12 Unique Museums & Cultural Sites in New York City You Can Visit Virtually
Even when you’re stuck at home you can still visit a few of New York City’s most unique museums & cultural spaces! (Virtually, of course!) If you enjoy escaping the tourist bubble, you’ll love the creative ways that these 12 NYC-based museums and cultural institutions have gone virtual! From tips for finding balance through Himalayan art to weekly quarantine math problems you can tackle with your family. Don’t miss out on bringing a bit of NYC to you!
12 Unique Museums & Cultural Sites to Visit Virtually
Rubin Museum at Art
First up: the Rubin Museum is located near Manhattan’s Union Square, but their collection transports you to the Himalayas. The museum features a variety of artwork including textiles, masks, sculptures and scroll paintings from communities in the Himalayan region. Even though the museum is currently closed, that doesn’t mean you can’t take a virtual trip to the Himalayas.
The moment you enter the Rubin, the scroll paintings (thangka in Nepali / Tibetan) pull you in. Elaborate designs painted onto cotton or by silk applique depict scenes of Buddhist deities and mandalas.
Every week, Thursday – Monday, tune into the Rubin’s Instagram IGTV at 12 pm EST for The Rubin Daily Offering. Join artists, meditation teachers, musicians and museum staff for 10 minutes of art-inspired conversation on how we can better navigate change around us. Using pieces from the Rubin’s collection, explore how we can all bring a little more positivity and greater balance into our lives during these shifting times. Can’t tune in at noon? Visit the Rubin’s Instagram account to watch previous recordings!
The Daily Offering series addresses the feelings and experiences that so many of us are dealing with during this time of quarantine. Presented in a calming, meditative tone, allow yourself a few minutes to just be in the moment. Trying to find comfort in solitude, ritual in the mundane, or fostering self-love in uncertainty? The Rubin’s daily IGTV series will resonate.
MoMath - National Museum of Mathematics
Shifting gears, next let’s head to MoMath. If you think that MoMath = MoFun, this recommendation is for you! Although we can’t visit in person right now, MoMath has come up with creative ways to continue offering public programs for kids and adults alike. At least we can keep exercising our brains, even if we’re stuck at home!
First, you should sign up for MoMath’s weekly Sunday email: Mind-Benders for the Quarantined! Every Sunday a new brainteaser will be delivered right to your inbox. Don’t worry, if you’re still stuck on Tuesday MoMath sends out a hint! MoMath is also offering various livestream sessions. These include their ‘Ask a Mathematician’ series and family options as well. Kids can even sign-up for virtual summer camp!
Tip: Visit MoMath’s Facebook to see upcoming programs! Recent programming has included conversations with sports analytics specialists and learning sessions for teens.
Museum of Food and Drink
The Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD) hosts multi-sensory exhibits focused on food and drink to create connections, inspire curiosity and spark conversation. MOFAD is new to the scene in NYC. Opened as a mobile museum in 2014, MOFAD has only been a physical space for the past 5 years! And now, it’s moving online! During the COVID-19 outbreak MOFAD has been active as an advocate for the needs of small businesses in the food sector through public programming and ecosystem support building.
MOFAD's New Series
MOFAD’s two new series reach beyond New York’s borders. Journalists, chefs activists, food writers and historians come together to share their experiences and foster connections during this time when so much of our lives centers around distancing.
On a lighter note, every other Friday check out their PANTRY CHALLENGE on Instagram Live with Chef Eric Kwan (from Chopped! on the Food Network). Have you been cleaning out your cupboards? Taking stock of the pantry items that are about to expire? If so, this is the show for you! Email in up to five ingredients that you’ve been trying to figure out what to do with. Chef Eric will come up with some recipe inspiration for you!
Museum of Chinese in America
Next up: The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA). MOCA is located in New York City’s Chinatown, but it tells the story of Chinese American communities from coast to coast! Join Urbanist’s Ariel Viera & MOCA’s Assistant Curator Andrew Rebatta on Youtube for a guided tour of the museum. This tour isn’t a regular video, it is a 360° recording!
Why is 360° video tour special?
