Museum MIle Festival 2013
 

Hi guys,

Just after some general advice about the Museum Mile festival. I land in NYC at 3pm on the day of the festival. I'd love to see a couple of the museums but I'm not sure if:

- Firstly, The huge numbers of people outweigh the value of free admission?

- Secondly, If the festival is so popular, are the museums significantly better to visit the following day? I.e. Is it way quieter?

- Thirdly, Is it difficult to get from the UWS to the UES when 5th is shut for the event?

Thanks in advance.

M.

"- Firstly, The huge numbers of people outweigh the value of free admission?"
In my opinion yes. This used to be on my must-do list, but after waiting on line for way too long to get into a crowded space, I gave up on it.

It's nice that they have music outside on the street to make it festive, but otherwise, I think you can skip it.

Most museums have some free or pay-as-you wish days, so if let us know which ones you're most interested in and what days of the week you'll be in NYC, we can match you up

"Secondly, If the festival is so popular, are the museums significantly better to visit the following day? I.e. Is it way quieter?"

So that would also be a yes.

"- Thirdly, Is it difficult to get from the UWS to the UES when 5th is shut for the event?"

A little bit, but not terribly so. They keep the crosstown streets open so some buses will run on their regular routes while some may be rerouted (M86 bus comes to mind as a problem since it runs on 5th from 86th to 85th)

If it's a nice day, it's also a pleasant walk through the park to the UWS if you do it before dark (which is quite late in June)

Thank you Nyer. Obviously the Met is the biggest name on the list. Although I'm aware its Suggested Payment all day every day.

I was thinking that the festival could be a good excuse to see some of the less well known museums along the mile but as I only have a limited amount of time, I'm weighing up the time cost (of queuing for free) vs the cost of just paying $'s.

I have a week in town and although its my 12th visit in the last 10 years and I have seen a lot I wouldn't be heartbroken to miss some of the regular staples.

I have done the ESB, ToTR, MoMA, The Met, The Guggenheim, Ellis Island, The Frick.

I have already booked the Tenement Museum for this trip. Any further suggestions?

Thank you.

The Met is always worth a stop in my opinion. For other museums, look at the current exhibits to see if anything specific interests you. The Met will be much quieter on a Wednesday afternnon, and yes you can give whatever you wish. There are those here on Fodors who will chide you that you "need to pay full price to support the arts", yet they will be OK with you (or anyone) going to a designated "free" event ;)

Other things to do in town? Chelsea Market (or possibly Eataly) for interesting food markets. Something will be probably be going on in Central Park, concerts etc. Themed or neighborhood walking tours by groups such as Big Onion. The Transit Museum--full museum in Brooklyn, small outpost in Grand Central. The Cloisters. Many more choices, of course

If you do come over I would visit the Museum of the City of NY and Museo del Barrio

Frick Museum
Neue Galerie
42nd Street/Fifth Ave Library
Morgan Library
Merchant's House Museum
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace