Museum of The City Of New York

New York City has some of the best museums and I think my favorite might be the Museum of the City of New York. Located at the far end of the Museum Mile on 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street, the Museum of the City of New York happens to be across the street from the Central Park Conservatory Garden, a magnificent formal garden which I happen to adore andI always try to visit both when I'm in the area. The museum is housed in a three story colonial revival style building which watchers of Gossip Girl might recognize as the front entrance to the Constance Billard School for Girls and St. Jude School for Boys.

The collections made up of photography, paintings, drawings, furniture, decorative objects, and manuscripts are an exploration of the city’s past, a celebration of its present, and a vision of its future. Rotating exhibitions focus on issues ranging from the city’s history of social activism to spotlighting notable figures and the work of artists from New York. A stunning focal point of the space is a brilliant light installation conceived by the the Cooper Joseph Studio that is suspended above the Rotunda in the main lobby. Entitled "Starlight" this celestial array of 10,486 brilliant LED lights appear to shoot star bursts in all directions adjacent to the spiral staircase. The points of light boldly complement the Museum’s 1932 neo-Georgian design while reflecting its mission to connect the city’s past and present. Not surprising, it is among the Museum’s most photographed features and I take a photo of it from a different angle with each visit. I highly recommend a visit to this museum if you come to New York as it's a great place to learn more about the city.