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zago_krebs_spike Aug 22nd, 2005 12:49 PM

New York best museums
 
I would like your help to schedule a full-time museum trip to NYC. I'll have 7 days, and as I already know the other attractions, I'll devote my time to museums only. I was thinking about the Met, MoMa, Cloisters, Frick, Guggenheim, National Design... I've heard about a Pier One or PS One Museum - I'm ot sure -, do you have any insights about it? Do you think I should spend an entire day in each museum or two per day would do? Any suggestions are welcome.
Thanks a lot.

LilMsFoodie Aug 22nd, 2005 01:34 PM

You are serious about the museums and so I think you need more than one day at the Met. The Frick can be done in a day but it is my favorite, mainly because of its intimacy. MoMa is also one that needs your attention. I've only been to the Guggenheim once and I will have to defer to someone else on an opinion on the Cloisters. Sounds like a wonderful trip. I'm jealous. LMF

suzanne Aug 22nd, 2005 02:49 PM

I highly recommend the Brooklyn Museum! On the first Saturday of each month it's open free of charge, and open late...and they have dancing and performances. It's quite an event.

I have heard good things about PS1, though I haven't visited yet. On the 7 train on the way out there, you'll see a spectacular, impressive display of graffiti from the train windows. I believe it's one of the museum's projects.

You forgot the Whitney!

dsquared Aug 22nd, 2005 04:04 PM

LilMsFoodie, I'm with you on the Frick - it is a real favorite with me for the fabulous art and wonderful atmosphere.

I've found the Guggenheim to be interesting for its architecture; otherwise hit and miss.


HowardR Aug 22nd, 2005 04:17 PM

If I was planning a 7-day museum odyssey in New York, I'd schedule (not necessarily in this order) 2 days at the Met, 1 each at MoMA, the Frick and the American Museum of Natural History. Then, I'd research and evaluate all the others in determining how to spend the final 2 days.

KathrynT Aug 22nd, 2005 04:23 PM

I really don't think you'll need a full day at the Frick. It is a lovely, but small museum that you can see easily see in a morning or afternoon.

HowardR Aug 22nd, 2005 04:29 PM

I agree with KathrynT about the Frick. My point was to lock in a visit there on one of the days.

nytraveler Aug 22nd, 2005 04:32 PM

I don;t think you can leave out the Ellis Island Immigration Museum - incredibly moving - and demonstrative of the diversity that makes this the city - and country - that it is.

cabovacation Aug 22nd, 2005 04:35 PM

I think you could do the Frick and the Neue in one lovely day.

HowardR Aug 22nd, 2005 05:00 PM

You are so right, nytraveler! How could I forget Ellis Island.

Ruff Aug 22nd, 2005 05:21 PM

I strongly recommend P.S. 1 and Ellis Island, as others have mentioned. The International Center for Photography is also wonderful.

bgans Aug 22nd, 2005 05:31 PM

The Cloisters is well worth a trip - it's far out of the way (way, way Upper Manhattan) and worth spending a leisurely day in the Museum and surrounding park (or do a half-day at the Cloisters and a half day at the Met).

The Met will require a day and a half to two days, but I wouldn't do them back-to-back. Also, admission to the Met will get you same-day admission to the Cloisters (just hold onto your color-coded button).

I'll second the recommendations of the International Center for Photography and the American Museum of Natural History. ICP is a half-day. AMNH can be a full day, especially if you include the Planetarium side, and be sure to factor in the possibility of either school groups and/or large numbers of families escaping bad weather (it's my favorite rainy day activity with my daughter).

Sounds like a wonderful trip - enjoy.

zago_krebs_spike Aug 22nd, 2005 05:38 PM

You are the best! Now I have the right information and will be able to organize my "museum days" in the best possible way. Thank you all very much and feel free to add new suggestions.
Thanks!!!!

mclaurie Aug 22nd, 2005 05:50 PM

Here's a link to a list of all or <i>most</i> all the museums

http://www.ny.com/museums/all.museums.html

I think a lot depends on your interests. I mostly agree with what's already been posted but there are some wonderful museums for history like the NY Historical Society, the Museum of the City of NY, the Mount Vernon Hotel museum, the Tenement museum,the Transit Museum.

If you're into modern art the Museum of Contemporary art might interest you. The Forbes museum is small and free and has some wonderful things. I hear the Noguchi Museum in Long Island City is very good and has a shuttle bus from Asia Society on weekends.

Keith Aug 22nd, 2005 06:04 PM

I echo the recomendation of the Forbes Museum.


Keith

Bokhara Aug 22nd, 2005 06:21 PM

The Guggenheim has an extensive Maplethorpe exhibition,an Otezia sculpture showing and the Kandinsky. Lots of the other rooms are closed, though. Still well worth a visit, but it won't take you as long as you might expect if you're coming in the next few weeks. Echo others comments about the Met - I could spend a week there! Also the MoMA deserves a good time. I think the entry is good for the whole day if you want to take a breather. The Neue is gorgeous (and don't miss the cafe!) Amongst other things, their Klimts are wonderful. There's a very moving series of sketches by a German war artist. Also some beautiful jewellery &amp; silver pieces.

FranS Aug 22nd, 2005 06:27 PM

The Brooklyn is a wonderful place and it is right next door to the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens and Prospect Park.

budzilla Aug 22nd, 2005 06:54 PM

If you like decorative arts, on't forget to check the Bard Graduate Center, the Folk Art Museum, and the Museum of Art &amp; Design to see if they are showing something you would be interested in. Ditto the Studio Museum in Harlem. And if you have time for a day trip, although I have no idea what the bus ride is like, try to go to Storm King - a park of sculptures about an hour from Manhattan.

lynnejoel1015 Aug 22nd, 2005 08:00 PM

ellis island, city museum of NY, firefighters museum, backstage tour of the Met Opera house, gracie somethingorother mansion?

have a blast!

gsidell Aug 23rd, 2005 03:39 AM

I have been to all the museums you mentioned, and I personally wouldn't waste the money on the Guggenheim unless you like very &quot;far out&quot; modern art. If you like history,I would highly recommend the tenement museum and possibly the transit museum.


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