Museums

Rubin Museum

From paintings and sculptures to ritual objects dating back to the 2nd century, The Rubin Museum is a treasure trove of works that specifically highlight the art of the Himalayas, India and other neighboring places. Its permanent collection alone includes over 3,800 objects of Tibetan art that span across 1,500 years. It now occupies a building that formerly housed fashion department store, Barneys New York — in fact, the museum’s six-story spiral staircase was left intact following the transition, and now serves as a remnant of its past life.

Museum at FIT

One of a a select group of specialized fashion museums, The Museum at FIT’s mission is to “advance knowledge of fashion” through its various exhibitions and public programs. It was founded in 1969, and currently holds a permanent collection of roughly 50,000 garments and accessories dating from 18th century to present day. Alongside its three galleries — one of which is dedicated to student and faculty exhibitions — the museum is comprised of a workshop, conservation laboratory and photographic studio, among other things. Its current exhibitions include Expedition: Fashion from the Extreme, which highlights fashion inspired by clothing made for survival, and Force of Nature, which focuses on how the natural world has inspired fashion designers.

Houdini Museum

Houdini Museum

Have you ever wondered what Harry Houdini’s secrets were? The Houdini Museum in Fantasma Magic near Penn Station houses the actual tools and tricks that the great magician used to escape cages, coffins, and straight jackets. Other objects include Houdini’s clothing, original posters, and even an animatronic Houdini who escapes from a straitjacket hanging from the ceiling right before your eyes.

Check out 10 More Obscure NYC Museums and visit the Houdini Museum at 421 7th Ave, 3rd floor.