NYC Arts: The Complete Guide to Art and Culture

Opened in 1973 and relocated to the Upper West Side in 1989, the Children's Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) is a place of discovery and delight. CMOM aims to inspire children and families to learn about themselves and our culturally diverse world through a unique environment of interactive exhibitions and programs.

CMOM is committed to making its exhibits and programs available to all, and with nearly 50 sites around New York City, it reaches thousands of families who might not otherwise be able to benefit from its services. CMOM’s four priority areas are: early childhood education to prepare children to enter Kindergarten; creativity in the arts and sciences to inspire creative and analytical thinking skills for lifelong learning; healthy lifestyles programs to provide a blueprint for a family's physical, emotional and environmental well being; and the exploration of world cultures. These priorities are met through exhibitions, classes, workshops, performances and museum-sponsored festivals.

CMOM’s programs and exhibits are designed to address the multiple ways children learn and to help parents understand and support their children’s development. Highlights include the PlayWorks™ floor for preschoolers; the exhibition Gods, Myths and Mortals: Discover Ancient Greece, designed as an introduction to art, science and literature; and the Healthy Living programming produced with health care providers to encourage good nutrition and daily exercise. Professional Development training is offered to early childhood and school educators as a means to broaden CMOM’s influence in reaching children and their families effectively.

Every week more than 80 workshops, classes and performances are offered free with admission to the museum, deepening the CMOM experience with related literacy-based activities, diverse cultural experiences and the performing arts. Every CMOM program is based on research, evaluation and testing.

• Directions: Subway: 1 to 86th Street

• Coat Check
• Disability Access: Fully accessible
• Gift Shops: Exhibit-related items, educational toys, T-shirts, etc.; 10 percent discount for museum members.
• On-Site Food: None, but family restaurants in the area
• On-Site Parking: On streets or in commercial lots nearby

Get involved with Children's Museum of Manhattan

• Donations through Children's Museum of Manhattan's Web site: Give the gift of joyful learning and play.
• Memberships: Sign up for a CMOM membership and receive free admission, discounts in the CMOM store, discounts on classes and more.