Explore Chinese-American identity, or the science of natural disasters, or meet a Revolutionary War regiment at this fall’s line-up of museum exhibits and events! We’ve put together a list of historical, cultural, and art exhibits sure to excite and educate both kids and parents.
Somebody Come and Play, New York Library of Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, September 18-January 31: Celebrate 45 years of “Sesame Street” at this multimedia exhibit, covering everything from Sesame Street’s New York heritage to episode production. Check out iconic props and costumes like Bert and Ernie’s pajamas, original Elmo sketches, and the 123 Sesame Street brownstone stoop. Mon. & Thurs, 12-8pm, Wed., Fri., Sat., 12-6pm. nypl.org
Waves of Identity, 35 Years of Archiving, Museum of Chinese in America, September 25-March 1, 2015: This exhibit will present over 200 objects organized by fundamental identity questions, such as “Where does Chinatown end?” and “How do you become American?” prompting visitors to search for the answers among the artifacts, oral histories, documents and videos. Adults $10, free for children under 10; Tues.-Sun. 11am-6pm, Thurs. 11am-9pm, mocanyc.org
ZERO: Countdown to Tomorrow, 1950s-1960s, Guggenheim Museum, October 10-January 7, 2015: This comprises the first large-scale exhibition in a US museum dedicated to the history of Zero, a group of experimental German artists, and ZERO, a larger international network of artists that shared the desire to transform art after WWII. On October 26, families can tour the exhibit and create their own artwork in the spirit of the show. Adults $22, free for children under 12; 10am-5:45 pm, except Sun. 10am-7:45pm, Closed Thurs, guggenheim.org
The Muslim Arts Festival,Children’s Museum of Manhattan, October 11-12, November 8-9, December 13-14: Experience Muslim arts all season long at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. October is Muslim Design Festival, November is the Art of Storytelling Festival, and December is the Muslim Performing Arts Festival. Each month is packed with exciting events, such as calligraphy with Elinor Aishah Holland on October 11, or a performance by the Indonesian Dance Troup Saung Budaya on November 9. $11, times vary, cmom.org
Chris Ofili: Night and Day, The New Museum, October 29-February 1, 2015: This is the first major solo exhibition of British contemporary artist Chris Ofili, and will cover his drawings, paintings and sculpture from the past 20 years. Explore his vibrant and intricate works with the kids at the museum’s First Saturdays for Families program on November 1, which will include activities and a family-friendly tour. Adults $16, children free; Wed.-Sun., 11am-6pm, except Thurs. 11am-9pm, newmuseum.org
Nature’s Fury: The Science of Natural Disasters, American Natural History Museum, November 15-August 9, 2015: This powerful, interactive exhibit will explore the causes and consequences of natural disasters, and study how people and communities cope in their aftermath. Visitors can create a virtual volcano, monitor earthquakes in real time, stand in the center of a tornado, and watch Hurricane Sandy on an interactive map of New York City. $22 adult suggested admission, $12.50 ages 2-12; 10am-5:45pm daily, amnh.org
American Revolution Living History Days, New-York Historical Society, November 28-29, 2014: Bring the kids to the New-York Historical Society this Thanksgiving weekend to meet the Third New Jersey Regiment, a living history troop, in uniform as they were during the harsh winter at Valley Forge in 1777. They can even join the soldiers for drills and exercises! Adults $19, children 6-13 $6; Sat. 10am-6pm, Sun. 11am-5pm, nyhistory.org
