Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Denny (22) experience (14) collection (13) museum (13) items (12) Museum (12) Interesting (12) time (11) great (9) interesting (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Jeremy E. 4 years ago on Google β€’ 34 reviews
    Visiting Denny and his collection was an interesting, unique experience, and while I enjoyed it quite a lot, it's not for everyone. This is not a traditional museum or exhibited collection; if you are expecting a large space with items on display that you can examine at your own pace, you will be disappointed. The "museum" is actually the curator's home, an ordinary apartment stuffed to overflowing with an extraordinary collection of things from a bygone era. Over the course of a couple of hours, we stood in Denny's entryway as he would repeatedly pick an object from his enormous collection, bring it to us, and regale us with its stories. In many cases he would invite us to hold or even operate these artifacts that were often over a hundred years old. For each, he would tell us its history and how it came to be part of his collection. In the two hours we were there, we saw perhaps a dozen or so things, many of which were centered around the theme of photography: an old stereoscope, a "magic lantern" projector, old chemical camera flashes, an old-time flip-book "movie" viewer showing the instantly recognizable "Le voyage dans la lune", an old Camera Obscura, the first edition of a book written by Arthur Conan Doyle of Sherlock Holmes fame arguing for the existence of spirit photography; a first edition book by Harry Houdini refuting Doyle's book. For someone who has spent enough time in New York that the traditional tourist attractions are now old hat, this was a fun and offbeat way to spend a Sunday morning.
    21 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Minh T. N. 6 months ago on Google β€’ 203 reviews
    What a small little gem. This is basically a private person's personal collection of old, vintage things covering music, photography and videography. You have to book in advance for a private showing of his stuff in his own private apartment. I went here with my 5 and 7 year old kids and both them and myself had a really great time. Denny, the owner, is an animated man, telling the backstory and background of all the items he showed with lots of humor and energy. He interacted a lot with the kids and made them laugh - I can imagine his tours being popular at schools. We saw an early Edison cylinder phonograph (got to hear it as well), various apparatuses to capture photos or view photos, a old camera obscura, old projectors, flip-book like private movie watching devices, musical instruments, just really fascinating stuff. We all got to try these items ourselves and the roughly one hour tour ended with us even unboxing other things he recently ordered (a photograph/postcard of an old, giant calculator). Truly fun experience. I have to come back without the kids to ask many more questions or come to the Sunday public speakeasy exhibitions.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 marissa v. 7 months ago on Google β€’ 3 reviews
    I was looking for something different to do with my young adult boys during a meet up in NYC and thought we would try The Museum of Interesting Things! It turned out to be less of a typical "museum" and more of an authentic NYC experience! I easily connected via email with the amazing host and historian extraordinaire, Denny and secured an appointment time. Upon entering, I knew we were in for a special treat. Denny presented us with many different objects from the 19th and 20th centuries, many related to film, sound and photography accompanied by the historical background and a chance to try out the objects ourselves! Denny is knowledgeable and personable, with a delightfully quirky sense of humor. If you are interested in going back in time, or a nostalgic trip down memory lane, don't miss this! My only regret is that we didn't have enough time to go through each item in his apartment! I saw some gems hiding in there!
    5 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Ross M. 4 years ago on Google
    Just wow. Where else can you spend hours learning about, and actually touching, objects that are more than 100 years old? Denny is a great teacher, a fun guy, and so clearly passionate about the collection. And he did a great job of helping the kids understand why the objects matter historically. Thanks, Denny!
    5 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Vince C. 1 year ago on Google β€’ 15 reviews
    A unique and fun experience like no other!! Definitely worth a visit!! And if you can please consider going the speakeasies! We were in town for the circus speakeasy, got to play with some cool toys and watch amazing and fun circus films. The museum is hosted by and run by Denny who is very knowledgeable and welcoming! He gives a tour of a few antiques from his extensive collection and puts them in your hands! Very hands on, intimate, and fun experience! I learned so much and will definitely be back!
    4 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Yisroel O. 5 months ago on Google β€’ 53 reviews
    This is absolutely the best museum experience on the planet. Period. Denny is interesting, captivating ,humorous and edifying. Our kids (and us!!) Learned loads about history . And best part is we actually were able to touch and feel and even use!!! These antique objects. DO NOT MISS THIS PLACE!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Annie Y. 2 years ago on Google β€’ 5 reviews
    Fantastic experience! Denny was such a friendly and knowledgeable and passionate host. A visit to this museum would be great for anyone hoping to learn interesting facts, spend a quirky afternoon with friends, have a fun activity for a date, or go on an educational family outing. Denny has such an amazing collection of items and the positive energy he radiates is contagious. He has so many interesting items to show and so many great stories to share! The museum would be particularly exciting for those interested in the development of media technology.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Team 4 years ago on Google
    I love Museum of Interesting Things. This place is a power house of information in a friendly and lively environment, a must visit in NYC! educating and entertaining though speakeasy athosphere, cinematography, surprise package opening and more fun. On my 1st visit 5 years ago, I met my husband here and we’re happily married. Thank you Denny for hosting Museum of Interesting Things.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Sierra 1 year ago on Google β€’ 24 reviews
    Denny is awesome and his collection is amazing! I called day of to see if my brother and I could get a tour and he was able to accommodate and get there last minute for us (thank you Denny! Try to give him more of a heads up than we did if you can, though!) to give us a tour. He has a great sense of humor and had us laughing for sure. Very unique and authentic experience that I would recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Nigia S. 4 years ago on Google
    Fantastic! LOVED it! It's a collection that's dense and vibrant. VERY personal. The curator presented at a Comic Con I'd visited. I enjoyed it as much as his #NYCC exhibition but this was one on one. A VERY unique NYC experience, they are becoming scarce, so enjoy it while you can!
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 sheldon a. 4 years ago on Google
    I am so impressed by this museum. It is like none other that I have ever seen. There are no pretentions here. You are up close and personal and Denny Daniels is more than happy to explain every item - such as its history, how he came to be in possession of it, how it is or was used, etc. There is so much to see and enjoy that you can not do it all in just one visit. There are always new interesting items to see that I would suggest coming back every few months. There is much inspiration here and you will find items which jog your memory or emotions! This is a New York City treasure - not to be missed. One day, as word of mouth spreads about this GEM - you will have to wait weeks or months for an appointment - but until then WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR - head on over for an unforgettable experience!!!!!!
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Lielle S. 4 years ago on Google
    What an EXPERIENCE! Truly. The Museum of Interesting Things takes you back in time to learn about some of the coolest inventions that man has created. I was truly impressed and came away learning so much. I can't wait to go back and see future shows and exhibits!! Definitely worth seeing!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Anne S. 4 years ago on Google
    OMG! This is a hidden GEM of New York! Denny welcomes you into his home to see an amazing collection of inventions, especially those for capturing and displaying images and sound. The tour includes the rare treat of gently handling some of the objects and gettint to open a new acquisition. I wish I lived in NYC so I could attend some of the Museum's speakeasy and traveling exhibit events.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 James M. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome experience, unique and interactive
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 muse j. 1 year ago on Google β€’ 11 reviews
    Excellent way to spend an afternoon, like walking into a regular lower Manhattan apartment and stepping into different periods in history. Lots of great items to peruse and interact with here, particularly if you're a photography buff. Denny is a great, knowledgeable host who keeps the proceedings going with a steady stream of anecdotes, did-you-knows, and historical facts. Cool highlight was getting to see the original equipment used by Tim Burton on his first feature film, Pee-wee's Big Adventure. Be sure to call ahead of time to secure a spot as space is limited. Thanks, Denny!

