Some of the greatest museums in New York City are not the big-name tourist attractions. Visitors love the MOMA and the Museum of Natural History, but this semester, expand your education by grabbing some friends and checking out some of these smaller, under-the-radar museums.
The Cloisters
Many people are unaware of the Cloisters, a separate and absolutely breathtaking branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which recently celebrated its 75th birthday. This museum and garden devotes itself to the art and architecture of medieval Europe, and with a discounted student fee of $12 you have full access to walk the gardens and even hop on a guided tour. “I first visited the Cloisters last year with my friends and my whole perspective changed after I saw this new landscape and art,” LS sophomore Celine Sidani said. (99 Margaret Corbin Dr.)
The Museum of Sex
The name alone should draw you in. Located conveniently on Fifth Avenue, the Museum of Sex features intriguing collections along with a store that sells eyebrow-raising merchandise. The museum’s newest exhibit, titled “The Sex Life of Animals,” educates people on the sexual behaviors and reproduction of many animals, from dogs and monkeys to whales and dolphins. Students can purchase tickets for a slightly discounted price of $15.25. The museum offers the opportunity to engage in an experience that puts an educational and explorative spin on sexuality. (233 Fifth Ave.)
The Tenement Museum
Located in a gorgeous 150-year-old building on Orchard Street, the Tenement Museum tells a collection of stories from the immigrants that left their homelands to reside in the Big Apple. Volunteer tour guides take groups around the building as well as the surrounding area of the Lower East Side. Interested students can sign up for a time slot, and explore the surrounding neighborhood until their tour time. Tours are offered between 10:15 a.m and 5 p.m. seven days a week and student admission is $20. (103 Orchard St.)
The Brooklyn Museum
Located on the Eastern Parkway, directly off of the 4-train, The Brooklyn Museum is New York City’s second largest art museum (following the Metropolitan Museum of Art). This impressive museum holds an art collection with approximately 1.5 million works. With over a dozen exhibitions, including American Art, Asian Art, Arts of Africa, Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art and Photography, this museum is sure to impress for everyone. (200 Eastern Pkwy.)
New York Aquarium
Located in Brooklyn and open everyday of the week from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., this branch of the Wildlife Conservatory is available to all visitors for a new discounted price of $9.95. The New York Aquarium’s exhibits feature more than 300 marine species, including various marine mammals, birds, fish and reptiles. Make sure to stop by the ever-popular Aquatheater, home of the aquarium’s exciting, interactive sea-lion show. (602 Surf Ave.)
A version of this article appeared in the Thursday, Feb. 6 print edition. Kimberly Schu is a staff writer. Email her at [email protected].