A 360° video is filmed so while you’re watching the tour you can either stay focused on the main subject or take a complete panoramic look around you while still listening! This technology is really cool and brings your digital visit to the next level! There is a grey directional circle in the upper lefthand corner of the video. Click on it to move around the room. When the tour is focused on a particular artifact, the video will add a little close-up within the screen so you can more clearly see what the guide is referring to.
On the tour you’ll learn a ton of Chinese American history. From the first Chinese immigrants coming to work along the railroads to discriminatory immigration policy to the rise of the popularity of Chinese takeout over the past 100 years!
In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, the US is experiencing heightened levels of xenophobia and anti-Asian sentiment. Businesses operating in Chinatowns throughout the US have faced severe economic realities as sales have dropped. During these times of uncertainty and misinformation, MOCA is an even more important resource. Visitors can learn about the history of Chinese immigration to America and the contributions these communities have made to the cultural and economic framework of the United States.
Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Next, let’s appreciate some of NYC’s natural charm! The Brooklyn Botanical Garden is a beautiful natural oasis from the noise, chaos and speed of New York City. Now, enjoy the calming feeling of walking through blooming cherry blossoms or relaxing in their Japanese Garden from anywhere! (Brooklyn Botanical’s Japanese Garden is one of the oldest in the US.) The videos are filmed at eye-level, and while watching it truly feels like you are out on a stroll. If you have a stationary bike or treadmill these videos would be perfect to pair with your at-home workout.
A virtual stroll isn’t the only way you can enjoy the garden from home. Reach out to their Garden Helpline for a little green thumb support. Or, browse their recipe section for plant-inspired dishes to shake up your menu for the week! There are so many ways to explore New York City online!
Screenshot from Brooklyn Botanical Garden’s Website
Let Brooklyn Botanical inspire you in the kitchen, too! Explore recipes featuring a variety of unique ingredients and edible plants that you may or may not have tried before. From stinging nettles to persimmons to purslane – discover some new ingredients to try!
Have a little extra time to dedicate to caring for your garden these days? Brooklyn Botanical’s Garden Helpline is still open and ready to help with your garden-related queries. Not quite sure how to prune the bush in your front yard or what those white spots on the leaves are? Email library@bbg.org for the gardening support you need! But, first make sure to read their guidelines here first.
Museum at Eldridge Street
Bring the history of New York’s Lower East Side right into your own living room! The Museum at Eldridge Street is housed in one of the oldest synagogues in the US – the Eldridge Street Synagogue. Eldridge opened in 1887, and over 130 years later you can now visit online! Eldridge was built as a symbol of resilience and hope by a community of Jewish immigrants who were facing anti-Semitism in their homeland. Today it is a beautifully restored historic sanctuary. It also features a gasp-inducing stained glass window by artist Kiki Smith & architect Deborah Gans. Eldridge is offering a variety of free and low-cost virtual events throughout the summer! Concerts, lectures and even story time for kids!
Subscribe to Eldridge Street’s blog to bring a dose of history into your quarantine! I especially recommend the All-of-a-Kind Family Survival Guide to Quarantine post. Based on lessons learned from the best-selling children’s series, you’re sure to get a laugh if you read the books as a kid!
Eldridge Street Coloring Pages
You can enjoy Eldridge screen, too! Visit their website to download a variety of coloring pages depicting scenes of the museum and the historic Lower East Side neighborhood!
Museum of the Moving Image
Tired of scrolling through Netflix trying to find something decent to watch? You’re in luck because NYC’s Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) is here to bring you quality content. It doesn’t matter how far or close to New York you are! From films and documentaries made by independent artists to interviews with leaders in the industry, MoMI is a must-visit for film aficionados.
Normally you would head to the Queen’s neighborhood of Astoria to visit the Museum of the Moving Image. But, now you can bring the museum’s film collection right into your living room! MoMI features the art, history, production and technology of the moving image. On a usual week MoMI would be hosting screenings and artist talks. Now you can still access these through MoMI’s website. MoMI’s online film collection offers a variety of genres and topics that rotate on a regular basis. Films are between $10 and $15 to watch from home, and proceeds go to support the museum.
There are even more reasons to support MoMI right now! Since April MoMI has partnered with World Central Kitchen to become a free meal distribution center for individuals and families who are struggling with access to basic food necessities in the face of COVID-19.
