Within a Colonial Revival building designed for the museum in the 1930s, the city's history and many quirks are revealed through engaging exhibits. Permanent collections detail firefighting, theater, and New York's role as a port. Period rooms include several that John D. Rockefeller Sr. acquired when he bought a fully furnished New York mansion in the 1880s. The historic toys on view include the beloved Stettheimer Dollhouse, a miniature mansion outfitted down to postage-stamp-size artworks imitating 20th-century masters. Don't miss Timescapes, a 25-minute media projection that innovatively illustrates New York's physical expansion and population changes. The museum hosts New York-centric lectures, films, and walking tours. When you're finished touring the museum, cross the street and stroll through the Vanderbilt Gates to enter the Conservatory Garden, one of Central Park's hidden gems.
Reviewed by bachslunch from US on 3/1/09
A smallish museum with a permanent collection and temporary exhibits that deals with New York related things, mostly historical in nature. The period rooms (with accompanying cases of silver tea sets and such) is arguably the most interesting thing there. Not bad if not essential. Not as outrageously priced as some New York City museums.
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