Museum of the Moving Image, Astoria
A film and TV museum with hands-on animation. Astoria, Queens.
The short answer
The Museum of the Moving Image sits in Astoria at 36-01 35th Avenue. At the time of writing the museum's site listed Thursday 2pm to 6pm, Friday 2pm to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am to 6pm (other sources say it is closed Mondays and Tuesdays), so confirm days before you set out. Adults pay $20, seniors and students $12, youth aged 3 to 17 $10, and children under 3 are free. Free museum hours are every Thursday, 2pm to 6pm.
What it is like
It is about how movies, television and games are made, which is a better pitch to an eight-year-old than it sounds. Its core exhibition has long invited visitors to make stop-motion animations at hands-on stations, and its Jim Henson exhibition has featured the Muppets; check the current exhibitions on the site before you promise a particular puppet.
It is ideal for a grey-weather afternoon with a child who loves screens but would benefit from seeing what is behind them. A five-year-old will enjoy the hands-on bits and tire of the reading; a nine-year-old can fill two hours. Ask at the admissions desk about stroller rules, which I could not confirm for the current building. It is a few blocks from the Astoria subway stops and from the Noguchi Museum and Socrates Sculpture Park by a short ride or walk.
Best time to go
Thursday 2pm to 6pm is free; weekend mornings for studio sessions (check).
Tips before you go
- Free hours are Thursday, 2pm to 6pm; arrive early because it is popular.
- Ask at admissions about strollers and family drop-in programs.
- Check the current exhibitions before you go.
Where it is
36-01 35th Avenue (at 37th Street), Astoria, NY 11106. OpenStreetMap ↗ · Directions ↗
What's on here
From The New York Almanac, the next 60 days.
- Nothing listed here in The New York Almanac for the next two months. It is refreshed every week.
Nearby on the Brood List
Noguchi Museum and Socrates Sculpture Park, Long Island City
Long Island City · 1.0 mile away
Questions people ask
Is the Museum of the Moving Image free?
Free museum hours are every Thursday, 2pm to 6pm; children under 3 are always free.
How much are tickets?
At the time of writing, adults are $20, seniors and students $12, and youth 3 to 17 are $10.
Which subway goes to the museum?
The M/R to Steinway St or the N/W to 36 Av, then walk. The MTA does not list these stations as accessible.
What ages is it good for?
Roughly 5 and up for the hands-on exhibits; younger children enjoy it for a shorter visit.
Can you take a stroller?
Not confirmed on the current official pages; ask at admissions.
How long do you need?
2 to 3 hours.
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