The Morgan Library & Museum
Even if your local library isn’t open yet, the Morgan Library is! (Digitally of course!) In 1924 J.P. Morgan Jr., son of Pierpont Morgan – of the wealthiest financiers in the history of the United States – donated his father’s library and rare book collection to be available for public use. Now, almost 100 years later, visitors from around the world can explore the Morgan Library online! For a museum centered on physical books, media and manuscripts, the Morgan has an impressive amount of digital content ready for you to explore.
The Morgan offers a variety of upcoming live streamed programming to compliment their extensive collection of digital archives and learning tools. Check out their Videos section for pre-recorded sessions featuring unique items in the Morgan’s collection. This museum is a must-visit for literature lovers and historians alike! Take a virtual tour of an original Gutenberg Bible. Get a sneak peak into the personal pocket notebook of Sir Isaac Newton!
Visit the Morgan’s Online Exhibitions section to explore the history and architecture of the library building itself. There is also a variety of past and present exhibitions the Morgan has hosted.
The Jewish Museum
The Jewish Museum shares the art and culture of Jewish communities around the world and throughout time. The museum has an incredible collection ranging from ancient artifacts to modern contemporary art pieces. On their website you’ll find numerous pre-recorded tours guiding viewers through their collection and showcasing specific items. It is very easy to visit this museum online!
Access Programming in NYC Museums You Can Visit Virtually
What’s special about The Jewish Museum? They are still offering online programming specifically for audiences with physical, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. This museum is well known for offering quality Access programs. It is incredible that they are maintaining support for families and individuals may experience increased isolation during these times. Teleconferencing tours for individuals with blindness and art experiences for both adults and children with disabilities are still running.
Bard Graduate Center Gallery
Decorative arts, material culture & history of design – all coming right to your home! Even though students are studying remotely and the gallery is closed, the Bard Graduate Center has found a creative way to continue sparking conversation through everyday objects. BGC’s One More Thing series is an online collection where staff and students share one minute recordings of objects in their homes.
After watching a few you’ll be inspired to make and share your own! Invite friends and family to join in, too! This is a great way to appreciate the items that bring us joy or share our story right within our own four walls.
Turnstile Tours
If you’re interested in New York City history, there is no better guide than Turnstile Tours. Turnstile works in tandem with local nonprofits, public historians, and content specialists to deliver programming that will open your eyes to the story and culture of communities throughout New York City. Turnstile offers some of the best walking tours I’ve ever experienced. Now they’ve brought their expertise online!
Every day at 11 am EST and 4 pm EST on weekends Turnstile Tours is hosting video sessions to share unique and interesting aspects of New York City! Sessions are only $5 per household. Some are even offered for free! Upcoming sessions include conversations with street artists, local factory tours and neighborhood history of the Lower East Side! Also, check out their Facebook Live for access to former programs.
The City Reliquary
As the name suggests, The City Reliquary is a museum dedicated to collecting relics of, well, New York City! A small space located in Williamsburg, the Reliquary uses everyday objects to tell the history of NYC. The physical museum is housed in a small space, with articles displayed from floor to ceiling. You can see their collection online. And, while we can’t visit in person, join the Reliquary Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday evenings on Instagram Live!
Weekly Virtual Programming at The City Reliquary
NYC trivia junkies – Tuesday nights at the Reliquary are for you! Every year the Reliquary co-hosts the Panorama Challenge, trivia testing the knowledge of NYC landmarks and geography. Join professional tour guide Jonathan Turer Tuesday evenings as he connects with previous Panorama Challenge contestants to re-visit favorite trivia questions and dive deep into the history of NYC.
From 1941 to 1976 the title of Miss Subway was awarded to one lucky NYC pageant winner annually. In 2017 the event was resurrected by the Reliquary, but with a broader vision of qualifications for the Miss Subway title. On Wednesdays join host Alex Low as he features performances by former Miss Subway contest participants!
The City Reliquary’s Collectors Night won’t be happening in person in this year. Instead tune into Instagram Live every Thursday to hear a different collector share about their unique collections. With collections ranging from replica food items to plastic toy tires to psychic handbills, it’s sure to be an interesting conversation!
