T. F. Chen Cultural Center

New York City is renowned for its deep Jewish roots and heritage. As a religion and as a way of life, the Jewish people have inspired thousands of artists to depict the rich history and culture. The Manhattan museum at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion showcases the creativity of these artists and allows its visitors to not only better understand the Jewish heritage but also experience, hands-on, how the Jewish customs inspired the world. Inside the 5000 feet of exhibition space, patrons will find a number of exhibits that reflect not only on the past but also on contemporary issues facing the Jewish population. With the assistance of any of the 30 plus volunteers that man the museum throughout the year, you can experience interpretations of the Torah, reflections on the Holocaust, private collections on Jewish identity and consciousness and simply a better understanding of Judaism. In Summer 2012, several traveling exhibits will be featured including a photograph collection by Norman Gershman that shows Albanian Muslims rescuing and protecting Jewish families during the Second World War. This heart-moving and love-filled experience is a benefit for all people regardless of ethnic origin and religion to experience.

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.

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.

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.

Home of the Miotte Foundation, is committed to an exploration of “art within a context.” This approach favors a program of exhibitions which reflect contemporary human experience across a broad spectrum of cultural, social, environmental and geographical contexts. CAM’s exhibitions, each supported by a rich series of related cultural events and educational programs, seek to support in both its artists and audiences a sense of creativity, community and cultural exchange.

Tucked into Greenwich Village, this museum traces three millennia of Jewish history through thoughtfully assembled artifacts and installations. The collection spans continents and centuries, offering layered perspectives on how Jewish culture has evolved and thrived across different societies and time periods. You can move through the galleries at your own pace, then step into the hands-on exhibition space to engage more directly with the material. The adjacent sculpture garden displays large-scale works year-round, and during the quieter winter months the outdoor space takes on a particularly contemplative quality. Children have access to their own creative workshop area designed for building and learning alongside the permanent collections. The venue also houses a professional auditorium with 250 seats and a cutting-edge projection room that regularly host lectures, screenings and performances from visiting artists and scholars. The museum maintains high production standards across all its programming and exhibitions, making it a substantial cultural destination worth visiting during your time in the city.