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Cinemas

Museum of the Moving Image

📍 Queens, NY

4.6(4,249 Google reviews)💰$10-$20👶All ages

Two floors of hands-on film and TV exhibits including stop-motion animation stations, arcade games, Sopranos set design, Star Wars toys, and the permanent Jim Henson puppet collection. Free admission on select days. Toddler-accessible.

Jim Henson puppet collectionStop-motion animation stationsFilm and TV memorabiliaCalm welcoming atmosphereFree or discounted entryWorth the trip to Queens
★★★★★Featured review by happylioneatsprey

This is a fantastic museum that focuses on the history of moving images, and has a permanent Jim Henson exhibit. We were excited that on our last afternoon in New York City was spent within this museum. Initially, I wanted to check out the Henson related installment, but was surprised by the wealth of movie memorabilia and behind-the-scene work for films. Their extension collection of props, prosthetics, set design, and more brings the magic of the silver screen to guests for a greater understanding and appreciation of the art form. They also have one of the largest collections of movie cameras, old televisions, and even a recreated movie theater for guests to experience. I look forward to visiting this museum when we're back in the area and recommend it to all visitors in Astoria. It'll charm any Jim Henson fan, delight the casual to serious movie-goer, and ignite the passion for films within everyone else.

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Engages children who grew up with Sesame Street and adults who grew up with the Muppets simultaneously — the Jim Henson exhibit is the rare museum display that stops both generations in their tracks. Stop-motion animation stations work well for ages 6 and up.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡The Jim Henson exhibit is the anchor — allocate dedicated time there before exploring other floors
Stop-motion animation stations are hands-on and genuinely engaging for school-age children
🎟️The first-floor cafe provides a mid-visit break without leaving the building
🚗Weekday visits avoid the Valentine's Day and weekend crowd density reported by reviewers

💬 What Families Are Saying

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4.6

4,249 Google reviews

Jim Henson exhibit is the standout40%
Interactive hands-on experiences30%
Extensive film and TV memorabilia20%
Calm atmosphere and kind staff10%
H

happylioneatsprey

6 months ago

This is a fantastic museum that focuses on the history of moving images, and has a permanent Jim Henson exhibit. We were excited that on our last afternoon in New York City was spent within this museum. Initially, I wanted to check out the Henson related installment, but was surprised by the wealth of movie memorabilia and behind-the-scene work for films. Their extension collection of props, prosthetics, set design, and more brings the magic of the silver screen to guests for a greater understanding and appreciation of the art form. They also have one of the largest collections of movie cameras, old televisions, and even a recreated movie theater for guests to experience. I look forward to visiting this museum when we're back in the area and recommend it to all visitors in Astoria. It'll charm any Jim Henson fan, delight the casual to serious movie-goer, and ignite the passion for films within everyone else.

M

Mike Reviewed It!

a month ago

Valentines date with Bae. A lot of exhibits including the Sopranos Set designs and a whole slew of Puppets from the Hensons foundation. Tons of childhood memorabilia, loved the Star Wars toys. It was very crowded on this Valentine’s Day. A lot of interactive exhibits with young couples standing in line to participate. They have a nice cafe and sitting area on the first floor where we had our caffeinated beverages, me a mocha latte, and enjoyed each others conversations and recap of the exhibits we just experienced.

J

John

a month ago

The Moving Image Museum cannot be beat! They've got it all; cameras, an E.T. doll, an Exorcist doll, a Sopranos exhibit, arcade games, clean bathrooms, and a well-stocked gift shop. The Jim Henson exhibit is a highlight. There's a kiosk that gives you a bit of information on every job on-set of a production. There are tons of jobs I've never heard of. It gives you an idea of the immense manpower needed to make these shows and movies we enjoy.

E

Evelina M.

a month ago

We had a wonderful visit to Museum of the Moving Image. Two floors of thoughtfully curated exhibitions and a beautiful Jim Henson Exhibition. The atmosphere was calm and welcoming, and the staff were incredibly kind — especially the staff member on the first floor who made us feel comfortable right away. My children really enjoyed the visit. We were happy to leave a donation and would absolutely recommend this museum to families.

Reviews from Google

Overview

Museum of the Moving Image houses the Jim Henson puppet collection — Sesame Street and Muppet Show characters displayed at close range — alongside production props from The Sopranos, E.T., and The Exorcist, plus arcade games and extensive childhood TV memorabilia. Interactive stations let visitors create stop-motion animations and explore every on-set role via a production kiosk. Two exhibition floors with a cafe on the first floor. Clean facilities and a well-stocked gift shop on-site.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday11:00 – 18:00
Friday14:00 – 18:00
Saturday14:00 – 20:00
Sunday11:00 – 18:00

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