From the remains of a giant mastodon that roamed the city before the invention of the wheel to a familiar view from a new angle, new experiences in the Big Apple reimagine the city’s fascinating past. These attractions embrace innovative and interactive ways to tell the near and far-reaching history of New York City.
The completely modernized One World Observatory allows visitors to see the city from the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere as well as observe how the city’s skyline has changed over the years. In the newly expanded Staten Island Museum, groups can explore a collection of historic specimens and artworks in an updated and engaging setting.
A new tour even celebrates New York’s recent tradition of appearing in beloved television and film classics.
Those who think they know the City That Never Sleeps by heart should consider another trip to discover these recently added or enhanced attractions that honor the city’s past in novel ways.
One World Observatory
A 60-second elevator ride to the 100th floor of the One World Trade Center building not only sends groups up the fastest elevator in the world but also displays an animated time-lapse video of the city’s development from the 16th century to today. Once guests watch the growth of the metropolis from the ground up, they can prepare for the incomparable panoramas from the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
“Visitors can now see New York City from new heights,” said Caroline Peck, director of communications for NYC and Company. “It just opened last May. It is quite an immersive experience. Guests are always wowed by the views.”
Once outside the elevators, groups watch a two-minute video celebrating New York City before the screen opens and the expansive city comes into view. To soak in the scene, visitors can wander through the three-story observation deck’s interactive exhibits. Visiting the observatory often takes an hour or two, unless the stay is extended at one of the site’s three restaurants on the 101st floor.
To fully appreciate the height of the observatory, guests can stand on the Sky Portal, a 14-foot-wide circular disc that displays real-time, high-definition footage of the streets below. These images can give visitors a thrill while also assuring them of the safety of a sturdy floor beneath them.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center
A life-size replica of a mastodon skeleton greets visitors to the new Staten Island museum called the Snug Harbor Cultural Center. Opening the museum campus completed a dream 40 years in the making, as in 1965, museum members saved the historic buildings that currently house the museum.
Formerly a dormitory for retired seamen, the 19th-century landmark reopened with a restored exterior and LEED certification. The 80-acre campus consists of Greek Revival buildings, modern exhibits and public programming.
The original Staten Island Museum still operates in St. George, near the ferry terminal.
“The Staten Island Museum is Staten Island’s oldest cultural experience,” said Peck. “They expanded in 2015 with the Snug Harbor Cultural Center. There are several other cultural organizations in Snug Harbor, so it’s great they’ve been able to add another cultural institute there.”
Dubbed the “mini Smithsonian,” the museum is the only remaining general interest museum in New York City. Officials organized the museum into three main collections: natural sciences, fine art and history archives. Groups can either follow an organized tour of the Snug Harbor Cultural Center’s wide variety of offerings or wander on their own to sections that interest them.
Guests can browse through art ranging from ancient Egyptian sculpture to modern artists like Andy Warhol. The site also contains historic artifacts reaching back to authentic land grants sealed by King Charles II and more than 500,000 natural science specimens.
