Museum of the City of New York celebrates its 100th birthday with weekend-long party

The Museum of the City of New York turns 100 this year and to celebrate this milestone, the institution is hosting a weekend-long birthday bash. The party kicks off October 13 through October 15 and includes Roaring Twenties-themed concerts, a scavenger hunt for movie lovers, and a family day with lots of fun arts and crafts, dancing, and other events. The celebration coincides with the opening of the museum’s new exhibit, “People, Place, and Influence: The Collection at 100,” which explores its mission to capture New York and highlights its unique collection of over 750,000 items.

The birthday celebration begins on Friday with two concerts featuring music from the 1920s, the decade the museum was founded. First, is “Tin Pan Alley Hits of the ’20s,” which will feature popular songs of the era performed by cabaret star Aisha de Hass and pianist Robert Lamont.

Next is “Uptown Jazz Speakeasy” with a live set from bandleader Dandy Wellington and his seven-piece band. The event also includes swing dance lessons and a performance by the Harlem Swing Dance Society, themed cocktails and treats from Doughnut Plant, and limited prizes awarded to attendees in the best Jazz Age attire. Tickets to attend both concerts cost $40.

A scavenger hunt with clues based on MCNY’s exhibit “This is New York: 100 Years of the City in Art and Pop Culture,” on view through June 2024, takes place on Saturday, October 14. The daylong scavenger hunt centers around movies filmed in New York City, with sites scattered in Manhattan between 34th and 125th Streets. Tickets cost $60 for individuals and $165 for families.

The party wraps up on Sunday with a family day, which is free with admission. Events include a silent disco party, special storytimes, arts and crafts, baked goods decorating, and Double Dutch performances.

Learn more about MCNY’s centennial celebration and register for events here.

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