About the Historical Society
Oldest museum in New York City with vast collections documenting American and New York history. Features art, artifacts, and manuscripts including original Tiffany lamps, Hudson River School paintings, and extensive New York City archives.
Founded in 1804, the New-York Historical (long known as the New-York Historical Society) is New York's first museum. Today it presents groundbreaking exhibitions, outstanding collections, and immersive films that explore both New York and American history. The institution has placed a particular emphasis on civics and democracy, recently opening the Tang Wing for American Democracy in connection with the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Exhibitions and Highlights
The museum's galleries and long-term installations give visitors a wide range of things to see, including:
- The Gallery of Tiffany Lamps, showcasing the museum's renowned Tiffany collection
- The DiMenna Children's History Museum, designed for young visitors and families
- "Meet the Presidents and the Oval Office" and other ongoing exhibitions on American democracy
- Rotating exhibitions such as "Revolutionary Women," "Democracy Matters," and "Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass' America"
- The Weitzman Shoe Museum and selections of American folk art from the museum's collections
Planning Your Visit
The New-York Historical is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and offers a regularly rotating slate of exhibitions alongside its permanent collections and films. Because exhibitions open and close throughout the year, visitors are encouraged to check current "What's On View" listings before arriving. For hours, admission, membership, and the latest exhibition schedule, visit the museum's website at nyhistory.org.
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