Did you and your kids love “Danny and the Dinosaur”? Did you cheer for Ben Stiller in “The Night at the Museum? How much more exciting to go to a real museum. Too expensive, you say – Mom, Dad two kids.
Not necessarily. The Friends of the Hoboken Public Library are sponsoring a program that provides free passes to five different museums in New York City. All you have to do is show your library card at the front desk and sign them out.
The American Museum of Natural History, on Central Park West at 79th Street, which honors President Theodore Roosevelt, is one of the world’s great museums. The collection includes fascinating dioramas as well as hands-on exhibits. Of course, the dinosaur models and skeletons continue to be everyone’s favorite. Vouchers provided are for a single use and need not be returned. Please note these vouchers are for general admission, and may not include special exhibits which may have additional fees.
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., is aimed at children in a wide range of ages, including the very youngest. It specializes in interactive exhibits, the latest of which encourages kids to eat their vegetables. It also has a variety of programs and performances related to the exhibits.
The Intrepid Air, Sea and Space Museum is located on an aircraft carrier tied up in the Hudson River. You and your family will be able to learn about this historic ship and its heroic personnel. In addition, this summer, this national landmark will be one of the stops for the touring space shuttle.
Although most of these museums are family friendly, The Frick Collection, Fifth Avenue and 70th Street, does not admit visitors younger than 10 years old. This collection of paintings and other works of art is housed in the mansion that was once the home of 19th century robber baron Henry Clay Frick. Here you can visit a bygone world of luxury in the grand style.
The New York Historical Society, Central Park West at 77th Street, is the oldest museum in New York and one of the oldest in the United States. Its past financial difficulties have been overcome and it has recently undergone renovation. It houses a vast assemblage of materials relating to New York and the nation as a whole as well as a remarkable collection of Audubon prints. But just for fun, don’t miss the painting of the bear’s picnic.
Obtaining passes
These passes are all available at the library’s front desk and may be signed out for a 24-hour day. All passes, other than those for the Museum of Natural History, must be returned to the library. Please check with the library staff for availability and any other conditions that may apply.
The passes are one more way the Friends are helping the library to expand services to the Hoboken community. So take advantage of the opportunity for free museum admission for you and your family and if you see Ben Stiller say, “Hi from Hoboken.”
This column is brought to you by The Friends of the Hoboken Public Library, a non-profit group of volunteers dedicated to assisting the library. For more information about the Friends and the activities we sponsor and to join the group, visit our web site at www.hobokenfol.ogr. Membership brochures are also available at the library. The current hours of the library are the following:
Monday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Children’s Room hours:
Monday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Wednesday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.