Museum of the Moving Image
 |
|
 |
|
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
| Established | September 10, 1988 |
|---|---|
| Location | 35th Avenue and 36th Street, Astoria, Queens, New York City |
| Public transit access | New York City Subway: 36th Avenue   MTA Bus: Q66, Q101 |
The Museum of the Moving Image is a cool place in Astoria, Queens, New York City. It's a museum all about movies, TV shows, and digital media. It first opened its doors on September 10, 1988.
The museum is located in a building that used to be part of the famous Astoria Studios. These studios are now known as Kaufman Astoria Studios. In 2011, the museum became much bigger after a major expansion.
Contents
What You Can See at the Museum
The Museum of the Moving Image focuses on the art, history, and technology of film, TV, and digital media. It collects and saves items related to moving images. You can explore these items through fun exhibits and educational programs.
Exploring Exhibits and Programs
The exhibits have lots of audio and video to help you understand how the movie and TV industries grew. The museum often holds discussions about new movies. It also has regular movie series in its two theaters.
These series include "Changing the Picture" and "Science on Screen." They celebrate different parts of movie art and culture. The museum also has a big collection of video games and gaming equipment.
Special Exhibits to Discover
In 2017, the museum opened "the Jim Henson Exhibition." This is a permanent exhibit honoring the amazing life of Jim Henson. He was the creator of the Muppets and other beloved characters.
Another exhibit, "Envisioning 2001: Stanley Kubrick's Space Odyssey," opened in January 2020. It explores the making of the famous movie 2001: A Space Odyssey.
A Look at the Museum's History
In 1970, a group called the Astoria Motion Picture and Television Center Foundation took over the old Astoria Studios. They wanted to protect this historic building. Many important movies and TV shows were made there.
Their work helped bring the studios back to life. People became more interested in the film industry. So, plans were made to open a museum there for everyone to enjoy.
Opening and Early Years
After seven years of hard work and a cost of $15 million, the American Museum of the Moving Image opened. This happened on September 10, 1988. It was the first museum in the United States dedicated only to film, TV, and video.
The museum's theater was very modern for its time. It could show many different film types, including old nitrate prints. Visitors could also experience what it was like to watch TV in a lounge from the early days of television.
Growth and Expansion
In March 2008, the museum started a big expansion project. This project cost $65 million and doubled the museum's size. It added a new theater and more space for learning.
The museum stayed open during most of the construction. Its new and improved building opened on January 15, 2011. The main exhibit, "Behind the Screen," was also updated at this time.
Film Festivals and Special Events
Since 2011, the museum has hosted the First Look Film Festival. This festival is known for showing new and exciting international movies. It introduces New York audiences to creative films that explore different topics and styles.
In July 2024, the museum held a special program called "100 Years of Parajanov." This celebrated the work of the famous filmmaker Sergei Parajanov.
