Staten Island Museum
Discover art, history, and natural science at the Staten Island Museum, a charming and affordable cultural hub.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Staten Island Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover art, history, and natural science at the Staten Island Museum, a charming and affordable cultural hub.
"A small but excellent museum, packed with information and perfect for a quiet, affordable visit."
💰 Pay-What-You-Wish
Don't miss the pay-what-you-wish admission! It's a fantastic way to experience the museum affordably.
❄️ Beat the Heat
Perfect for a hot day! The museum is well air-conditioned, offering a cool escape.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Remember the Mastodon
Natural Sciences Wing
Discover the fascinating world of mastodons and their differences from woolly mammoths in this engaging exhibit.
Taking Care: The Black Angels of Sea View Hospital
History Wing
Learn about the dedicated nurses of the early 1900s and their vital work in treating tuberculosis at Sea View Hospital.
Breakdown: The Promise of Decay
Art & Science Exhibits
Explore the vibrant nature of decay, from microorganisms to microplastics, in this thought-provoking exhibition.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Pay-What-You-Wish Admission
Escape the Heat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Pay-What-You-Wish
Don't miss the pay-what-you-wish admission! It's a fantastic way to experience the museum affordably.
❄️ Beat the Heat
Perfect for a hot day! The museum is well air-conditioned, offering a cool escape.
📸 Photo Friendly (No Flash!)
Capture memories! Photography is allowed, but please no flash or videos.
🗺️ Explore Local History
The lower level offers a deep dive into Staten Island's rich history.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Pay-What-You-Wish
Don't miss the pay-what-you-wish admission! It's a fantastic way to experience the museum affordably.
❄️ Beat the Heat
Perfect for a hot day! The museum is well air-conditioned, offering a cool escape.
📸 Photo Friendly (No Flash!)
Capture memories! Photography is allowed, but please no flash or videos.
🗺️ Explore Local History
The lower level offers a deep dive into Staten Island's rich history.
🚶♀️ Grounds to Explore
Enjoy walking the grounds, especially beautiful in the spring.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Staten Island Museum to be a charming, well-curated gem, perfect for a quiet and affordable visit. Its pay-what-you-wish admission and air-conditioned interior are highly praised, especially on hot days. While not large, the museum packs a lot of information about local history, art, and natural sciences, making it a worthwhile stop for those exploring the borough.
"The Staten Island Museum is a small but charming spot that’s perfect for a quiet visit. It’s air-conditioned, which makes it extra nice on hot days, and they operate on a pay-what-you-wish system—so it’s very affordable. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, and while it isn’t huge, that actually makes it easy to enjoy without feeling overwhelmed. Overall, it’s a cute little museum that’s definitely worth stopping by if you’re in the area."
Kimberly Lim Legaspi
"The Staten Island Museum is the ideal place for exploring art, natural science, and history. With various innovative exhibitions, there are tons to learn here. The current exhibitions at the time of this review are "Breakdown: The Promise of Decay", "Remember the Mastodon", and "Taking Care: The Black Angels of Sea View Hospital".
Breakdown: The Promise of Decay exhibition examines the vibrancy of decay. It focuses on the notions of time, waste, and the in-between. What I love about this exhibition is that it focuses on both microorganisms and non-organic substances. It goes into depth about the life and death of fungi and bacteria, as well as, the harmful substance of microplastics and how it can decay/breakdown.
Remember the Mastodon is my favorite exhibition here. A short and informative wing about the mastodon. Especially, how they are similar, yet different, from the wooly mammoth!
Taking Care: The Black Angels of Sea View Hospital is the final exhibition here. It features the hard working nurses from the 1900s, who worked in the Sea View Hospital to help find treatment for tuberculosis. While I love learning about the animal kingdom, it is nice to learn about the past heroes from our history."
Stephen K
"I love the lower level of the Museum, which tells the history of the Island. The first floor is more about the nature on the island, and the second floor displays archaeological items and panels about the hospital for TB. You don't need to buy tickets in advance, and the staff there were nice.
One thing I didn't like about the museum was the music on the lower level, but other than that, it's a good place to check out. Taking pictures is allowed, but no flash and no videos."
Tamao Chika
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Staten Island Museum is located at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden. You can reach it via public transportation, including buses that serve the Snug Harbor area. If arriving by ferry from Manhattan, you'll need to take a connecting bus. +1
Yes, parking is generally available at Snug Harbor, where the museum is located. It's advisable to check Snug Harbor's official website for the most current parking information and any associated fees.
