Address
36-01 35th Aven (at 37th Street ), Astoria, NY 11106
Phone Number
(718) 293 -6398
Date Visited
6-25-23
Website
Museum of the Moving Image
Description
The Museum of the Moving Image is located at 36-01 35th Ave (at 37th St), in Astoria, NY. Parking must be found on the street or at a nearby garage.The street level main has two sets of double doors. The Museum has three floors, with stairs and an elevator to all. The Museum is easy to maneuver, with ample space to move around. Seating is minimal in the galleries other than what you will find near viewing screens.
The main theater on the first floor has a ramp to enter. Once inside you are between the third and fourth rows. Wheelchair and companion seating are located here. All other rows require steps to get to them. The steps are underlit. There are handrails on both sides of the theater. There is a bench in the lobby and seats in the cafe.
Restrooms are located on the first and third floors. The third floor restrooms are not handicapped-accessible, as none of the stalls have hand bars. The first floor restrooms are multi-stall, with a large accessible stall. A baby-changing station is located in the first floor restroom near the elevator.
All screening rooms are accessible.
The Courtyard Cafe is located on the main floor.
- Attraction Type: museum
Number of accessible spaces: there is no dedicated parking garage
Location of accessible spaces: na
Surface of lot: na
Distance to venue: depends on where you park
Transportation to venue offered: na
Terrain: na
Places to rest: none outside
Paths and walkways: concrete sidewalk in front of venue
Location of accessible entrance: main entrance
Doors: 2 sets of double doors
Number of floors: 3
Elevators: one
Ramps: none
Steps and staircases: to all floors
Width of aisles: ample space to maneuver
Places to sit: minimal seating in galleries other than for viewing videos
Location of restrooms: **1st and 3rd floors
Type of restroom: 3rd floor not accessible, others are multi-stall, with an accessible stall
Ease of entry and exit: OK
Baby changing station: yes
Available food services: Courtyard Cafe
Friendliness of staff: exceptional personnel, happy to talk to you
Notes: * Parking must be found on the street or at a nearby garage. a
Museum of the Moving Image is located in Astoria, Queens, in a former building of what is now the Kaufman Astoria Studios. For anyone interested in movies or television this venue is a must !
Even though it was a Saturday, we were able to find street parking about a block away.
The street level, double door entrance leads to a small entryway and another set of double doors to the lobby and gift shop (on the right). The shop has an intersting selection of items. From here a slight incline leads to the courtyard and its lovely cafe.
An elevator or stairs gets one to all floors. Each level has ample space to navigate. There is minimal seating in the galleries other than what you will find near the movie/video screens.
It is “…the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to exploring the art, history and technology of the moving image…Embracing a wide range of subjects, from nineteenth century optical toys to the latest in digital art, the Museum explores every phase of the production, promotion, and exhibition of moving images. It offers an engaging, highly interactive core exhibition, programs of contemporary and classic films from around the world, discussion with leading figures in film and television, a unique collection, inspiring educational programs for learners of all ages, stimulating changing exhibitions, and ground breaking online projects.” (website) A truer description couldn’t be written!
The Museum has many permanent exhibitions as well as temporary ones. The permanent Jim Henson Exhibition is wonderful. From his beginning interest in puppets all the way through his life, you can see many of the characters he created not just for Sesame Street and The Muppets, but for other things as well.his exhibit is a must for anyone with an interest in Henson and all of the things he created. The main theater on the first floor was having a screening of “The Great Muppet Caper,” with an introduction by the President of The Jim Henson Society, with lots of interesting trivia about the making of the film. It added a nice touch to the screening. A ramp from the lobby leads to the theater itself. When we entered we found ourselves between the third and forth rows. Wheelchair and companion seating is located here. All other rows require steps, either up or down. There is lighting under the steps and handrails on both sides of the theater. The seats themselves areroomy and comfortable.
At the moment there is a temporary “Stop Motion” exhibit, which was fascinating. It is quite interactive. Adults and kids alike were enjoying all of the activities. The various areas offer many objects from the past to look at. We always have fun saying, “Remember that?” when looking at the old televisions, radios, costumes and memorabilia from our childhood and before. If you are over the age of 35 you will love the video games from the old arcades. You can relive your youth while playing! Star Wars and Star Trek fans will undoubtedly enjoy the collection of memorabilia.
Restrooms are located on the first and third floors. The restroom on the third floor is not accessible (there are no handrails in the stall). The others each have an accessible stall. A baby-changing station can be found in the first floor restroom near the elevator.
All of the personnel we encountered were exceptional. They all seemed genuinely happy to talk to us and answer all of our questions.
As always, we at Destination Accessible, advise you to check a venue’s website, www.movingimage.us, when planning a visit, to “know before you go.”
Panera
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