Museum of the City of New York

Table of contents

The Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) is an iconic museum dedicated to the history, culture and urban evolution of New York City. Founded in 1923, it is located on 5ᵉ Avenue, at the height of 103ᵉ and 104ᵉ streets, opposite Central Park, in the Upper East Side neighborhood. It is part of the famous cultural portion called the Museum Mile, alongside institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art or El Museo del Barrio.

History and architecture

The museum was designed by the architect Joseph J. Freedlander in an elegant neo-Georgian style, characteristic of New York buildings of the early xxᵉ century. Its construction began in 1928 and was completed in 1930.
In 1982, the MCNY received the Gold Medal of the Hundred Year Association of New York, a distinction rewarding its exceptional contribution to the preservation of the historical and cultural heritage of the city. The museum has undergone several expansion projects over time, including a major renovation between 2006 and 2008, which allowed the creation of new modern galleries, a research room and a secure space for the collections of silverware and precious objects.

A unique collection about the city of New York

The Museum of the City of New York houses more than 750,000 pieces retracing the evolution of the metropolis. His collection covers the period from the origins of Nieuw Amsterdam in the XVIIIᵉ century to the contemporary city of today. There are in particular :

Paintings, drawings and engravings illustrating the urban development of New York.
An impressive collection of historical photographs, with works by Jacob Riis and Berenice Abbott, testifying to the social and architectural transformations of the city.
Objects from everyday life: furniture, costumes, toys, rare books and manuscripts.
Maritime, military, police and fire brigade collections, retracing the civic history of the city.
A theatrical collection documenting the golden age of Broadway and its great shows.

Among the remarkable objects is a chair that belonged to Sarah Rapelje, considered the first child of European origin born in New York. The museum also preserves several pieces of furniture from the home of John D. Rockefeller, donated by his son John D. Rockefeller Jr.

Exhibitions and permanent space

The permanent exhibitions present the evolution of New York through its inhabitants, its neighborhoods, its skyscrapers and its role as a global cultural crossroads.
A room is dedicated to the events of September 11, 2001, with a collection of poignant photographs.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions on urban photography, immigration, design, fashion and street arts, reflecting the artistic vitality of the city.

The online museum

The MCNY offers digital access to part of its collection: more than 50,000 photographs and documents are available for free on its official website.
This virtual space allows you to explore the archives and learn more about the history of the city even before visiting the on-site museum.

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