Absolutely! While Staten Island is often perceived as car-dependent, many attractions, including the museum, are accessible via public transit. The Staten Island Ferry is a popular free option to get to the island from Manhattan.
From the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, you can take a local bus route that services Snug Harbor. Check the MTA website for the most up-to-date bus schedules and routes.
The museum is generally accessible, but it's always a good idea to contact them directly to confirm specific accessibility features and any accommodations they may offer.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Staten Island Museum operates on a pay-what-you-wish system, making it very affordable and accessible for all visitors.
No, you do not need to buy tickets in advance. The pay-what-you-wish model allows for walk-in visits.
Museum hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Staten Island Museum website for the most current operating hours before your visit. [^SEO keyword: staten island museum hours]
While the Staten Island Museum offers pay-what-you-wish admission, other attractions like the Staten Island Ferry are free. [^SEO keyword: free museums in staten island]
Yes, the museum often hosts various events, including exhibitions and community programs. Check their website for upcoming Staten Island Museum events. [^SEO keyword: staten island museum events]
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The museum features a diverse range of exhibits covering local history, art, and natural sciences. Current highlights include 'Remember the Mastodon,' 'Taking Care: The Black Angels of Sea View Hospital,' and 'Breakdown: The Promise of Decay.'
Yes, the museum is considered appropriate and interesting for all ages, with interactive elements and engaging exhibits. The Staten Island Children's Museum is also a popular spot for families. +1
Photography is permitted inside the museum, but please refrain from using flash or recording videos.
The museum is described as small but well-curated, meaning you can enjoy its exhibits without feeling overwhelmed. A visit can typically take 1-2 hours, depending on your interest level.
The museum has a long history of showcasing the art, history, and natural sciences of Staten Island, contributing to the understanding of the borough's unique heritage. [^SEO keyword: staten island history museum]
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Staten Island Museum itself does not typically have a cafe or restaurant. However, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, where the museum is located, may have dining options or nearby eateries.
For a taste of Staten Island, consider exploring local pizzerias like Mimo's Pizza Shop or other restaurants in the vicinity of Snug Harbor. The area around the ferry terminal also offers various dining choices.
Generally, it's best to consume food and drinks outside of exhibition areas in museums. Check the museum's specific policies upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
While photography is allowed without flash, the exhibits themselves offer unique visual content. The 'Remember the Mastodon' and 'Breakdown: The Promise of Decay' exhibits are particularly visually interesting.
Yes, photography is allowed, but flash photography and video recording are prohibited to protect the exhibits.
Beyond the museum, iconic Staten Island photo spots include the Staten Island Ferry for skyline views and the Statue of Liberty, and potentially historic sites like Historic Richmond Town. [^SEO keyword: staten island museum photos]
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 While the Staten Island Museum is more general, it's still considered appropriate and interesting for all ages, with some interactive elements. For a budget-friendly outing, remember the Staten Island Museum's pay-what-you-wish admission.
💰 Budget Travelers
Many of Staten Island's attractions are accessible via public transportation, so factor in the cost of MTA fares. Exploring neighborhoods and parks can also be a free way to experience the borough. Look for local eateries that offer good value, like the highly-rated pizzerias.
couples
Consider a scenic ride on the Staten Island Ferry for romantic skyline views, especially during sunset.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Staten Island's Unique Identity
Despite these perceptions, Staten Island offers a wealth of attractions, from historical sites like Historic Richmond Town [^SEO keyword: historic richmond town staten island] to cultural institutions like the Staten Island Museum and the National Lighthouse Museum [^SEO keyword: national lighthouse museum staten island]. The Staten Island Children's Museum
[^SEO keyword: staten island childrens museum] is a hit with families, and the Urban Zone offers new entertainment options. For those seeking a deeper understanding of the island's cultural tapestry, the Tibetan Museum [^SEO keyword: tibetan museum staten island] and the Alice Austen House [^SEO keyword: alice austen house staten island] offer unique insights. Whether you're looking for art, history, or just a different pace of life within the city, Staten Island offers a distinct experience that many New Yorkers are eager to explore.
A Glimpse into the Staten Island Museum's Collections
Among its most popular exhibits is 'Remember the Mastodon,' which delves into the prehistoric life of the island and educates visitors on the differences between mastodons and woolly mammoths.
Beyond these featured exhibitions, the museum's lower level is dedicated to the history of Staten Island, offering a detailed look at the borough's development and cultural evolution.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit