Dedicated to celebrating film, TV, and other forms of moving media, the Museum of the Moving Image is one of the coolest cultural venues in New York City. This unique venue displays a chronological evolution of visual entertainment dating back to the 19th century. Antique TVs, early video game consoles, vintage cameras, and other interesting items make up the museum’s extensive collection. Situated in a commercial space that once had a strong affiliation with Hollywood, the Museum of the Moving Image provides plenty of insight into films from all eras. Click to book your Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn bus tour.
Those of you who are interested in the development of films and filmmaking should consider yourselves lucky to be in New York, as it houses one of the world’s best museums dedicated to the moving image. Known simply as the Museum of the Moving Image, this landmark destination in the Astoria district is the only of its kind in the US. It covers every aspect of the history, technology, technique, and art of the moving image, and presents a fascinating picture of the development of filmmaking.
Collection Highlights
Contents
Its vast collection of 130,000 artifacts covers everything from optical toys used back in the 19th century to the latest in gaming media and digital art. Observers will get a unique insight into every stage of the production, promotion, and final presentation of television programs, motion pictures, and digital media. Additionally, the museum actively hosts educational programs, film screenings and discussions with leading television and film personalities. It also keeps hosting new and fascinating exhibitions from time to time, apart from constantly upgrading and improving its interactive core exhibition.
The Museum of the Moving Image boasts a growing collection of more than 130,000 items that are related to multimedia industries all over the world. Dating back to the middle of the 20th century, vintage television sets and radios are on display in exhibitions that focus on the evolution of American entertainment.
Professional-grade production cameras and audio equipment from actual film studios are also featured in the museum. Visitors will also find some of the earliest arcade game consoles, such as the iconic Pac-Man series. Select galleries at the Museum of the Moving Image are dedicated to the latest digital media in the form of video games and interactive online applications.
Other prominent items in the museum’s collections include accessories, costumes, and gear that were used by world-famous celebrities in mainstream movies.
Other Notable Features
The theatre at the Museum of the Moving Image hosts frequent screenings of independent films, classic productions, and other unique content that’s unlikely to be shown in commercial-style cinemas. During a visit, you might also stop at the theatre to watch a brief history of vaudeville-style films, mainstream movies, video games, and much more.
Having a boutique-style design, the museum’s store sells literature, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and CDs on topics that are extensively covered in the exhibits. Serving light fare, such as sandwiches and pastries, the cafe at the Museum of the Moving Image is a great spot to recharge and relax.
History of the Museum
As the Astoria Studios fell into unfortunate decline in the early 1980s, the American Museum of the Moving Image was established as a modern and exciting replacement. It took approximately 15 million dollars and seven years to open this unique museum that would occupy the same building as the regional headquarters of the famous Paramount Pictures, which is one of the largest film studio companies in the United States.
About two decades after opening, the Museum of the Moving Image benefited from a municipal grant that was funded by New York City’s revival in the arts and culture. The city’s mayor, Michael Bloomberg, was the main contributor to the fund that enhanced this museum and more than 400 other venues citywide. The year 2008 marked a new chapter in the museum thanks to a major renovation that cost 65 million dollars. A state-of-the-art movie theatre and classrooms were some of the main expansions.
Visiting Museum of the Moving Image
The Museum of the Moving Image is located in a historic neighborhood that’s known as Astoria. This district occupies a significant portion of the western part of the borough of Queens.
You can reach the museum by taking the M or R Line subway to Steinway Street station. Multiple Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) buses also stop right along the busy Steinway Street. Also situated within walking distance from the museum, 36 Avenue-Washington Avenue is served by trains along the N and W lines.
Astoria is primarily a residential area with limited street parking in parallel configurations. Therefore, it’s highly recommended that taxis and other private cars do quick stops right near the entrance to the museum.
Location: 6-01 35 Avenue in Astoria, Queens, NY, 11106
Click here to visit Museum of the Moving Image official website.