactly where their families came from.

Bright displays and unique settings make the scene at Manhattan’s only contemporary art museum in the New Museum of Contemporary Art. This New York City Museum is distinctive, embodying traditional thought processes of those of contemporary artists in an impactful display much different than your traditional plate glass and roped off museum. The museum itself is open to the public with a vast variety of unique pieces and constantly has new things for visitors of all types to see. This Manhattan museum sports all kinds of exhibitions, ranging from sculptures, music and art of all sorts whether traditional or abstract. Contemporary Art is exploding with a creative variety that gives a little bit of something for all art lovers and art novices alike. Visitors under 18 can enter for free, and new exhibits continue to arrive in the Summer 2012. These new exhibits will be including work by Ellen Altfest, Phyllida Barlow, Tacita Dean, and other great talents from overseas. The New Museum of Contemporary Art promises to give a matchless and lasting memory for its visitors and expand our knowledge to a broad spectrum of creativity from around the world.

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.

Money - to think of America and New York City, is to think of money. No other single object has been such a driving force for power and prestige than money. The Museum of American Finance houses a collaborative history celebrating money and the American free-enterprise system. Walking into the brass and concrete entrance you will see several displays focused on the growth of American commerce and the spirit of entrepreneurship. Visitors have the opportunity to look at many of the economic issues that have faced America, including exhibits dedicated to the history of money and the stock market. Spring 2012 brings two new exhibits to the museum. “Checks & Balances” focuses on the presidential side of economic security and the issues each president has faced. The second exhibit is the credit crisis which focuses on the bottoming of the stock market in 2007 and displays the vast change that resulted in the American financial institution over the last few years. The Museum of American Finance, Manhattan, is a unique perspective into a hub of the United States. If you wish to understand more about money and the desire to better the economy, then definitely make a stop in here.

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.

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.

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.

In today’s society, it is very hard not to see the influence of Chinese culture and how it has shaped everything from medicine to our economy. The China Institute in Manhattan gives a deeper understanding of China through their programs in education, culture, business and art, and gives a strengthening of the global community by enhancing the knowledge of East and West. Inside the building, visitors will find more than your traditional artwork and instead find an education hub dedicated to all forms of communication and education supporting the understanding of China. While there, one has the opportunity to explore performing arts programs, lecture series, short courses, symposia, film screenings and workshops all revolving around China. Spring 2012 has a special focus on Chinese architecture and features a book signing for the novel “Chinese Architecture and the Beaux-Arts.” This event includes an in-depth lecture on this fascinating subject and is to be used as a catalyst to better understanding the development of Chinese architecture. The China Institute is one of New York’s best and only links to our neighbor to the east and should be a destination of anyone looking to expand their minds and better their understanding of the Chinese people.

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.

Are you a fan of cartoons? How about comic strips? If you love animated drawings from a variety of different genres and artists, you need to make a visit to the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art. This beautiful Manhattan museum emphasizes the very best in animation, ranging from political and editorial cartoons all the way up to state-of-the-art computer graphic design. Guests are given the opportunity to explore the artistic and cultural impact of these works in an environment that produces feelings of nostalgia and grandeur around every corner. Closed through the beginning of Summer 2012, the museum is set to feature some of the most unique comic art in their upcoming season. A featured attraction, scheduled with the upcoming movie, is a collection documenting the vast history of the Dark Knight. A history of Batman in Japan, a look at the different artists that contributed to the various comic books, and a selection of work that inspired Michael Uslan to produce the Batman film series are all available right here in New York City. Looking for a one-of-a-kind experience? Take the time to stop in and visit the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art.

Manuscripts from the Bodleian Libraries. September 14, 2012 - February 3, 2013. Crossing Borders features a superb selection of over fifty Hebrew, Latin, and Arabic manuscripts from the University of Oxford’s Bodleian Libraries, one of the world’s richest collections of manuscripts and printed books related to medieval European Jewish culture. The manuscripts, many of them exquisitely illuminated, illustrate the fertile exchanges among Christians, Muslims, and Jews in the fields of religion, art, science, and literature. Included is one of the Bodleian's greatest treasures: the magnificent Kennicott Bible. Many of the works in the exhibition are on view in the United States for the first time.
For thousands of years, the Jewish heritage has helped shape the world’s societies and changed the landscape of art, literature and culture. The Jewish Museum located in Manhattan has been built exclusively to take visitors on a journey across the world and through time. Housed within the illustrious Warburg mansion on New York’s famous Museum Mile, the Jewish Museum comprises over 27,000 separate items all dedicated to the Jewish culture from hundreds of years old pressings and paintings to the most recent digital and video displays. Visitors can be drawn to these numerous exhibitions and have a variety of guides explaining the significance of the work and how it applies to today’s society. Also included at the museum, is a uniquely comprehensive body of radio and television programs related to the Jewish experience which allows visitors to fully grasp the conceptual application of Jewish culture. Spring 2012 offers a very special installation by Barbara Bloom; the first in a projected series featuring contemporary artists interacting with collection works. The entire Jewish Museum experience is one that is eye-opening, heartfelt and allows the world to understand how the Jewish people have continued to thrive and produce through perseverance, dedication and a will to better the world around them.

