Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space (MoRUS) image

Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space (MoRUS)

Tourist attraction History museum

👍👍 Everybody should visit this museum located in Alphabet City/Manhattan. It tells the history of the struggles in NYC related to the use of the space, like housing, public spaces, transportation. You can buy some zines, bottons, stickers and T-shirts there. It is a good way to know more about the real... People often mention history, tour, museum, community,


Address

155 Loisaida Ave, New York, NY 10009

Website

www.morusnyc.org

Contact

(917) 577-5621

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (83 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: 12 to 5 PM
  • Friday: 12 to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 12 to 5 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 12 to 5 PM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: history (14) tour (11) museum (10) community (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Cintia M. 5 years ago on Google • 245 reviews
    Everybody should visit this museum located in Alphabet City/Manhattan. It tells the history of the struggles in NYC related to the use of the space, like housing, public spaces, transportation. You can buy some zines, bottons, stickers and T-shirts there. It is a good way to know more about the real NYC.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nino C. 6 years ago on Google • 282 reviews
    This place is pretty legit. It has documentation and info regarding the anti-establishment, squatters' rights, and urban renewal movements that took place in NYC from the late 1980s until the present day. There's no admission per se, but there is a donation box with a suggested donation of $5. There were 2 of us, so we gave $10. It's a very small place, and I heard the desk attendant say that he never saw anyone spend more than 30 minutes checking it out, which seems pretty realistic. The two of us were there for about 15 minutes, and we pretty much saw it all. Spotlighted are awareness of cyclists, for whom until recently New York was apparently rather inhospitable, and the problem of economic inequality, the spark that ignited everything from the Tompkins Square protests to the 'Occupy' phenomenon. Only wish that the energy bike in the basement had been in working order. I wanted to see how well I could generate electricity. Also, as a warning, this joint lacks any sort of restroom facilities.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Darío Palacín M. 5 years ago on Google • 131 reviews
    Cute little museum of one of the most interesting faces of the city. The punk exhibition was nice, and the gallery in the basement about the movement of urban green spaces in the East Village is beautifully explained.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alexandros P. 1 year ago on Google • 199 reviews
    History of the neighborhood must be preserved and this museum is doing that perfectly. Everyone should go get a tour

  • 5/5 Jack S. 2 years ago on Google • 105 reviews
    Really cool spot operated by a really friendly and knowledgeable staff. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants a very detailed, and educational look at this part of the city's history. It's really amazing to learn what people have been able to accomplish, especially when you take into consideration the struggles that they had to overcome in order to do so. All of which you'll be able to learn more about by visiting this museum, and for those of you who are already familiar with the history of the location, and the incredible music that came from it, you'll be glad that you visited. It's a real privilege to have this place open to the community.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bailey B. 4 years ago on Google • 85 reviews
    We came for a guided walking tour and I truly enjoyed the event. The tour guide is patient and understanding and very knowledgeable about the entire area. Even thought I've lived in nyc for years I learned a lot more about the LES. I highly recommend for New Yorkers and tourists.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sarah H. 1 year ago on Google • 13 reviews
    The LES is the living museum. The indoor Museum (housed in C squat) and the Tour look at the dynamics at play in the LES from the early 70s to present day, centering around the local community movements and the history of resistance and innovation. Both tour leaders are absolutely brilliant and were there for it all. I learned so much and highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to learn more about this fascinating area and era.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paul F. 1 year ago on Google • 105 reviews
    Must see for anyone interested in our local history!

  • 5/5 Elaine L. 8 months ago on Google • 27 reviews
    Cool little museum about the history of LES and activism there. Enjoyed learning about the history of community gardens and cycling jn NYC.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zoey Z. 3 weeks ago on Google • 89 reviews New
    I can’t say enough good things about this museum. I knew it would be the highlight out my first nyc trip before I was even here. But the museum itself and Bill’s tour still exceeded my expectations. I learnt a lot of the charming L.E.S neighbourhood, grassroots movement, community gardens and recycling etc. loads of interesting stories and facts. The tours happens every weekend at 3pm. I wish there are history/places like this in where I live. When I come back to NYC I will continue to support the museum.

  • 5/5 Luca C. 5 years ago on Google
    This is a must for anyone who’s interested in the alternative-radical history of NYC (squatting, homesteading, community gardens and beyond). Our guide, Bill, a local reporter and long-time resident, gave us a 2hr tour describing the history of the area from the perspective of someone who has seen it all. Highly suggested.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nick K. 6 months ago on Google • 46 reviews
    A fun meeting place and representation of the past

  • 5/5 Jen B. 1 year ago on Google • 8 reviews
    If you love reading about the intersection of local social movements and art (and public gardens) like I do, you can spend a surprising number of hours in this small museum and its associated garden spaces. MORUS is a hidden gem where even the bathroom is an eye-opening exhibit. Highly recommend, especially for people who need hope that sustained direct action really can result in local change.

  • 5/5 Giulio B. 1 year ago on Google • 7 reviews
    The walking tour is extremely informative and very well done. Our guide was engaging and was someone who loved through the things he explained, being able to give very dateiled and important accounts on the city development since the seventies. The walk is preasurable, and the community garden are wonderful.

  • 5/5 Charles C. 4 years ago on Google
    Very cool exhibit, very informative! A great visit for anyone interested in New York/Activism/Punk-hardcore history

  • 5/5 Deniz G. 4 years ago on Google
    Very friendly, generous, and welcoming staff, who are happy to share their knowledge of the history of East Village and much more! The tour was very informative and thorough, with interesting tidbits about the area. Highly recommended!

  • 5/5 Ashita V. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing people that volunteer there and amazing history about this neighborhood.

  • 5/5 Reagan H. B. 2 years ago on Google • 3 reviews
    The tour of the neighborhood that they do every Saturday and Sunday at 3:00 pm is excellent. I wasn’t very familiar with the history of Alphabet City, and learned so much on the walking tour. Such beautiful public gardens.


Call (917) 577-5621 Open on Google Maps

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