Weird & Unusual Attractions in Queens, New York, United States
1. Queens Museum of Art
A museum housed in a former unfinished pavilion for the 1964-1965 World's Fair. Known for its massive model of New York City, which represents the five boroughs at a scale of one inch equals 100 miles.
- Architecture: Features an unfinished pavilion design
- Model of NYC: Contains a large-scale model of the city
- World's Fair History: Originally built for the 1964-1965 World's Fair
2. Louis Armstrong House Museum
The former residence of jazz legend Louis Armstrong, offering tours and exhibits showcasing his personal artifacts, including his instruments and memorabilia.
- Jazz History: Dedicated to the life and music of a jazz legend
- Personal Artifacts: Contains Louis Armstrong's personal belongings
- Home Tour: Offers guided tours of Armstrong's home
3. The Noguchi Museum
A modern art museum dedicated to the work of sculptor Isamu Noguchi. The gallery houses over 200 works, including sculptures and gardens designed by Noguchi himself.
- Modern Art: Focuses on the work of sculptor Isamu Noguchi
- Garden Designs: Features gardens designed by the artist
- Over 200 Works: Houses over 200 artworks by Noguchi
4. Morris-Jumel Mansion
An 18th-century mansion and museum that served as a headquarters for General George Washington during the American Revolution. Today, it showcases art, history, and architecture exhibits.
- American Revolution: Served as a headquarters for General George Washington
- Art & History Exhibits: Offers exhibits on art, history, and architecture
- 18th-Century Architecture: An 18th-century mansion built in Federal style
5. The Unisphere
A massive steel globe sculpture, standing at 45 feet tall and 140 feet wide. It represents the universe and was built for the 1964-1965 World's Fair.
- Universe Representative: Symbolizes the universe with its massive steel globe design
- 45 feet tall & 140 feet wide: A significant size, standing at 45 feet tall and 140 feet wide
- Built for World's Fair: Constructed for the 1964-1965 World's Fair
6. Queens Botanical Garden - Japanese Garden
A serene Japanese garden within Queens Botanical Garden, featuring authentic stone lanterns, koi ponds, and traditional tea houses.
- Serene Environment: Offers a peaceful, tranquil setting
- Authentic Japanese Features: Includes authentic stone lanterns, koi ponds, and tea houses
- Part of Queens Botanical Garden: Located within the larger Queens Botanical Garden
7. The Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden
One of America's oldest beer gardens, providing a unique European atmosphere with traditional Czech cuisine and live music performances.
- Oldest Beer Garden in America: Established in the late 19th century
- Traditional Czech Cuisine: Offers authentic Czech dishes
- Live Music Performances: Features live music events throughout the year
8. New York Hall of Science (NYSCI)
An interactive science museum with over 450 exhibits and shows, including a planetarium and a butterfly garden.
- Interactive Exhibits: Features over 450 interactive exhibits
- Planetarium & Butterfly Garden: Includes a planetarium and butterfly garden
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for all ages
9. Silvercup Studios New York
A film and television production studio where popular shows like Gossip Girl and Sex and the City were filmed.
- Famous Film Location: Where popular shows like Gossip Girl and Sex and the City were filmed
- Production Studio Tours: Offers studio tours for visitors
- Active Filming Location: Still an active production studio
10. Rikers Island
A large island complex serving as the main jail for New York City, offering tours to provide insight into the criminal justice system.
- Main Jail for NYC: Serves as the main jail for New York City
- Criminal Justice Insight: Provides insight into the criminal justice system
- Tours Available: Offers tours for visitors interested in exploring the island
11. The Little Neck-Douglaston Sunken Meadow Park
A park with a unique feature: a sunken meadow surrounded by a circular roadway that offers scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Sunken Meadow: Features a sunken meadow surrounded by a circular roadway
- Scenic Views: Offers scenic views of the surrounding area
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Provides a peaceful, serene environment for visitors
12. The Cathedral of St. John the Divine
An unfinished Gothic cathedral that is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. It serves as a functioning church and hosts cultural events.
- Largest Cathedral in the World: One of the largest cathedrals in the world
- Unfinished Gothic Design: Features an unfinished Gothic design
- Cultural Events: Hosts cultural events and services throughout the year
13. The Museum of the Moving Image
A museum dedicated to the art, history, technology, and culture of film, television, and digital media.
- Film & Television Focus: Dedicated to the art and history of film, TV, and digital media
- Permanent Exhibits: Features permanent exhibitions showcasing props, costumes, and sets
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for all ages
14. The Noguchi Garden Museum Cafe
A unique cafe located within The Noguchi Museum, offering a selection of light meals and refreshments in a modern, art-filled environment.
- Art-Filled Environment: Located within the modern art museum
- Light Meals & Refreshments: Offers a selection of light meals and refreshments
- Modern, Minimalist Design: Features minimalist design elements inspired by Isamu Noguchi's work
15. The New York City Asian American Museum (NYCAAM)
A museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history, culture, and experiences of Asian Americans in New York City.
- Asian American History & Culture: Dedicated to the history and culture of Asian Americans
- Temporary Exhibitions: Hosts temporary exhibits on various topics related to Asian Americans
- Community Engagement: Promotes community engagement and education about Asian American history and culture