  • 5/5 Jonathan L. 5 years ago on Google
    Was such a blast and so much fun seeing The Museum of Interesting Things!! Loved seeing their 16mm vintage films at their Secret Speakeasy! Really so cool. It was like going back in time to a different era. Interesting things, interesting people in attendance, and a fun time had by all!! Will go back to visit The Museum of Interesting Things again!

  • 3/5 Joe S. 8 months ago on Google
    Pretty cool but not really worth the price. May be more worth it for kids.

  • 5/5 Wenqi C. 2 years ago on Google
    Best museum experience ever! An incredible little world!

  • 5/5 Zachary B. 1 year ago on Google β€’ 1 review
    The Museum of Interesting Things was easily one of my top 5 favorite museum experiences of all time. It’s set up in an apartment and not only is everything out in the open but Denny (the person that runs the museum) hands you stuff to touch and try out. When I visited, some of the incredible items included original Edison cylinders, an original 3D photo of Abraham Lincoln, a Nickelodeon that has been opened up so you can see the mechanism, the Hobbit game for Commodore 64, and time card machines made by IBM before they were IBM. And everything has a story. We even unboxed some new donations to the museum. Even for the items I was familiar with, I LOVED how he recounted the history of the items. Denny’s charisma and passion for his work shines through. Why walk through a large museum devoid of personality where everything is behind plexiglass when you can experience the dynamicism of the Museum of Interesting things. 11/10 amazing experience.
    5 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Arthur L. 5 years ago on Google β€’ 1 review
    WOW! Couldn't remember when I last had so much fun until I visited The Museum of Interesting Things! We did a private appointment with Denny Daniel, the Museum's curator. We were fascinated and entertained by viewing the Museum's vast private collection of interesting things, which is overflowing with items of great historical significance. My kids had first seen a presentation from The Museum of Interesting Things at their school. They were so intrigued by the interactive display of Museum pieces that we booked a private showing for our family with Denny. Our hats are off to him and The Museum of Interesting Things!
    4 people found this review helpful πŸ‘


Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Central Park image
1
Central Park
Park
Sprawling park with pedestrian paths & ballfields, plus a zoo, carousel, boat rentals & a reservoir.
4.80 (268.1K reviews)
Times Square image
2
Times Square
Plaza
Bustling destination in the heart of the Theater District known for bright lights, shopping & shows.
4.70 (213K reviews)
Rockefeller Center image
3
Rockefeller Center
Historical landmark
Famous complex that's home to TV studios, plus a seasonal ice rink & a giant Christmas tree.
4.70 (174.9K reviews)
Empire State Building image
4
Empire State Building
Historical landmark
Iconic, art deco office tower from 1931 with exhibits & observatories on the 86th & 102nd floors.
4.70 (102.6K reviews)
Statue of Liberty image
5
Statue of Liberty
Historical landmark
Iconic National Monument opened in 1886, offering guided tours & a museum, plus harbor & city views.
4.70 (99.2K reviews)
Last updated:
()