New York Historical Society

Spending a winter day indoors enjoying art and history.

The New York Historical Society is New York City’s first museum, opening its doors in 1804 seventy years before the Metropolitan Museum of Art did. We’ve wanted to visit for a while, particularly to see their two films We Rise and New York City, but waited for 2-for-1 week since they don't offer a discount ticket for a person with a disability nor caretaker. Noteworthy exhibits are definitely the two movies and the Gallery of Tiffany Lamps. I am sure there were plenty more to see, however, we had limited time due to an early closure for a private event.

We Rise highlights many social issues during the suffragist movement shedding light on powerful women advocating on issues such as healthcare, working conditions and voting rights. Also not to be missed is the 18-minute film experience, The New York Story . As its name suggests, this immersive film takes you through the rich history of New York City. Visitors can expect “immersive video projection, moving scenic elements, theatrical lighting, surround sound and a show design that evolves over the course of the experience.” Both of these are in the same theatre and show within less than 15 minutes of each other so feel free to hang onto your seats for an hour and see both at the same time.

The expansive collection of 100 Tiffany lamps reside on a specially created multi-level floor in a welcoming space. Visit to learn its rich backstory, history and see rare collections. It offers an immersive and interactive experience which includes a hands-on lamp design, as well as kiosks sharing personal stories of the Tiffany Girls.

There’s a children museum, which we did not visit as well as many other smaller exhibits are accessible. The restaurant and cafe are also both accessible as is the gift shop. We’ve seen reviews stating that the museum is much smaller than expected and sometimes visitors are disappointed by the lack of history. Perhaps it’s best to take the docent led free tour which is offered daily at 2 PM and 3:30 PM (check updated times for your visit). It pairs up well with a visit to Central Park for a full day out or if you’re really energetic, you can add this on before or after the Museum of Natural History directly across the street.

We thought the museum was calm and peaceful compared to the larger museums plus the exhibit rooms were very welcoming with plenty of space for the wheelchair. Our favorites were the two movies and the Tiffany Lamp room. The staffs were either friendly or neutral.

Accessible Information and Tips:
- Wheelchair ramp entry is on 2 West 77th Street.
- We sat in the back of the theatre and were unable to see some parts of the films which projected onto the ceiling. Ask if wheelchair users can sit in the aisles which are large enough to accommodate the wheelchair.
- Accessible restrooms available throughout the museum. There are also unisex restrooms and changing tables available.
- The 2nd floor for the Tiffany Lamp Exhibit is accessible via a self-operated lift tucked behind the stairs.
- Elevators are very wide and can accommodate more than one wheelchair at a time.
- Plenty of seating area around for resting.

- View their website for full details on accessibility and their access programs here.

Location:
170 Central Park West, NY 10024
Tel: (212) 873-3400 or 212-485-9232
Website: https://www.nyhistory.org/

Email: access@nyhistory.org

Public Transportation:
M10 to 77th Street
M79 to 81st Street and Central Park West

General Admissions
Adults $24
Seniors/Educators/Active Military $19
Students $13
Kids (5-13 years )$6   Kids under 5 Free
Pay as you wish on Fridays 5-8pm

Dining: Both the cafe and restaurant are accessible although we did not get any pictures of the space since it was crowded when we popped our heads in at lunch time. The cafe space is accessible with limited seating areas and can be tight for a wheelchair on a busy day. (Currently closed as of Oct 2024 with plans to reopen - check their website for up to date information.)

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://www.nyhistory.org/ for the most up to date details.
Oct 2024