
Weird & Unusual Attractions in Manhattan, United States
1. The Museum of the Moving Image
Explore the history and impact of film, television, and digital media at this innovative museum.
- Interactive Exhibits: Experience hands-on activities like animating your own cartoon character.
- Extensive Collection: See rare artifacts from Hollywood's past and present.
- Educational Programs: Learn filmmaking skills through workshops and seminars.
2. The New York City Fire Museum
Discover the rich history of firefighting in New York City at this unique museum.
- Historic Fire Apparatus: See a collection of antique fire trucks, engines, and equipment.
- Firefighting Memorabilia: Explore artifacts, photographs, and documents from the past 150 years.
- Educational Programs: Learn about fire safety and the history of firefighting through guided tours and interactive exhibits.
3. The Mmuseumm
Step into a museum dedicated to preserving everyday objects and their stories.
- Ephemera Collection: See items that were once ordinary but have since become historic.
- Rotating Exhibits: New exhibits are curated every few months, ensuring a fresh and unique experience each time.
- Interactive Displays: Engage with the objects on display and learn about their stories and significance.
4. The Museum of Sex
Explore the history, culture, and science of human sexuality at this provocative museum.
- Educational Exhibits: Learn about the evolution of sexuality through artifacts, art, and multimedia presentations.
- Contemporary Art Gallery: See cutting-edge contemporary artwork that explores sexual themes.
- Cultural Programs: Attend lectures, workshops, and film screenings on topics related to human sexuality.
5. The Secrets of the Cloisters Garden
Discover a medieval-style garden hidden within the Cloisters museum.
- Historic Architecture: Explore the beautiful and intricate Gothic architecture of the garden.
- Medieval Artifacts: See rare artifacts from medieval Europe, some dating back to the 12th century.
- Tranquil Atmosphere: Relax in a peaceful and serene environment that feels a world away from bustling Manhattan.
6. The Mysterious Little Chapel in the World
Visit a tiny chapel filled with unique and fascinating artifacts collected from around the globe.
- World Travel Artifacts: See artifacts, souvenirs, and memorabilia from every corner of the world.
- Romantic History: Learn about the love story behind the creation of this unique chapel.
- Tiny Scale: Marvel at the intricate miniature details throughout the chapel.
7. The Enchanted Forest of Lights
Experience a magical winter wonderland lit up with hundreds of thousands of lights.
- Winter Light Display: See the forest transformed into a dazzling display of lights, music, and special effects.
- Unique Designs: Discover intricate and beautiful designs inspired by nature and fantasy.
- Holiday Tradition: Participate in a cherished New York City holiday tradition.
8. The Museum of Art and Design (MAD)
Explore contemporary art and design at this innovative museum.
- Changing Exhibitions: See rotating exhibits that showcase the latest trends in art and design.
- Interactive Installations: Engage with the artwork through interactive installations and multimedia presentations.
- Design Store: Shop for unique, contemporary design objects in the museum store.
9. The Morbid Anatomy Library
Delve into the fascinating world of death, anatomy, and related topics at this unique library.
- Rare Books and Artifacts: Access a vast collection of books, artifacts, and art related to the morbid and macabre.
- Lectures and Workshops: Attend lectures, workshops, and events that explore various aspects of death and anatomy.
- Art Gallery: View contemporary art inspired by the themes of death, anatomy, and related subjects.
10. The SpyScape
Experience the world of espionage at this interactive museum dedicated to spies and spycraft.
- Interactive Exhibits: Participate in hands-on activities that challenge your detective skills.
- Real Spy Stories: Learn about the true stories of spies and their missions throughout history.
- Cryptography Gallery: Decode secret messages and learn about the art and science of cryptography.
11. The American Museum of Natural History's Hall of Biodiversity
Explore the vast diversity of life on Earth at this iconic museum.
- Life-Size Dioramas: See realistic dioramas showcasing habitats and animals from around the world.
- Rotating Exhibits: Discover new exhibits that explore various aspects of biodiversity and conservation.
- Fossil Collection: See fossils and artifacts dating back millions of years, including a T. rex skeleton.
12. The City Reliquary
Discover the history and culture of New York City at this unique museum dedicated to preserving its relics.
- Local Artifacts: See artifacts, memorabilia, and ephemera related to New York City's history.
- Rotating Exhibits: Discover new exhibits that explore various aspects of the city's past, present, and future.
- Community Events: Attend events and workshops that celebrate the culture and history of New York City.
13. The Transit Museum
Explore the history and evolution of public transportation in New York City at this unique museum.
- Historic Subway Cars: See restored subway cars from various eras, including the first-ever train car.
- Interactive Exhibits: Learn about the engineering and design of New York City's iconic subways through interactive displays.
- Educational Programs: Attend workshops, lectures, and tours that explore the history and future of public transportation.
14. The Morningside Heights Historic District
Step back in time and explore a historic neighborhood filled with stunning architecture and rich history.
- Gothic Revival Architecture: See beautiful Gothic Revival buildings, including Columbia University's campus.
- Cultural Landmarks: Visit iconic cultural landmarks like the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine and Riverside Church.
- Harry Potter Filming Location: See where scenes from the Harry Potter films were shot, including the entrance to Hogwarts.
15. The Slice Pizza Museum
Learn about the history and evolution of one of New York City's iconic foods: pizza.
- Pizza History: Discover how pizza became a staple in New York City.
- Pizza Varieties: Explore the various styles of pizza, from classic to unique regional varieties.
- Tasting Tours: Sample different pizzas and learn about their unique flavors and ingredients.