NYC Arts: The Complete Guide to Art and Culture

Located below the world-famous Cyclone roller coaster on Surf Avenue, the History Project’s exhibition center presents a series of exhibits, events and performances and displays historic artifacts from Coney Island's colorful past. The centerpiece is an authentic Steeplechase horse, part of the legendary ride that gave Steeplechase Park its name.

The exhibition center will open for the 2010 season on Memorial Day weekend with a new exhibition about archaeology and historic sites in the neighborhood. Throughout the year, visitors are invited to download the History Project's new audio/video walking tour, "Coney Island's Amusement Area--Past & Present," and explore the neighborhood. Narrated by historian Charles Denson, the Coney Island History Project's free audio tours make the People's Playground accessible to visitors and armchair travelers 365 days a year. The tour is downloadable to iPods and other portable players and may be listened to live via iPhone.

• Directions: Subways: F, Q to West 8th Street; D, F, N, Q to Stillwell Avenue