NYC Arts: The Complete Guide to Art and Culture

Founded in 1981, Museum of the Moving Image is the nation’s only museum devoted to film, television and digital media. The core exhibition, Behind the Screen, spans two floors and 15,000 square feet and utilizes more than 1,400 historical artifacts, commissioned artworks, video clips and interactive exhibits to show how moving images are made, marketed and shown.

The exhibition traces the craft of making a film or television episode from concept through exhibition, and introduces visitors to the history of the moving image, from the theatrical magic-lantern shows of the 18th century, through the construction of opulent movie palaces in cities across America during the 1920s and 1930s and the rise of television in the 1950s, and up to the present-day impact of the computer on film editing, production design and post-production.

The museum completed a major expansion and renovation, reopening its doors on January 15, 2011. Designed by architect Thomas Leeser, the project doubles the size of the building. It includes a complete redesign of the first floor and and a new theater, screening room, galleries and an education center.

Each year the museum screens more than 400 films in a stimulating mix of the classic and the contemporary. Tickets are included with museum admission.

The museum is located on the site of the historic Astoria Studios, once Paramount Pictures' East Coast facility. Across the street, the Kaufman-Astoria Studios is an active film and television studio. Filmmakers Woody Allen, Martin Scorsese and Sidney Lumet have all made films there.

Foreign-language Programs
Foreign-language films (with English subtitles) are screened on a regular basis. 

• Directions: Subway: M, R to Steinway Street; N, Q to 36 Avenue. More directions.

• ADA Compliant Restrooms
• Coat Check
• Disability Access: Wheelchair accessible. A wheelchair is available on a first come, first served basis.
• Disability Assistance: Assistive listening devices available: FM and infrared receivers with headsets or neckloops
• Gift Shops
• On-Site Food
• Space Rental: Available for private parties and events
• Tours: Public tours of the core exhibition, Behind the Screen, are offered on weekends. Group tours are offered by appointment. Contact education@movingimage.us for more information.

Get involved with Museum of the Moving Image

• Volunteer Opportunities
• Memberships
• Subscriptions: The Museum's e-mail newsletter delivers program information.