New York City is filled with unexpected gems beyond its renowned attractions that draw tourists from around the globe. Explore by foot or bike to uncover offbeat spots like Buddhist temples and humming grate structures.
Unlearn more about these New York City gems at their respective websites: Green-Wood Cemetery provides guided and trolley tours; The Met Cloisters offer self-guided tour maps for both locations; while Staten Island’s Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden offer self-guided maps as well.
City Reliquary Museum
There are plenty of things to do and churches in New York that might not be at the top of everyone’s agenda: art galleries and history museums are great destinations, while Broadway productions provide entertainment to celebrities while extravagant department stores tempt shoppers alike. But there are other activities in NYC that give an authentic taste of life in NYC: kayaking is one such activity which gives visitors a rare taste of city living!
The City Reliquary Museum provides access to an uncommon side of New York that most will never experience. Like an extensive cabinet of curiosities, you’ll find everything from subway rats’ bones and 2nd Avenue Deli signs, 2nd Avenue Deli signs as well as schist cores here – this museum provides an immersive glimpse into this unique aspect of urban life that most will never experience first-hand.
This museum may appear disorganized and stink, but that’s exactly what makes it fascinating and so New York. Plus, its entire staff of volunteers rely on donations from New Yorkers in order to stay open; please consider supporting them if possible!
The Secret Subway Art of 14th Street
Tom Otterness has created stunning bronze sculptures in the 14th Street/8th Avenue subway station that capture the diversity of New Yorkers from all walks of life, part of his “Life Underground” series of installations. Don’t be fooled into thinking there won’t be anything interesting hidden here — keep an open mind and don’t be surprised to discover unexpected treats here! You never know when something unexpected might pop up behind or overhead!
Another great spot in the Ford Foundation building is this tropical rain forest! Complete with magnolia trees, water pools and dwarf shrubs – it truly does feel like you’re exploring an underground paradise!
If you find yourself at Hudson Yards, take note of Xenobia Bailey’s striking Funktional Vibrations mosaic on the ceiling – an outstanding work of art not to be missed!
The Ford Foundation Rainforest
Central and Prospect Parks provide plenty of public oases, while an even less-known botanical jungle resides inside a Midtown Manhattan office building. Large glass windows serve as greenhouses; real rain is converted into steam condensation for watering lush plants in this peaceful oasis of serenity.
Columbia University students know about a mysterious network of tunnels beneath campus, while most visitors remain unaware that there’s another hidden getaway on-site – in a building that once housed Bloomingdale Insane Asylum there lies an 11-storey-high garden!
The Ford Foundation Rainforest contains 39 species of subtropical plants that you can touch and smell. Exploring this green oasis for even just a short stroll between meetings will energize and refresh you (entrance off 43rd Street near Tudor City).
The Museum of the Moving Image
The Museum of the Moving Image may be one of New York City’s lesser-known museums, but it packs quite an impactful punch. Just a short subway ride from Manhattan and conveniently situated adjacent to Kaufman Astoria Studios, this museum explores every facet of movie making imaginable – from production techniques to science behind how movies move – its core exhibit is called “Behind the Screen”, where visitors can learn everything about movie creation from filming process through dubbing your voice into classic films or creating computer animation.
Every movie enthusiast should visit this exceptional NYC gem! Don’t miss this spectacular cinematic experience!