Queens has lots of cultural and artistic gems, so there are several great museumsinQueens worth exploring. No matter your interests or hobbies, you’ll find an institute that interests you. Plus, visiting one or two of the best Queens museums is a fun activity to do as a family or with your partner.
Ranging from history and science institutes to children’s museums in Queens, NY, you have many options to consider. Even after multiple visits to New York City, I`m continually amazed by all the fascinating places left to explore.
So, don’t neglect to head over to Queens while you’re touring the Big Apple to see some of the finest contemporary collections, sculpture gardens, and art galleries in Queens!
Table of Contents
1. Museum of the Moving Image, one of the coolest museums in Queens
The Museum of the Moving Image is one of the best museums in NYC, so it’s one of the Queens cultural institutions you can’t miss.
Situated in Astoria, this media museum explores the art, history, and techniques behind filmmaking, television production, and digital media. You can browse exhibits that feature audio and visual components and artifacts related to the moving image to learn more about this art form. The museum has two theatres that screen movie showings and host panel discussions.
One of the lasting exhibitions here is the Jim Henson Exhibition, so if you appreciate shows like The Muppets Show or Fraggle Rock, you`re certain to enjoy it. Another exhibition focuses on Stanley Kubrick`s2001: A Space Odyssey.
In addition to the cinematic and television collections, the Museum of the Moving Image has a smaller archive of video games and related hardware. Overall, this is an intriguing place to learn more regarding what goes into the world of cinema and digital media, whether you’re a movie enthusiast, a filmmaker, or simply want to pique your curiosity.
2. MoMA PS1, one of the best art museums in Queens
MoMA PS1 is one of the best art museums in Queens. It’s an extension of the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan, exhibiting all kinds of contemporary art and installations.
Furthermore, the museum possesses an impressive collection of outsider and fringe art, so you can find some highly intriguing pieces here. The works originate from domestic and international artists, and short-term exhibits are highlighted throughout the year.
Among the works showcased here, you’ll find paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, designs, and large-scale installations. MoMA PS1 also has a Young Artists Program that displays furniture and architectural designs from promising emerging creative talents.
In addition to visual arts, the museum showcases performing arts and music through live events such as the regular Sunday Sessions programs that hold weekly concerts and the summer Warm Up series highlighting internationally renowned DJs and musical groups.
The museum is located in the Long Island City neighborhood of Queens and it is included in the New York Pass, considered one of the top attraction passes in NYC.
3. Queens Museum, one of the best museums in Queens, New York
The Queens Museum is one of the top institutions in Queens and all of New York City for learning about the locality`s past through art and events. It serves as both an art gallery and educational hub where visitors can discover the history of New York, and the borough of Queens, while admiring a fine collection of modern artwork.
One of the most remarkable parts of this art museum in Queens is the room-sized scale replica of New York City called the Panorama of the City of New York, which was constructed for the 1964 World`s Fair held in NYC as well as a previous World`s Fair in 1939. The 9,335ft2 model is still among the largest attractions for the museum, and it receives regular updates to include new buildings.
Another segment of the museum is devoted to items and memorabilia from the 1939 and 1964 New York World’s Fairs. This is where you can find out more about the selection process that led to the Big Apple hosting this international event, as well as the attractions that were crafted for it, like Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
The Queens Museum houses a lovely collection of Tiffany glass items, containing windows, lighting fixtures, and more. They also showcase temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Best of all, there is no cost necessary to enter the museum, making a visit one of the finest complimentary activities in NYC.
4. New York Hall of Science, a fun museum in Queens for families
Along with the Queens Museum, the New York Hall of Science is in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. This center is created for children and teenagers, with hands-on displays that explore science and technology. Here, they can gain knowledge about biology, chemistry, physics, and more through engaging presentations and installations.
Built for the 1964 World’s Fair, this educational facility located in Queens, New York focuses on science and is an entertaining place to bring children. They will enjoy exploring exhibits covering topics like microorganisms, mathematics, outer space, electricity, evolution, and sports. There is also an outdoor area designed for hands-on learning and recreation that recreates aspects of the 1964 World’s Fair.
