Statue of Liberty: Following years' worth of renovations, The Statue of Liberty is back and better than ever. Lady Liberty, representative of freedom to the world, shines bright in New York Harbor. Now, visitors can view the inside of the statue through a glass ceiling, and capture a better image of Lady Liberty through the enhanced lighting and video system surrounding the statue. Once again, visitors can walk out onto the observation deck to see New York City and its Harbor. With a torch and a book in her hands, Lady Liberty has welcomed immigrants and visitors for over a century. Created by Frenchmen Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, the Statue was a gift from France to the United States.
Ellis Island: Not far from Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty stands Ellis Island; former gateway to the United States. Between 1892 and 1954, over 12 million immigrants landed here. In 1990, the long disused buildings were restored and the Immigration Museum was born.
Battery Park: The "Battery" was created in 1693, when the British government that then controlled New York mounted cannons there. It played a role in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and even the Civil War as draftees were housed in a tent city there. Today, Battery Park attracts many New Yorkers and visitors, especially in warm weather. There is a fine view of the Statue of Liberty and New Jersey across the river. Castle Clinton is located inside the park.
Trinity Church: Trinity Church, a distinctive gothic-revival church at the end of Wall Street, is one of the earliest existing churches in New York. Alexander Hamilton, one of America's founding fathers, is buried here, and it was the original location of King's College, now known as Columbia University.
Wall St: When the Dutch owned Manhattan (or New Amsterdam as they called it), fierce competition for trade led to war against the British. Governor Peter Stuyvesant ordered that a fortified wall be built, stretching 2,340 feet from the East River to the Hudson River. Today the wall may be gone, but a war continues to rage during the week in the financial banks, brokerage houses and insurance companies lining the street. The biggest battle of all on Wall Street takes place at the famed New York Stock Exchange.
Ground Zero: The site of the former World Trade Center that was attacked and destroyed on September 11, 2001. Walk along the site to see the rebuilding process. You’ll still notice scarring on some of the buildings surrounding Ground Zero. Also there is a display on the history of the World Trade Center and on the events of 9/11.
Dutch Archeological Ruins: You can experience a view beneath the streets of Manhattan when you visit this small exhibit composed of artifacts found by archeologists and construction workers. There is 5,000 years of New York archaeological history to explore here. Archeologists are actually working inside a glass laboratory—take a peek.
Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial: This plaza is dedicated to the men and women who fought in the Vietnam War. The greenish, 14-foot high memorial was erected in 1985. Here, you will find letters, news clippings, photos and diaries from those who fought in Vietnam, and those who remember. It may not rival the monuments in Washington, D.C., but it is a moving tribute nonetheless.
Fraunces Tavern: This building was once a gathering place for George Washington and many other American Revolutionary leaders. It was built 1719 as a residence, but by 1762 it had been renovated and turned into Fraunces Tavern. Today, the museum focuses mainly on American and Revolutionary fine and decorative art, and houses a large collection of Washington artifacts.
St. Paul’s: This Episcopal Chapel, located in what is now the bustling financial district, was dedicated in 1766 and is the oldest remaining church in Manhattan. Rich in history, George Washington worshiped here on his inauguration day, and his personal pew is still on display.
South Street Seaport: This seaport dates back to the 1600's. It was renovated about 30 years ago to become a historic landmark as well as a shopping mall. It features amazing views of the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge. The mall is divided into three sections—one based in the original home of New York City's fish market, another at Pier 17 along the water, and the final section in the Fulton Market building near South Street. A center of activities, events, a maritime museum, dining and shopping,
New York Stock Exchange: The Stock Exchange's present home on Wall Street did not open until 1903, but trading in stocks began well before that— by the time this building became its headquarters, the Exchange had already been in existence for more than a hundred years. Today, people trade hundreds of millions of shares electronically as well as by the floor broker system. Visitors can see the action on the floor from a viewing gallery. Multimedia exhibits help explain the frenzy below.