Nothing says New York City more than a museum dedicated to what New York is all about. At the Museum of the City of New York, patrons are allowed to link the past, present and future of NYC through a variety of presentations and exhibits designed to show the timeline of what New York’s evolution. When stepping through its doors on Manhattan’s famous Museum Mile, you will notice that an extensive remodeling and expansion project is under way. Several floors of memorabilia ranging from photographs, prints, theater mementos, costumes, and more are displayed in such a way as to show the affluent history of New York and to instill a sense of grandeur the city represents. Through Summer2012, the museum is continuing to offer state-of-the-art exhibitions including demonstrations on the social and economic growth of NYC. Visitors are encouraged to look at the projects including “Capitol of Capitol” which deals directly with New York banks and their effect on the global economy and “From Farm to City” which showcases Staten Island and its change from rural farmland to an urban center. The Museum of the City of New York is a phenomenal experience and a treasured look at one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

Medieval Europe in New York? This implausible statement is very much a reality as you approach the Cloisters Museum branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This section of the museum has been built to resemble the architectural elements of the middle ages and takes you back in time. The museum itself is devoted to the art of the time period and offers a traditional museum experience by shares the faith of all the artists and artisans with work on display. The Cloisters is highly dedicated to maintaining its religious roots with the restoration of the Fuentiduena Chapel, featuring the most magnificent stain glass and hand crafted religious artifacts. The Cloisters has also been known to have a feel of a mini-city with their own restaurant and botanical garden designed to enhance the visiting pleasure. Summer 2012 continues with the traditions of bringing Europe to the masses, as more exhibits are on tap to make their way through the hallowed greatness that is the museum. If you are looking for a nice escape from city life and desire to feel transported into the world of yesteryear, then a trip to the Cloisters is highly recommended.

There are very few places in the world that showcase an abundance of African influence and culture quite like Harlem. In the midst of Harlem lies the Studio Museum which houses work influenced by the African heritage and sets forth a dynamic exchange of ideas and society for all who visit. Inside this multi-story loft, patrons will find not only African artwork and sculptures, but also a plethora of photographs, writings and film all dedicated to enhancing your awareness about the beauty and rich cultures of the African people. The Studio Museum takes this learning experience a step further by offering a wide variety of education and public programs. Some of these programs include guest lectures, dialogues, performance art pieces and interpretive interactive displays. In Spring 2012, the museum will be continuing its tradition of offering unique exhibitions by featuring “Shift” which is a group of autonomous installations broken down and enhanced for the advanced understanding of African influence. The Studio Museum is a fantastic place to visit while in Harlem for people of all heritages and allows you to better understand the power and depth of the African culture and its integration into America.

The Center for Jewish History is home to the American Jewish Historical Society, the American Sephardi Federation, the Leo Baeck Institute, Yeshiva University Museum, and the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research.
The collections at the Center constitute one of the most important resources for the documentation and exploration of the Jewish experience and include old and rare books, periodical collections, photos, memoirs, official decrees, personal letters, and contemporary publications about all aspects of Jewish identity. The art collections include posters, paintings, sculptures, archeological artifacts, historical textiles, and ceremonial objects.

Some of the bravest men and women in all the world are those who serve the community as fire fighters. The New York City Fire Museum pays homage to these public servants through a variety of art, artifacts and tributes to the fire fighters throughout history. Inside, visitors will find displays on all aspects of the firefighting legacy from the pictures and guidebooks of the very first volunteer firefighting brigades to the gear used by modern departments. The museum features real life engines and horse-drawn vehicles giving you a chance to see the progress of technology throughout history. The museum also plays home to a very special 9/11 tribute exhibit which keeps the memories of those brave souls who fought and died. Spring 2012 has additions to the 9/11 tribute with special displays made commemorating the emergency service workers that gave their lives on 9/11. Another Spring display includes the “Remembering Their Prayers” exhibit, a special tributes from the friends and family surrounding that tragic day. The New York City Fire Museum is a cornerstone to the valor and honor of these New York firefighters, an American legacy.