How to Enjoy Art Museums in New York City

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:EnjoyArtMuseumsNewYorkCity
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How to Enjoy Art Museums in New York City

Introduction

New York City is home to some of the world's finest art museums. Whether you live nearby or are just in town for a visit, these museums are worth your time and money. Here are some tips for making the most of these excellent art museums.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

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Step One

Spend a day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Met is perhaps the best known art museum in the country and rightfully so. It is home to one of the largest permanent collections of art in the world, boasting over two million pieces that span over 5,000 years of art history. With its rotating permanent collection and ever-changing special exhibits, there is always something new at the Met.
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Step Two

Take time to appreciate the art at the Museum of Modern Art, another of New York's most famous museums. The MoMA is home to a large collection of modern artwork of every medium, including over 22,000 films, video and other media materials.
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Step Three

Visit the American Folk Art Museum. This smaller museum offers an excellent look at the varied traditions of artistic expression in everyday American life, from colonial times to the present. Art at this museum includes not only sculpture and painting but also textiles such as quilts, rugs and other handmade items from various regions.
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Step Four

Stop by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Like all Guggenheim art museums, the New York location is home to a varied collection of modern and contemporary art, including the building itself, which is an architectural masterpiece.
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Step Five

Participate in the programs offered at the museums. One way to get the most out of a visit to an art museum is by taking a guided tour or listening to the audio guide. The tours will enrich your experience, and you will learn more than if you only looked at the art. Also, many other great programs, such as lectures and art classes, are designed to help you better appreciate art.
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Step Six

Plan ahead so you have enough time to visit any given museum. Some museums will take more time to explore than others--the Met, for example, is so vast that you will need several hours. Smaller museums may take only an hour or two, but it all depends on how much time you want to spend reflecting on the art. Whatever you do, don't be in a rush, or you won't enjoy the experience.

Tips & Warnings

  • The Met is so large that you may want to spend more than a day taking it in. Also, it offers a variety of worthwhile programs you may want to consider participating in. Guided tours and gallery talks are offered for free to anyone who would like to listen. Audio tours are available for a small fee, and podcast tours about the museum can be downloaded for free. Other excellent programs include a concert series, films, art classes and lectures.
  • The Met has been voted one of the most family-friendly art museums in the country. If you want your kids to learn about art, this is a great way to teach them. Many of the programs are free with admission and offer your child hands-on opportunities to draw, sketch and experience the art. Most programs are for children ages 5 to 12 accompanied by an adult. Admission for children under 12 is free with an adult.
  • Remember that most of the museums close early, usually by 6 p.m., especially on weekdays, so check their websites for times and plan accordingly.
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