In addition to being among the preeminentchildren’s museums in Queens, NY, the New York Hall of Science is in one of the finest NYC parks and it’s featured in the New York Pass.
5. The Noguchi Museum, another nice art museum in Queens, New York
The Noguchi Museum is another free museum in NYC that I recommend if you’re interested in art and sculpture. This institution located in Long Island City was established by Isamu Noguchi, a Japanese American artist, to showcase and preserve his body of work. His holdings include carvings, stage plans, sketches, and furnishings.
Noguchi’s pieces invite contemplation through conceptual sculptures that manipulate elements like light and underground formations. These designs explore the connection between nature and humanity, so while they are aesthetically pleasing, they also prompt deeper reflection.
In addition to showcasing Noguchi’s body of work through various galleries, a multi-media exhibit is presented with audio and video files chronicling the artist’s life experience and creative process. Nearby, you can wander through the Socrates Sculpture Park, another location I’ll examine later. Thus, if you’re looking for a complimentary museum in Queens to spend a couple hours exploring, check it out.
6. Socrates Sculpture Park, a beautiful outdoor museum in Queens, NY
The Socrates Sculpture Park is part of the Noguchi Museum, though located a block away at Broadway and Vernon Blvd. You can independently visit the park at no cost without entering the Noguchi Museum.
Interestingly, the park was built on abandoned land that had been used as a landfill previously and it covers an area measuring 4.5 acres, making it the largest sculpture garden in the city. This is one of the most unique exhibits in Queens featuring artistic works, thanks to its ever-changing roster of temporary pieces displayed there. It’s one of the best places to visit in Queens, especially since there is constantly new pieces of artwork to see here.
Aside from the sculptures, the park holds community happenings like yoga, capoeira classes, and outdoor movies. During the summer season, it hosts art workshops and the Astoria Farmer’s Market every Saturday.
7. Queens County Farm Museum, a unique museum in Queens
Another distinguished museum in Queens that stands apart is the Queens County Farm Museum. It’s located on an historical 47-acre farmland, representing the largest tract of agricultural land still existing in the city. It’s a superb place for both children and adults to gain knowledge about regenerative farming practices while admiring structures from centuries past.
For instance, the Adriance Farmhouse was built in 1772 and housed the Adriance family, who owned the farm from 1697 to 1808. Also on the property is the Cornell Farmhouse, built in 1750 in the Dutch Colonial style.
The Farm Museum also has a greenhouse, planting fields, and teaching gardens where you can gain knowledge about crop rotation, composting, and sustainable agriculture.
With its hands-on and interactive components, this is one of the most excellent children`s museums in Queens, New York. Youngsters will love seeing the farming tools and animals like cows, sheep, goats, alpacas, pigs, and hens. There is even an apiary for honeybees and a certified waystation dedicated to supporting the migration and conservation of monarch butterflies.
Access to the Queens County Farm Museum is complimentary and you can take weekend hayrides or purchase fresh produce from the farmstand between April and October.
8. Louis Armstrong House Museum, another interesting museum in Queens
The final museum worth exploring is the renowned Louis Armstrong House Museum positioned in Queens. This significant location maintains the home where the iconic musician Louis Armstrong resided with his wife from 1943 until 1971. Situated in Corona neighborhood, Queens, the museum offers insight into Armstrong`s later life for those fascinated with music history and jazz in particular.
Some segments of the residence have undergone renovations since then, but intriguing artefacts like gifts from Armstrong`s admirers and souvenirs from his musical tours across Asia, Africa, and Europe can still be discovered. Guests can also peruse Armstrong`s personal archives, holding scrapbooks, manuscripts, and tape recordings. Now designated a National Historic Landmark, the home welcomes visitors every Thursday to Saturday.
Moreover, the museum hosts regular concerts and educational programs, and it’s open for tours. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for kids, and free for children under 5.
That’s it for the highly regarded museums in Queens! Don’t fail to download this Queens museums map to assist you plan your trip.
Of course, if you have any inquiries or you’d like to share your experience at one of these museums, leave me a comment below. I’d be pleased to hear from you! Until then, have an awesome visit!
