Hey everyone! Flor here. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’m obsessed with discovering hidden corners of New York City, especially places that tell stories about this incredible city’s past. Today, I’m sharing my visit to what might be Manhattan’s most underrated museum: the New York Historical Society.
Finding Hidden History on the Upper West Side
You know that feeling when you discover something amazing has been sitting right under your nose? That’s exactly what happened with the New York Historical Society. I’ve walked past this building countless times on my way to the American Museum of Natural History (you know, the famous one that everyone knows about), without realizing what treasures were inside this lesser-known neighbor.
A few months ago, I noticed the building for the first time and made a mental note to check it out someday. Then recently, I stumbled upon information about their new «Lost New York» exhibition, featuring buildings and places from NYC’s past that have been demolished or dramatically changed. As someone who’s fallen deep into the rabbit hole of architectural history videos on YouTube (Michael Weisner’s videos on Architectural Digest are my absolute favorite!), I knew I had to visit.
So I decided to take you all along with me on this Upper West Side adventure!
Inside the New York Historical Society: A First-Timer’s Perspective
First things first: apparently I’m not the only one who didn’t know about this place! When I went to buy my ticket, they actually asked me, «Do you know we’re the New York Historical Society, right? This is where you want to buy a ticket?» The staff told me this is because so many visitors accidentally walk in thinking they’re at the Natural History Museum next door! I had a good laugh about that, but it also made me realize how overlooked this gem really is.
Let me tell you, if you love New York City, its history, or architecture—you absolutely need to visit this place. And if you’re as obsessed with HBO’s «The Gilded Age» as I am, you’ll especially appreciate seeing artifacts and learning stories from that fascinating era of New York’s development.
Exhibition Highlights: My Top Three Picks
1. Lost New York Exhibition
This was the exhibition that drew me here, and while I wished it was twice the size with even more photographs and drawings, what they had was fascinating. There were photos of the original Penn Station before it was demolished—a truly magnificent Beaux-Arts masterpiece that was sadly torn down in 1963. (Side note: Can you believe they only had TWO photos of it? I could have looked at twenty more!)
The exhibition also featured old opera houses, theaters, and other architectural treasures that no longer exist. It’s both heartbreaking and fascinating to see what the city has lost over the years in the name of progress.
2. The Tiffany Lamp Collection
I’ve seen these gorgeous stained glass lamps before but never knew they were called Tiffany lamps! The collection here is stunning, with dozens of colorful, intricately designed pieces displayed in a dark room where their illuminated beauty can really shine.
What really impressed me was the interactive element where you could design your own virtual Tiffany lamp. This kind of tech integration is exactly what more museums should be doing! Being able to touch, experiment, and engage with history rather than just staring at it behind glass makes the experience so much more memorable.
3. The Presidential Gallery & Oval Office Replica
As someone who wasn’t born or raised in the US (I’m originally from Argentina and moved here in 2016), I’m still learning about American history. This exhibition was perfect for someone like me who loves history but is still filling in knowledge gaps.
The absolute highlight was the replica of the Oval Office where you can take photos pretending to be the president! It’s such a fun, interactive way to engage with presidential history. I’ve always wanted to see what the Oval Office looks like from the inside, and while this isn’t the real thing, it definitely satisfied my curiosity!
Why Museums Need More Interactive Exhibits
One thing that really stood out to me about the New York Historical Society was how they’re integrating technology into their exhibitions. Too many museums are stuck in the past, presenting information in static, hands-off displays.
Here, I could touch interactive screens, listen to audio recordings, watch videos, and even «create» my own Tiffany lamp design. These elements make history accessible and engaging, especially for younger visitors who might otherwise find museums boring.
It’s exactly the approach that helps history feel relevant rather than distant—something I think we all can appreciate, regardless of whether you’re a history buff or just looking for something interesting to do on a weekend.
Central Park: The Perfect Post-Museum Retreat
After spending a few hours exploring the museum, I headed to Central Park (which is literally right across the street) to process everything I’d learned and enjoy the beautiful day. Even though I’m not usually a fan of hot weather, sitting in the shade with the gorgeous blue sky above was the perfect way to end my Upper West Side adventure.
Central Park in spring and summer is ideal for picnics, meeting up with friends, or just finding a quiet spot to read. If you’re visiting the New York Historical Society, I’d definitely recommend planning some time afterward to explore this iconic green space too.
Final Thoughts: A 10/10 Experience
Overall, I’d give my visit to the New York Historical Society a solid 10 out of 10. It’s the perfect destination for:
- Anyone who loves New York City and wants to understand its evolution
- Architecture enthusiasts (especially if you’re mourning beautiful lost buildings like I am)
- History lovers looking beyond the typical tourist spots
- Fans of period dramas like «The Gilded Age» who want to see real artifacts from that era
- People who appreciate museums that blend education with interactivity
I know it’s impossible to fully convey a museum experience through a blog post or video, but I hope I’ve inspired you to check out this overlooked treasure on your next NYC adventure. Sometimes the best experiences in this city are the ones slightly off the beaten path!
Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever visited the New York Historical Society or if there are other hidden gems in NYC you think I should explore next!
Until next time,
Flor 💕
P.S. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @FloPereira for daily NYC adventures and lifestyle content!
Visitor Information:
- Location: 170 Central Park West (at Richard Gilder Way, 77th Street)
- Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm (closed Mondays)
- Admission: Adults $22, Seniors/Educators/Active Military $17, Students $13, Kids 4-13 $6
- Website: nyhistory.org
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