Many of the tours, videos and learning opportunities listed here are free or low-cost. If you enjoy your experience, please consider making a donation if possible. Museums and cultural sites are facing a serious loss in charitable giving and admission fees, and every little bit will help them to continue providing the quality content online and to re-open their doors when it is safe to do so. Thanks for joining on my virtual visit to NYC!
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What a great post during this time of armchair/mental travel. I’m going to tour the Reliqary now, cuz I love historic NYC.
This is such a good guide. Mostly because these are places that are all new to me so I can’t wait to start virtually exploring. A “walk” around the botanic gardens to start…
Thanks, Emma! So glad to hear these were some new places to put on your radar. I hope you actually in person one day!
I’ve always wanted to visit NYC but it’s just so far away for me. I’m so glad I found this post as I can now see all these stunning museums, many of which are on my bucket list!
I had no idea these museums existed in New York. Seriously,it almost seems like these museums are tailored towards my taste! Himalayan culture, Math, food, and Chinese-American culture are all topics I’m especially interested in. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for visiting! I hope you can make it to NYC to visit these museums in person!
This is a cool list ! I love how all the museums have MO-xx short names ! Love the 360 video in MOCA, really makes you feel like you are in the room while listening to the guide explain. Brooklyn Botanical Garden is so pretty it really reminds me of Japan ! Museum at Eldridge Street is one I want to see it in person ! The huge glass window somehow reminds me of the set for Dr Strange ! =p
I am in constant amazement of how creative people have become during this crazy pandemic.
Thank you for putting this together! I’ve never heard of a lot of these places and can’t wait to start exploring. Starting with the botanical gardens!
I heard about the MOFAD before and it is already on my list. Several of the others, like the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, sound real interesting too. Thank you for sharing.
I had no idea about these museums in New York as we didn’t get to go to any when we visited as we just didn’t have time! It’s so great that can be viewed virtually right now! The MOFAD museum sounds amazing and the type of place I love to visit. Brooklyn Botanical Gardens have also gone on the list for our next visit as they really remind me of Japan 🙂
Sarah – I hope you can make it back to NYC for a longer visit! Let me know if you ever want tips or recommendations for visiting!
This is soooo cool!! We haven’t even heard of most of these museums! When we were in NYC, we only had time to visit 2 museums (Natural History Museum and Moma), so we can’t wait to go back to explore the other ones. In the meantime, we can feed on our love for museums by checking out these virtual tours. Love the The City Reliquary and the Museums for Chinese. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Mei & Kerstin – Thanks for stopping by! I hope you can make it back to NYC for a visit. When you do, let me know. Happy to provide tips and recommendations for your visit!
This is a great round up of virtual tours available. I especially like the MOCA one that allows you so see things in 360!
Isn’t the 360 view so cool? I was confused at first when the tour guide moved out of the frame, and then I realized you can move! Thanks for visiting. 🙂
Museums are windows to the history and culture of a region. We love museums and New York is indeed a treasure trove of museums and heritage sites.
It’s sooo cool how many of these museums are offering virtual tours. I am faaar away from NYC, so it would be hard for me to access them normally. This is such a good option for kids that are studying at home to learn too!
p.s.The Brooklyn Botanical’s Japanese Garden is stunning! Have you ever been there in real life?
Hi, Josy – You’re absolutely right! There are so many great resources and activities for kids. I am working on another post specifically focused on that actually. The Botanical Garden is such a fantastic respite from the city, and it is even free if you enter before noon on Saturdays! From reading about your walks through and around Vancouver, I think you would appreciate the garden and Prospect Park that is next door. 🙂 Hopefully you can make it to Brooklyn one day!
I’ve always wanted to visit NYC but gettting a visa and costs are just not suitable right now. It makes me happy that I can explore its lovely places through these virtual tours.
These are some great ideas for changing up the monotony of lock down and learning or transporting yourself along the way! I was living in Japan in March but had to leave early due to COVID so I’ll definitely be checking out the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens Japanese garden virtually!
It’s not the same as experiencing the actual thing, but this would definitely do especially during this time. Thanks for sharing such a thorough list. 🙂