The New York Historical and Art Museum on 103rd Street does not stand out from other institutions located in the Museum Mile area of New York. Despite this, art historians recommend starting to explore the sights of the Big Apple from this particular site, as it reflects the history from the 19th century to the present day.
History of creation
The New York Museum on 103rd Street was founded in 1923 on the initiative of enthusiast Henry Collins Brown, who planned back in the 20s of the 20th century to preserve the history of the city for future generations. It was said in his entourage that he was literally obsessed with this idea. At first, the museum operated in the Archibald Gracie Mansion, the residence of the mayor. However, due to the limited available space, it was decided to find another building.
The city allocated a site on Fifth Avenue, and funds for the construction of its own art center were collected by public subscription. The original plans had to be cancelled due to the Wall Street crash in 1929, but the building was eventually built and opened in 1932. In 1967, the New York Museum on 103rd Street was officially recognized as a New York City landmark, and this status has been preserved to this day. The gallery's space began to expand in 2006.
Short description
The New York Museum on 103rd Street, built in the Colonial Revival style, tells the story of how Dutch settlers arrived in this place in 1624, and a world-famous metropolis grew out of a modest settlement called "New Amsterdam." In 1664, the British took over the territory, and the name of the city was changed to New York.
During the tour, at first it will seem that you have entered colonial New Amsterdam, and after a couple of halls you can find yourself among the usual skyscrapers. Visitors study old maps and then move into the bohemian atmosphere of the 70s. The collection of the New York Museum on 103rd Street contains more than 1.5 million exhibits: paintings, prints, antique toys, manuscripts, rare books, photographs and furniture.
What can I see
It is recommended to allocate 2-3 free hours to inspect the exhibits of the New York Museum on 103rd Street, otherwise it may seem that you missed something important. The history of New York is full of contrasts: one can see both periods of poverty and unprecedented luxury. Special attention is paid to the history of the Brooklyn Bridge. In the photos, workers are engaged in construction at dizzying heights without insurance. It looks impressive, which is why visitors linger in this hall.
Carrie Stetheimer's 12-room dollhouse describes the 20th century setting in detail. One of the wealthiest women in New York spent 19 years to decorate the Empire style interior on 2 floors of a miniature building with a height of 28 inches (71.12 centimeters). It has Louis XV-style furniture and other fine items, as well as a bathroom and an elevator. Stetheimer asked artists and sculptors to create doll-sized pieces. The museum's collection includes a chair by Sarah Rapelier, who is considered to be the first child of European descent born in New York. A fragment of the first sewer system in New York has been preserved in the basement of the museum.
How to get
The non-profit organization can be reached by buses M1, M2, M3, M4. The nearest metro station is 103rd Street on line 6. People also come to the New York Museum on 103rd Street by taxi or rented car. Visitors with disabilities can travel around the five-story museum by elevator.
Gallery
