Best New York City Museums that You’ve Never Heard Of
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When discussing the concept of enjoying all that New York City has to offer, people will often say, you could spend your whole life there and still barely scratch the surface. The obvious breadth of attractions and entertainment in the Big Apple can serve as both inspiring and overwhelming. While you may not be able to see and do it all, it’d still be nice to find a few things out of the ordinary and dig into the city’s vast, eclectic filling. To aid the search, we’ve pulled a few gems and compiled a list of the best New York City museums that you’ve never heard of.
Cloisters
While you’ve probably heard of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it’s less likely that its medieval branch has crossed your line of sight. Sitting up high on a Washington Heights’ hilltop, Cloisters models a monastery constructed by sculptures, gardens, a French cloister and more. Take a trip to Upper Manhattan and enjoy this transformative museum venue.
The Noguchi Museum
For some lesser known artistic refuge, head out to Long Island City and escape into the heady work of Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi. The late artist’s work is pivotal in both New York City’s modern art scene and the liberation of marginalized Japanese-Americans in post-World War Two America. His abstract and simply pleasant creations can be enjoyed in the museum’s several galleries and outdoor sculpture garden.
City Reliquary
Located in popular Brooklyn neighborhood Williamsburg, the City Reliquary reflects the area’s nostalgic, hipster appeal. Filled with unconventional knickknacks, this “museum” has an atmosphere reminiscent of a memorabilia shop, record store, thrift shop and historical exhibit all rolled into one. Find fascinating bits of New York that you’d never imagine being preserved or displayed at the City Reliquary. Bonus: when you’re done, grab a compost cookie from Momofuku Milk Bar just a few doors down. Trust us.
Walter de Maria: The New York Earth Room
Usually, if you’re looking to get in touch with nature while in NYC, you’ll take a visit to a park or garden. If you’re up for a little something different, however, take a trip to 141 Wooster Street in SoHo and step into the New York Earth Room. An indoor sculpture, the 280,000 pound collection of dirt and earth is only the third installation of its kind [the other two were in Germany, but no longer exist]. Check out a free viewing of this truly one of a kind New York City art exhibition.