Federal Hall: A bronze statue of George Washington welcomes visitors to historic Federal Hall on Wall Street. It is located on the site of Washington's swearing in to the United States presidency in 1789. The present building was erected in 1834-1842 to house the United States Custom House. It is one of the best examples of classical architecture surviving in the city. Today, it holds an interactive exhibition relating to the United States Constitution. A copy of the Bill of Rights is also on display.
Bowling Green: Resting on this patch of green at the end of Broadway is a treat after a hectic shopping spree in NYC. This was the spot where in 1733; Peter Minuit bought the island of Manhattan for $24 worth of beads. It is one of the oldest parks in the city and has become one of the many lunch spots for stockbrokers. This is also the place to pick up same-day discounted tickets for a Broadway or off-Broadway show. The park gets its name from the fact that colonial gentlemen used to bowl here, paying the annual sum of 1 peppercorn for the privilege.
Chinatown/Little Italy: New York's Chinatown is a cultural haven full of ancient and exotic traditions, and a huge amount of restaurants. This bustling and crowded neighborhood is home to over half of the city's Chinese population. In the grocery stores and fruit stands, you will find many food items available nowhere else in the city—from exotic fruit and vegetables to live snails and dried shrimp. In recent years, excellent Thai, Vietnamese and Korean restaurants have joined the mix.
The heart of Little Italy is Mulberry Street. Years ago, the vast majority of people who lived here were Italian, but expansion of Chinatown and Italian migration to the suburbs has changed the make-up of the neighborhood. Still, cafes, restaurants and bakeries line the street.
Times Square: Named after the New York Times, which moved here in 1924, Times Square is a vibrant, neon-lit area in the heart of the Theater District. Once populated by peep shows and sex shops, it has undergone a complete image overhaul. Hotels, office towers and commercial businesses have sprung up. Disney has moved in, as well as Conde Nast. Megastores and theme restaurants have also set up shop. Times Square remains the city's favorite venue for New Year's Eve, where a huge street party is highlighted by a glitter ball dropped from Times Tower.
Central Park: Right in the heart of Manhattan stands this oasis of rolling pastures and gardens, stretching from Midtown to Harlem. It was created in 1857 by Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux. These days walkers, rollerbladers, bikers and joggers compete for space. Lovers meet at Bethesda Fountain on Bethesda Terrace. To the north, others wonder at the mystery of Belvedere Castle. Nearby is the Delacorte Theater, where you can watch plays in the summer. Across the park lies a charming zoo, and children of all ages love the restored carousel.
Empire State Building: The majestic Empire State Building was completed in 1931 as the world's tallest building. While not the tallest anymore, it remains as impressive as ever. At night the building is lit up, with special colors displayed on holidays.
Grand Central Station: Erected in 1913, Grand Central Terminal is impressive even to New Yorkers, particularly the massive main hall with its cathedral-like vaulted ceiling. The building recently underwent a major restoration project, with chic new shops and a food court lending an air of urban charm. Not an easy feat for a railway station that is filled with a half million commuters each week.
5th Avenue: Considered to be the Rodeo Drive of the East Coast; Fifth Avenue is home to some of the most prestigious stores in America.
Madison Square Garden: With around 20,000 seats, Madison Square Garden is the premier music and sporting venue in New York City. Musical extravaganzas also take place in the adjacent Paramount Theater, where A Christmas Carol has become an annual fixture. Sporting events include basketball and ice hockey.
United Nations: This complex was designated the permanent headquarters for the United Nations in 1952. Many buildings, including the General Assembly Hall, can be viewed on guided tours. When the flags in front of the complex are flying, the Assembly is in session. It is possible to sit in on a council session: call the information desk for a free ticket.
Harlem: First settled in 1637, this neighborhood has a long and rich history. After the Dutch immigrants of the 17th century and the Jewish immigrants of the 19th century, a wave of American blacks from the south arrived in the 1920s. During prohibition, Harlem developed a well-deserved reputation for good music, good food and speakeasy clubs that attracted a largely Midtown white crowd. Meanwhile, Harlem's black writers and artists spearheaded the cultural Harlem Renaissance. After some hard times in recent decades, the neighborhood is undergoing a true economic revival.
