Address

170 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024

Phone Number

(212) 873 - 3400

Date Visited

10/22/22

Website

Link to Website

New York Historical Society, Museum & Library

Description

The New York Historical Society is located at170 Central Park West, New YorkNY. There are 9 steps up to the main entrance. The handicapped entrance is located at 2 West 77th Street. The museum has four floors.  An elevator provides access to all floors.

Multi-stall, accessible restrooms are located on each floor. Three single-occupancy, but non-accessible, restrooms are on the main floor. Baby-changing stations can be found on the lower level, first and 4th floors.

There are benches in some of the galleries.

The main floor restaurant is accessible from both the lobby and street.

The museum store is located near the restaurant.

Checklist

    Attraction Type:  museum
    Paths and walkways:  concrete sidewalk, steps and ramp to enter
    Doors:  single
    Number of floors:  5
    Elevators:  2
    Ramps:  ramp to accessible entrance on 77th street
    Steps and staircases:  to all floors
    Width of aisles:  spacious
    Places to sit:  benches in some galleries
    Location of restrooms:  on all levels
    Type of restroom:  multi-stall, accessible on all floors, 3 single-occupancy, non-accessible on main floor
    Ease of entry and exit:  good
    Baby changing station:  yes
    Available food services:  full service restaurant on main floor
    Friendliness of staff:  very friendly and helpful
    Notes:  * This venue does not have a dedicated parking garage. Parking must be found on the street or in a garage. ** The main entrance has 9 steps up to it.

Read More

The New York Historical Society is the oldest museum in the city of New York. It predates the Met by 70 years. It is “…dedicated to fostering research, presenting history and art exhibitions, and public programs that reveal the dynamism of history and its influence on the world of today. It has a mission to explore the richly layered political, cultural, and social history of New York City, the state and the nation…” (website)


This was our first visit since before Covid. We were happy to see that most things have not changed, and the new things are great.


The main entrance requires nine steps. The accessible entrance is around the corner at 2 West 77th Street. Both entrances lead to the beautiful, spacious lobby.  We were quite pleased to find that the amazing movie, “New York Story,”  is still being shown in the main floor auditorium. Spacious, comfy seats with wheelchair and companion seating are easy to navigate. Make sure not to miss this story of our nation. At this time is is accompanied by another wonderful film, entitled, “We Rise,” a story of women at the center of political thought and action. Make time to see both of them. 


The museum has four levels. The last time we were here the fourth floor was closed for renovation. Now, the Tiffany Gallery houses over 100 illuminated Tiffany lamps. If you are a Tiffany fan, as I am, this gallery is heaven!  Even if you are not a huge fan, these masterpieces are worth seeing.


The galleries on all floors are spacious, with benches in some of them. The lower level houses the DiMenna Children’s History Museum, an area with may interactive things of interest for kids.


A large elevator provides access to all floors. Multi-stall restrooms on each floor have accessible stalls. There are three, single-occupancy restrooms on the main floor which are not accessible. Baby-changing stations can be found on the lower level, first and 4th floors.


The calendar at the museum is very full with events and performances. Be sure to check their website (http://www.nyhistory.org">www.nyhistory.org) for more information.


A lovely restaurant on the main floor, (Storico), is easily accessible from both the lobby and street. Unfortunately, we did not have time to visit. The museum store is located next to the restaurant.


Everyone was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. 


As always, we at Destination Accessible, advise you to visit a venue’s website, (http://www.nyhistory.org">www.nyhistory.org), when planning a visit, to “know before you go.”



Location


Nearby

American Museum of Natural History

Storico Restaurant