Simon Whalley, an accomplished music director in the United Kingdom and United States, most recently conducted a professional choir and prepared musical scores as music director and organist at the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin in New York. A culture enthusiast, Simon Whalley loves visiting museums and galleries wherever he travels, and he has explored many different museums during his time in New York.
Although New York City is well-known for its classic museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim, it is also home to numerous lesser-known museums. Below are just a few of the city’s lesser-known museums:
- The Tenement Museum: the Tenement Museum teaches visitors about the city’s long history of immigration. Located on Orchard Street in a former tenement building, this museum features costumed actors and unique installations. Tours are available throughout the day which offer the opportunity to learn about the roles and stories of NYC immigrants.
- Neue Galerie: featuring early 20th century art from German and Austrian artists and designers, the Neue Galerie is often overlooked despite being across the street from the famous Met. The gallery’s exhibits are spread throughout a three-story townhouse and its prize piece is the “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer,” by Gustav Klimt.
- Hamilton Grange National Memorial: thanks to the efforts of the National Parks Service and a local church, the original NYC home of Alexander Hamilton was carefully preserved. The structure was converted to a memorial and museum where visitors can walk through the rooms that this founding father and other significant historical figures once enjoyed.
