Museum of the Moving Image
New York City, NY
New York City’s Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) is dedicated to all things film, TV, and video. Here you’ll see some pretty wild artifacts, such as a puppet used in the classic horror flick The Exorcist, plus be able to take part in interactive exhibits, like making your own flipbook or stop-motion animation. If this isn’t enough to make a trip to Astoria worthwhile, a room full of vintage arcade games might.
The basics
The only institution of its kind in the US, the Museum of the Moving Image houses the largest collection of related artifacts nationwide, making it a worthwhile diversion from Manhattan for film fans. You can easily spend at least half a day exploring its permanent exhibition space, catching a 70mm film screening, or viewing special image-making equipment demonstrations. Tickets typically include entry to all special exhibitions running.
Things to know before you go
- The Museum offers discounted admission rates for groups of 10 or more, plus guided tours and workshops for groups.
- There are admission discounts for seniors, students 18 and over, visitors with disabilities, and children aged 3–17.
- The museum is wheelchair-accessible and has free wheelchairs available for use.
- Cell phone calls are not permitted in the galleries or theaters.
- The museum has free public Wi-Fi.
How to get there
The museum is in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens, slightly north of Northern Boulevard. The closest subway stations are the R/M at Steinway Street and N/W at 36 Ave; from Manhattan, take the R to Steinway Street, exit at 34 Avenue and walk south to the museum. Alternatively, take the E to Queens Plaza, switch to the R, and follow the same directions.
When to get there
Free general admission is offered every Thursday from 2pm until closing at 6pm, with no reservation required. The museum hosts a program of screenings and events—check the calendar before your visit to see what’s on. First Look, the museum’s annual festival celebrating new cinema, is held at different times every year.
Tickets for film screenings at the Museum of the Moving Image
You can watch everything from cult horror classics to foreign cinema and American favorites at the Museum of the Moving Image. Screening tickets are separate from general admission tickets, but you can combine the two. General admission tickets include a same-day film screening ticket that you can request upon arrival, but there's no guarantee you'll get a ticket.
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