Top 5 quirky exhibits for students on a budget

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 The New York Earth Room

For an escape from city life and a sight of pure earth, visit the Earth Room, a space with 250 cubic yards of soil inside a residential building in SoHo. The space, which was designed by artist Walter de Maria, has caused visitors to marvel at its simplicity and question its purpose since it opened in 1977.

141 Wooster St. Free admission.

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 Meet Miss Subways at the New York Transit Museum

From 1941 to 1976, New York City subways featured posters of the winners of Miss Subways, the MTA’s annual beauty competition. The posters, as well as information about the lives of former Miss Subways, are on display at the New York Transit Museum until March 25.

14-38 Boerum Place, Brooklyn. Admission: $7.

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“Treasures from the Vault” at the Morgan Library

The Morgan Library’s “Treasures from the Vault” exhibit features a rotating selection of works from the museum’s archives. Until May 5, the collection displays items such as a handwritten letter from J.R.R. Tolkien, which includes commentary on “The Hobbit,” Beethoven’s 10th violin and piano sonata, and a letter from Alexander Hamilton to Martha Washington after George Washington’s death.

225 Madison Ave. Admission: $10 with a student ID.

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 The Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space

The Lower East Side’s MoRUS is a celebration of local efforts to transform vacant space into vibrant community spaces and gardens. The museum also offers weekend tours of area gardens, squats and areas of community activism.

155 Avenue C. Suggested donation: $5; tours: $20.

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 Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art

The first museum in the world dedicated to gay and lesbian art, the Leslie-Lohman Museum features several changing exhibitions each year and events such as poetry readings, film screenings and panel discussions. Currently on exhibit is “Making History, Making Art: The Work of Jonathan Ned Katz,” a collection of pieces made by the West Village gay and lesbian historian.

26 Wooster St. Free admission.

Caitlin Schnack is a contributing writer. Email her at features@nyunews.com.