Lincoln Center: The Lincoln Center for Performing Arts is a giant in the field of live entertainment. It holds about four hundred live performances a year, ranging from classical works to modern productions. The Center's grand theaters are home to the world's most distinguished opera and ballet companies, musicians, theater and films. There are guided tours on a daily basis that explore the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera House, Avery Fisher Hall, the New York State Theater and the Vivian Beaumont Theater.
During the tour, your guides will entertain you with fascinating stories and give you a glimpse of a rehearsal in progress.
Yankee Stadium: Built in 1923, Yankee Stadium is the home of the New York Yankees, with capacity to seat more than 57,000 eager fans. Some of baseball's greatest players have called the stadium home, including no less than Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio. In fact, the team is the most successful franchise in sports history, and that tradition continues today.
Washington Square: This Greenwich Village Park is popular with students and residents. It is one of the few green spots in the area. At the northern end of the park is a triumphal arch, built to honor George Washington becoming president of the United States in 1789. The area was home to artists and writers, including Henry James, Edith Wharton and Edward Hopper; many lived in the still intact row houses across from the northern end of the park. Other parts of the park are surrounded by the campus of New York University.
Greenwich Village: The zigzagging streets and charming brownstones of the West Village have a far more laid back atmosphere than most neighborhoods in the city. The center of New York's gay and student communities lies here, with a variety of funky shopping and nightlife; including jazz, rock and dance clubs, restaurants, bars and cafes. By the early 1900s, the Village had fully established itself as the center of radical thinking in the United States. Famous reformers, artists and intellectuals all gathered here, and many still do.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral: This massive cathedral, situated across from Rockefeller Center on Fifth Avenue, is the largest Catholic cathedral in the United States. With its two soaring 330-foot spires, it is also one of the city's most spectacular architectural sights. Construction on the neo-gothic structure was begun in 1850 and completed in 1878. Inside, it boasts a seating capacity of 2,500, numerous altars and stained glass windows, and a giant organ with over 7,300 pipes.
Rockefeller Center: Always filled with people, Rockefeller Center stretches for blocks. There is plenty to do here: in winter an outdoor cafe is transformed into an ice-skating rink, and there is a shopping plaza with stores, restaurants and bars. The GE Building at 30 Rockefeller Plaza houses NBC, which offers guided tours of its premises. Visitors can also take a tour of Radio City Music Hall on 50th Street at Sixth Avenue.
NBC Studio Tour: This is your chance to find out how studios create your favorite TV shows. The one-hour tour of the NBC studio allows visitors to see the set of "Saturday Night Live," along with its costumes and props, and NBC's videotape room.
Radio City Music Hall: Home of the well-known Rockettes and the Christmas Spectacular, this historic building remains a popular tourist attraction. The Christmas Spectacular began in 1933 and has become a New York tradition, but Radio City also hosts concerts of mainstream artists such as Celine Dion, Tony Bennett and Bette Midler. A tour allows visitors to view the Rockettes' practice room and the theatre itself, with its 24-karat gold-leaf ceilings and 30-foot chandeliers.
Carnegie Hall: On the opening night of this famous music house, Tchaikovsky conducted and New York's elite waited in line to enter. Carnegie Hall quickly became an international Mecca of classical music, attracting the brightest stars from Bernstein to Toscanini. Today, over a hundred years later, top orchestras and more modern music share this venue. The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Frank Zappa and Frank Sinatra have all headlined here. Many musicians claim it has the best acoustics in the world. Tours are available during the day.
Riverside Park/Grant’s Tomb: Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the same architects behind Central Park and Prospect Park, Riverside Park boasts excellent views of the river and New Jersey. Park attractions include Grant's Tomb, the Civil War Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, and a statue of Eleanor Roosevelt.
St John the Divine: New Yorkers of all faiths adore the glorious Cathedral of St. John the Divine because of its joyous and welcoming spirituality. The world's largest Gothic Cathedral, this mammoth and beautiful structure is one of the finest examples of American stone work. Construction on the unfinished neo-gothic building began in 1892 and is expected to continue for decades to come. Inside features include a massive pipe organ, numerous stained glass windows and altars created by famous artists. A poet's corner (modeled after the one in Westminster Abbey) pays tribute to great figures of American literature.
