Museum of the City of New York

Learn more about the past, present, and future of the Big Apple

It's a “must” for anyone interested in New York history and urban planning. Founded in 1923, the Museum of the City of New York offers several exhibitions related to “the past, present, and future of the city.”

Originally located in the Gracie Mansion, which later became the official residence of the Mayor of New York, the museum was moved to Fifth Avenue between 103rd and 104th Streets in 1932. Since then, the museum has amassed an impressive collection of around 750,000 objects including paintings, photos, sculptures, costumes and toys, among others.

Among the museum's key pieces: Carrie Walter Stettheimer's dollhouse and its miniature works of art made in particular by Marcel Duchamp.

The other big “plus” of this museum: its conferences, which bring together New York urban planning authorities. Unavoidable.