The Rubin Museum of Art in New York City has a tight focus on the Buddhist-inspired arts of the Himalayan countries. Visitors with a special interest can immerse themselves in the intricate details of the exhibits, while those wanting an overview can get a high-level exposure to the variety of artworks by browsing as they follow the spiral staircase down. The museum's tours and guides help guests find the meanings in symbolism that may be foreign.
Best and Worst Time to Go to the Rubin Museum
There is no bad time to go to the Rubin. For those wanting a night out, the Wednesday and Friday night programs offer music and cocktails along with the art.
Must See/Do at the Rubin Museum
The museum annually features a Masterworks collection of selected highlights from its collection. Spend time in the shrine room, where recordings explain the layout in detail and the atmosphere encourages meditation and reflection. Take a free 45-minute tour of the exhibitions, offered twice daily, or listen to one of the audio tours—there are several suggested itineraries—and become informed during independent exploration.
Admission to the Rubin Museum
Admission is about $15, with lower rates for seniors and students, and free admission for children. On Friday nights, admission is free.
Parking and Public Transportation at the Rubin Museum
There are several public parking garages in the museum's neighborhood; on-street parking may also be available. Several subway and bus lines stop near the museum.
Food at the Rubin Museum
The museum's restaurant, Café Serai, offers small and large plates inspired by the nations of the Himalayas. The menu is different on Friday night, when it features a variety of Asian tapas.
Insider tip for Visitors to the Rubin Museum
Visiting Friday night not only gives free admission, but also free tours, free music, and free film screenings.
Author bio: Elissa Gilbert is a freelance writer living in Manhattan. She enjoys visiting all of New York's museums, including the Rubin. Elissa blogs about her travels at http://www.elissaexplores.com.
Visitors with an interest in science and history will find much to learn at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Exhibits range from fossils found in the ground to the stars and planets up in the sky. Human evolution and culture are also explored in exhibits at the museum.
Best and worst time to go to the American Museum of Natural History
The museum is extremely popular, so you're likely to find a crowd any time you visit. Try to arrive when it opens to beat the crowds.
Must see/do at the American Museum of Natural History
Several rooms filled with dinosaur bones are unmissable, with exhibits explaining the linkage between dinosaurs and birds. The Hall of Human Evolution displays our ancestors, including famous Lucy. Many people don't realize the museum includes a planetarium, and the sky shows there explain the origins of the universe.
Admission to the American Museum of Natural History
The museum's posted admission rates are around $20 for adults, with lower rates for students and seniors. If you buy tickets in advance, you'll pay that rate, but if you pay when you arrive, admission is "pay any amount." There are separate charges for special exhibits and 3-D movies.
Parking and public transportation to the American Museum of Natural History
There's a subway entrance right inside the museum; it's easily reached by bus as well. The museum has a parking garage, but you may be able to find free parking on nearby streets.
Food at the American Museum of Natural History
The museum has a food court and several smaller cafés throughout. You can also step outside the museum to purchase food from the food trucks lining the street outside.
Insider tip for visitors at the American Museum of Natural History
You'll get around the museum much faster taking the stairs rather than waiting for the elevator.
Author's Bio: Elissa Gilbert is a native New Yorker. She blogs about her travels outside of the city at http://elissaexplores.com.