Chrysler Building: Completed in 1930, this towering edifice was the first construction project to rise higher than the Eiffel Tower. This leadership was to be short-lived; however, as the Empire State Building was built 1,048 feet taller only a few months later. The Chrysler Building still holds people's interest both culturally and architecturally, however. Walter Chrysler commissioned its construction in honor of his success in the automobile industry, which is reflected in its flamboyant art deco style—for example, sculptures of cars are carved into the brickwork.
Bronx Zoo: The Bronx Zoo is the largest urban zoo in the United States. It houses thousands of animals, ranging from lions and monkeys to sea lions and sloths. The Congo exhibit features lowland gorillas, pythons and other central African animals. A modern zoo, it places animals into recreations of their own ecosystems.
New York Botanical Garden: Covering 250 acres, the gardens are a blend of rocks, waterfalls, hills, rivers, woods, ponds, plants, and of course flowers. There is also an interactive spot for children. The property is not only beautiful, it also a National Landmark. The recently restored Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, housing the exhibit A World of Plants, is a Victorian-era glass house.
Shea Stadium: Visitors come to here to see the New York Mets play baseball. In 1969, they won the World Series championship and did it again in 1986. This was also the site where the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Elton John and even Pope John Paul II chose to meet the multitudes, despite the less than stellar acoustics. There are plans in the works to tear the stadium down and build a new one nearby, even though it has only been around since 1964.
Historic Richmond Town: Step back into New York's early history in this sprawling complex. There are 19th, 18th and 17th century buildings, including an original (moved) structure from 1685. Architectural styles of the 27 buildings range from a Greek revival courthouse to more typical Dutch colonial buildings.
The 100-acre park hosts craft fairs, Saturday night concerts, Civil War reenactments and flea markets. Christmas is a month long celebration, and summer displays are hosted by staff in period costume.
Coney Island: Brooklyn's Coney Island is home to Astroland Amusement Park (open from Memorial Day through Labor Day), the Aquarium for Wildlife Conservation, and of course the beach. A three-mile-long boardwalk runs the length of Coney Island into Brighton Beach. There is sometimes a circus, and always something strange to see. Do not let the cooler months deter you from a visit to Coney Island-it is much less crowded, and all the stores remain open.
Sony Technology Lab: Hosted by the fabulous talking robot, B.B. Wonderbot, this interactive hi-tech playground is a great place for kids, and the best part is that it is free. With rotating exhibits on audio, robotics, networks and more, children get hands-on experience making their own music videos or tracking the weather or participating in any number of technology education programs. It is fun for the parents, too, as it is attached to the Sony Style retail store, where there is plenty of cool stuff for grownups to play with.
Staten Island Ferry: This is undoubtedly New York City's best free ride. The 25-minute one-way trip across New York Harbor should give you ample opportunity to see such nearby sites as the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan's skyscrapers. The fare for the ferry, which runs every 20 to 30 minutes, actually went down from 50 cents a few years ago.
Chelsea Piers: These former commercial shipping piers have been transformed into a massive sports complex, allowing New Yorkers to enjoy a huge range of sporting options without leaving the city. There is a golf driving range, roller-skating, ice skating, bowling, swimming and workout facilities, just to name a few options. Less athletic activities include children's theatre and video games.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center: This complex dedicated to art, education, music and history is located on an 83-acre site that was formerly home to thousands of retired sailors. Today it is a cultural landmark for Staten Island. There are 28 buildings—some have been converted into the Veterans Memorial Hall, the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art, the John A. Noble collection of maritime art, and the Staten Island Children's Museum.
New York Skyride: This is a simulated ride through the streets of New York. Special seats, sights and sounds make you feel as if you are soaring over the streets of the city, as likely to crash on Wall Street (so say we all) as to survive the mission! The voice of James Doohan, Star Trek's "Scotty," acts as your pilot, and comedian Yakov Smirnoff is your co-pilot. Naturally, there is a lot of good-natured fun in this wild tour of New York's most famous sites.
