Museum of Interesting Things

The Basics

Designed to inspire, delight, and educate people of all ages, the Museum of Interesting Things displays more than 300 curios and antiques dating from 1800. You’ll find objects as diverse as mechanical toys, rare books, and quack medical instruments, to list just a few.

The easiest way to experience the Museum of Interesting Things is to book a private tour of the space that lets you focus on the items that most interest you. Alternatively, schedule a private traveling show at your preferred New York City location, or purchase a ticket to one of the museum’s regular traveling demonstrations or speakeasy-style gatherings.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Museum of Interesting Things appeals to fans of history, antiques, curios, or technology.

• As the museum is housed in a private apartment, wheelchair and stroller accessibility is limited.

How to Get There

The Museum of Interesting Things is situated on East 8th Street in Midtown Manhattan, just off Broadway. The nearest subway stop is 8th Street station (served by R and W trains), and the closest bus stop is East 8th Street/Mercer Street. The traveling shows happen at various NYC locations—addresses are provided on booking.

When to Get There

If you’re scheduling a private tour of the museum, start times are typically between 10am and 6pm daily. Private traveling shows are booked for the time, date, and NYC location of your choice. Times, dates, and locations vary for the museum’s public traveling shows.

Must-See Items at the Museum of Interesting Things

The museum’s eclectic, extensive collection means there’s something for everyone, so ask about anything that catches your eye. Fascinating objects include an Edison cylinder phonograph, a penny arcade mutoscope, and a 1970s JVC pyramid TV.

Ways to explore

Equally entertaining and educational, a visit to the Museum of Interesting Things grants you access to more than 300 curios and antiques dating from 1800. Private tours are tailored to your interests, so you can focus on a particular subject of curiosity, offer your kids the chance to try out everyday items from your childhood, or just ask to see a selection of the most unusual objects.

You’ll find mechanical toys, rare books, medical instruments, and some unique artifacts, such as an Edison cylinder phonograph, a penny arcade mutoscope, and a 1970s JVC pyramid TV.

Accessibility

Tours and events are sometimes held at venues that are wheelchair accessible, and can also be organized at your choice of New York City venue.

Age limits

None; tours can be adapted for school children, universities, or seniors.

What to pack

Camera

What to wear

Comfortable clothing

Not allowed

Reservations are required—the museum is in the owner’s home, so don’t just show up unannounced!

Amenities

Private traveling shows are also possible at a location of your choosing in NYC.

Address

The Museum of Interesting Things is situated on East 8th Street in Midtown Manhattan, just off Broadway. You can walk there from Union Square or Greenwich Village, or take the subway. The Secret Speakeasy events usually take place at The Loft at Prince Street in Soho—details are announced via the museum’s social media pages.

Driving

Driving and parking in traffic-riddled Greenwich Village is not worth your time and money, so opt for a taxi or rideshare service instead.

Public transportation

The nearest subway stations are 8th Street–NYU station (N, Q, R, W), which is right on the block, and Astor Place (4, 6), just a 1-block walk. The closest bus stop is East 8th Street/Mercer Street. For The Loft at Prince Street, the closest subway station is Spring St (A, C, E), two blocks away.

Best times to visit

Private tours can be organized whenever there is availability, usually between 10am and 6pm. Secret Speakeasy events typically start at 8pm.

Best days to visit

Snag a ticket to one of the Secret Speakeasy events, held on several Sundays throughout the year, or get in touch with Daniel to book a tour on a date that suits you.

Best months to visit

Tours and traveling shows are possible all year round.