Information
Landmark: Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI)City: Queens
Country: USA New York
Continent: North America
Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI), Queens, USA New York, North America
Overview
In Astoria, Queens, the Museum of the Moving Image stands as an icon, its glass façade catching the afternoon light in New York City.It celebrates the history, technology, and artistry behind film, television, and digital media-from the crackle of old reels to the crisp glow of modern screens.With its exhibitions, screenings, and programs, the museum pulls back the curtain on how moving images are created-every sketch, cut, and frame-and reveals the mark they leave on culture.MoMI opened its doors in 1981 as the American Museum of the Moving Image, then adopted its current name in 2011.The museum sits inside a historic brick building that once housed the Astoria Studio, first opened by Paramount Pictures back in 1920.Known as “The Big House,” this studio hosted countless silent films and some of the earliest sound-era shoots, where the clap of a slate echoed through its halls.During World War II, the U. S. Army took it over and began turning out training films-reels that flickered with marching boots and shouted commands.Once restored, it became the museum, keeping alive its historic role in film production with reels and cameras still on display.Step behind the screen and explore a permanent exhibition that draws you into the rich history and evolving technology of film, television, and digital media, from the hum of old projectors to the glow of modern screens.You’ll find interactive displays, old film cameras, and artifacts straight from the heart of the industry.The Jim Henson Exhibition celebrates the legendary mind behind The Muppets, tracing his cultural influence through vibrant costumes, well-loved puppets, and film and TV treasures-even the worn felt of Kermit’s face.Compositions in Code showcases artists who build their work with digital tools like Processing and p5.js, weaving shapes and colors straight from lines of code.It showcases where art meets technology, inviting you to tap, swipe, and explore vivid interactive digital works.At the Marvels of Media Festival 2025, the spotlight will fall on Sue Ann Pien-an autistic actress and director-celebrating the vibrant, hands-on creativity of autistic storytellers.The museum regularly shows classic and modern films, and sometimes a rare old reel flickers to life during special programs that dive into the history and art of filmmaking.It also offers programs for kids, adults, and whole families, from art classes that smell faintly of fresh paint to lively weekend workshops.Every year, the museum hosts its Teen Film Festival, a lively showcase of short films by young creators-stories flickering across the screen, giving them a spotlight to share their work.Workshops & Tours: At MoMI, you can dive into hands-on sessions for all ages, exploring everything from film production to media and animation-sometimes even sketching your first storyboard.You can also join a guided tour of the exhibition, where a guide walks you through each piece.The museum welcomes visitors Thursday through Sunday, though the hours change-on some days the doors open as the morning light spills into the lobby, on others a bit later.On Thursdays, you can walk in free between 2 and 6 in the afternoon, when the sunlight slants low through the lobby windows.General admission costs between $10 and $20, though members can walk in free-no ticket, no fuss.Date Night Package: For something a little different, the museum’s date-night deal gives you admission, two drink tickets, and, if you want, a movie ticket to cap off the evening.MoMI welcomes everyone-wheelchair access runs through the entire museum, and visitors can borrow one at no cost, ready at the front desk.Visitors who need them can pick up sensory kits, and service animals are always welcome-even the ones with jingling tags.The museum offers reduced admission for visitors with disabilities and lets one care partner in free, so you can explore together without worrying about extra cost.You can hop on the R or M to Steinway Street, or take the N or W to 36th Avenue-both stops leave you just a short walk from the museum’s doors.You can catch the Q101 or Q66 just a short walk away-the stop’s right by the corner with the bright red mailbox.If you’re driving, you can park on the street-free after 7 p.m. and all day Sunday-or grab a discounted spot at PV Parking Corp over on Steinway Street, just past the bakery.Bike racks are ready for use, and you’ll find Citi Bike stations just a short walk away-one sits beside the corner deli.The museum welcomes pets, with guide dogs and service animals happily trotting alongside visitors who rely on them.It also puts on special seasonal events-everything from outdoor movie nights under string lights to lively festivals and cultural programs-keeping the space vibrant and always changing for everyone to enjoy.The Museum of the Moving Image stands out as a cultural gem, honoring everything about moving pictures-from the hum of projectors to the artistry on screen.Whether you love movies, geek out over media, or just enjoy tracing the story of technology and culture, the museum pulls you in with a rich, hands‑on experience-you might even hear the click of an old projector as you explore.