Circle Line: Circle Line is a longtime New York favorite for locals and tourists alike. The standard three-hour tour circles the island of Manhattan through three rivers, under seven major bridges, and past a multitude of landmarks. Several other tours are offered including a "Semi-Circle Cruise" and a "Harbor Lights Cruise." The newest offering is "The Beast," a speedboat blasting around lower Manhattan.
Bryant Park: New Yorkers love this small, sculptured park behind the library. With its French benches, colorful flower gardens, green lawn and numerous cultural events, Bryant Park is peaceful place to take a moment to watch the world go by. Named in 1874 after poet William Cullen Bryant, the site of this historic park has played an import role in New York City. George Washington's troop's fought the redcoats here during the Revolutionary War and Union Soldiers trained here during the American Civil War. In 1853, the famous Crystal Palace was built here for the World's fair, but later burned. Once the reservoir was built (it stood where the Library is today), the land was used as public space. After being officially designated a public park in 1874, the site's fortunes rose and fell with the times. During the 1970s and 1980s, drug addiction, homelessness and crime made the Park unsafe for visitors. However, a brilliant restoration in the 1990s made the Park into the beautiful midtown oasis it is today.
The Dakota: New York's first luxury apartment house is still one of its most prestigious private addresses. Its history started in the 19th century when it pioneered an area of the city that was then still mostly farmland. With 65 apartments, the imposing, neo-gothic Dakota attracts the rich and famous. Past tenants have included Lauren Bacall, Judy Garland, Rosemary Clooney and Boris Karloff. Unfortunately, most people now know the side entrance to The Dakota as the place where ex-Beatle John Lennon was murdered in 1980 (he lived there at the time).
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace: Theodore Roosevelt has the distinction of being the only president born in New York City. His brownstone residence near Gramercy Park has been restored to reflect his early life, from 1858 to 1862. The house was demolished in 1916, but rebuilt shortly afterwards with the help of Roosevelt's sisters. Almost half the furnishings in the museum come from the original structure. The National Park Service oversees the administration of the site, and there is a 40-minute tour every hour on the hour and a gallery.
Riverside Church: A soaring neo-gothic church with architecture inspired by the cathedral at Chartres, this church houses the world's second largest carillon in its impressive tower. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. gave the bells to the church in memory of his mother. Construction was begun 1927 and completed by 1930. Riverside Church, which is interdenominational, is also a thriving multicultural community center and sponsors a wide array of programs including anti-racism and anti-poverty initiatives. Carillon recitals are held on Sundays and on special occasions.
Gracie Mansion: This building was once a gathering place for George Washington and many other American Revolutionary leaders. It was built in 1719 as a residence, but by 1762 it had been renovated and turned into Fraunces Tavern. Today, the museum focuses mainly on American and Revolutionary fine and decorative art, and houses a large collection of Washington artifacts.
Metropolitan Museum of Art: Any visitor to New York should spend at least a couple of hours at this vast museum. Built by Richard Morris Hunt in 1895, it has more than 1.5 million square feet of exhibition space. European paintings on display include works by Monet, Degas, Van Gogh and Vermeer. The Egyptian gallery is unparalleled. Asian art, sculpture, armory and photography also vie for your attention. During warm weather, the open-air roof garden displays contemporary sculpture.
Natural History Museum: This popular attraction is the largest Natural History Museum in the world. It is bursting with artifacts, displays and exhibits, all geared to the explanation of the natural world. The visit begins with dinosaurs, which welcome you as you enter the main hall.
Other points of interest include the Hall of Human Biology and Evolution, the Hall of Meteorites, a vast collection of gemstones, an IMAX theater and the Rose Center for Earth and Space planetarium shows.
Guggenheim Museum: The Guggenheim is admired as much for its architecture as its art—the building was designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The bright white exterior and glass-domed interior combine to give the museum a modern, clean feel. Renovation work, undertaken in the early 1990s, added a 10-story tower; the extra space contains a sculpture collection and cafe overlooking Central Park. Exhibits include work by the impressionists Kadinsky, Paul Klee and Picasso.
New York City Museum: From its colonization by the Dutch up to the present day, the evolution of New York City is explained at this Manhattan museum. Established in 1923, the museum houses hundreds of thousands of photographs, prints and paintings, as well as numerous special exhibitions on the city. Down in the basement, there are antique paintings, safety equipment and maps.
Tenement Museum: This museum, founded in 1988, is dedicated to all the immigrants who came to New York City during the 1800s, but in particular to the occupants of this one-time tenement on Orchard Street. See life as new Americans experienced it in Chinatown, Little Italy and elsewhere on the Lower East Side through photos, displays and memorabilia.
Police Academy Museum: This museum tells the history of the police force in New York City. The evolution in their uniforms is charted, with badges and caps on display. Weapons including clubs, nightsticks and a multitude of guns are shown. Documents describe crimes prevented, solved or still unexplained over the years; liquor raids from the time of Prohibition have given way to drug busts and date rape. The exhibition does not shy away from the problems of today, and there is a highly informative presentation concerning drug addiction and gang violence.
Cooper-Hewitt Museum: The Cooper-Hewitt Museum was created in 1896 by wealthy New Yorker Peter Cooper. Today, the museum is a branch of the Smithsonian Institution, and it houses one of the world's largest collections of historical and current design. It is also the only exhibition space in America devoted solely to this subject. The outside of the Upper East Side building resembles a Georgian country house.
Museum of Modern Art: MOMA is considered by many to be one of the best modern art museums in the world; and with a major renovation and expansion in the works, it can only get better. The galleries are filled with paintings, drawings, prints, illustrations and photographs. Besides Andy Warhol's Marilyn Monroe and Pablo Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, there are plenty of other classics to view.
NYC Fire Museum: If you ever wanted to be a firefighter, then you will delight in this museum. It is situated in a firehouse built at the turn of the century and is filled with everything from horse-drawn fire fighting equipment and the "jaws of life" to model fire trucks.
USS Intrepid: Enter the world of a World War II aircraft carrier, complete with control rooms and a flight deck. This ship turned museum includes a genuine 1940s fighter plane. From above the waves to underneath, visitors can admire the Growler submarine. Many of the exhibits are interactive, and audiovisual shows provide cinematic insights into life on board.
NY Historical Society: Founded in 1804, this museum describes itself as New York's collective memory. It contains an impressive hodgepodge of art and artifacts that paint a vivid picture of New York City. The museum houses thousands of works of art, including many paintings from the 17th century, millions of maps and 500,000 photographs. Visitors can view many of the treasures, including work by James Audubon and Gilbert Stuart's famous portrait of George Washington.
Skyscraper Museum: This non-profit museum and organization opened in 1996 with exhibits devoted to the architectural, social and business impact of the world's tallest buildings. The museum moved to Battery Park City in early 2004 displaying contemporary architecture featuring a permanent gallery for the exhibit "Skyscraper/City," a gallery for changing exhibitions, and a bookstore. Stainless-steel floors and ceilings reflect exhibition cases resulting in endless vertical illusions. It has sponsored such exhibits as Downtown Manhattan: The Architecture of Business/The Business of Buildings and Building the Empire State.
Frick Collection: This impressive Fifth Avenue mansion, former residence of coke and steel magnate Henry Clay Frick. It was the owner's wish that his art collection remain on display there after his death. The mansion was built in 1914, but was made to look much older. The gilded, ornamental decor is the perfect setting for exhibits which include masterpieces by Vermeer, Goya and Rembrandt. Stroll in the tranquility of the beautiful outdoor garden.
Whitney Museum of American Art: This museum places an emphasis on modern American art. It has grown in popularity in recent years, and thanks to an expansion in 1998 there is now a permanent collection on display. Select pieces are housed in the Leonard and Evelyn Lauder Galleries on the fifth floor, including art by Edward Hopper, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Alexander Calder. The building itself is an extraordinary sight, designed by Marcel Breuer, it resembles an upside down pyramid.
Brooklyn Museum of Art: Since the Museum opened in 1897, it has been one of the highlights of the city's cultural map. The exhibits are located in a building designed by architect Stanford White. Choose among Pacific, African and New World art, Asian art, Egyptian and ancient Middle Eastern art, decorative art, European, American and contemporary painting and sculpture. The collection of Egyptian art is vast, and the American section includes pieces by masters Thomas Eakins and John Singer Sargent.
The Cloisters: The Cloisters is the medieval outpost of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Overlooking the Hudson River, it is a deeply relaxing and spiritual place. The interlocking cloisters are faithful reconstructions of five French monasteries. They were erected between 1934 and 1938 on a site offered by John D. Rockefeller Jr. The museum here is devoted to medieval architecture and art from Europe. The gardens are as beautiful as the chapels and cloisters.
Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum: This museum is a hidden gem. It was created by Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988) in 1985, and it documents the history of his life and works. The design of the museum itself is considered to be one of Noguchi's major works. The grounds are home to 12 galleries and an adjoining garden. There are 250 pieces in all, including sculptures made of wood, bronze, clay and steel, as well as video documentaries.
El Museo del Barrio: This museum first opened to the public in a schoolroom in 1969. Now located in East Harlem's Heckscher Building (and recently renovated), it has the distinction of being the only Latin American Museum in the Northeast. Its permanent collection, with an emphasis on Puerto Rico, is composed of over 8,000 paintings, prints, drawings, photos and sculptures.
New York Hall of Science: The New York Hall of Science is an interactive museum geared towards children. The Space Pavilion at the 1964 World's Fair took place here, but now it houses more than 160 exhibits detailing the history and evolution of science and technology. A highlight is the outdoor Science Playground—a park filled with interactive games and displays, all designed to help children understand the human body.
Hall of Fame for Great Americans: This national landmark was founded in 1900 by Cornelius McCracken, the president of New York University, to celebrate Americans who have made a profound impact on American History. A breathtaking 630-foot open-air Colonnade designed by Stanford White houses bronze busts of the 102 Hall of Fame honorees, and overlooks the Harlem River. The honorees include a huge range of trailblazers from authors and architects to statesmen and explorers, such as Alexander Graham Bell and Eli Whitney.
American Museum of the Moving Image: One would not expect to find a filmmaking center in Queens, but here it is—an old-fashioned testament to film and television. The actual studios of the one-time Paramount East Coast production house are closed, but the museum provides tours about filmmaking, makeup, costumes and well-known movie sets.
Museum of Television and Radio: Would you like to listen to programs from radio's heyday for nine hours? Or view I Love Lucy all day long? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, then you have come to the right place. This interactive museum offers 60,000 television and radio programs, and thousands of commercials for the pleasure of entertainment history buffs (or television junkies).
Forbes Magazine Gallery: This museum is filled with splendorous items that the Forbes family collected over the years. Its Faberge Imperial Easter Egg collection is the largest in the world; these precious and bejeweled eggs were gifts from Czar Nicholas to his wife. Some rooms in the museum are devoted to other collectibles-toys, presidential memorabilia, paintings, and so on. It is an eclectic and fascinating display from one of the United States' elite families.
New York Transit Museum: Located just over the Brooklyn Bridge and easily accessible by subway, this transit museum was itself the Court Street subway stop for several years in the 1930s and 1940s. It is a great place to experience a vital part of New York City's history. There are vintage subway cars, subway maps, tokens and turnstiles as well as films, tours and a gift shop.
New York City Police Museum: This museum is a monument to the New York City Police Department, providing information and exhibits on the department's 150-year history. It is a fascinating place where you can see vintage uniforms and weapons, participate in a simulated crime scene, or find out where the term "cop" originated. Both entertaining and educational, one trip here provides all you would every want to know about the real NYPD Blue.
Studio Museum in Harlem: This building was once a gathering place for George Washington and many other American Revolutionary leaders. It was built 1719 as a residence, but by 1762 it had been renovated and turned into Fraunces Tavern. Today, the museum focuses mainly on American and Revolutionary fine and decorative art, and houses a large collection of Washington artifacts.