NYC Discovery Lab – Music City

When: Saturday, April 5, 2025, 11:00am
Black and white photograph of three men playing musical instruments outsde of a shop. One man is seated with a drum on his lap while the other two are standing, with one strumming a guira and another smiling as he plays his instrument.
Unknown Photographer. Merengue Musicians, Upper Broadway. 1995. Museum of the City of New York. 2021.15.14

Join us this April at the NYC Discovery Lab with drop-in activities for children ages 5-12 and their grownups!

This month we’re exploring what makes New York City have rhythm! Learn about the city sights, sounds, and communities that have inspired New York City musicians and dancers.

Dates: Every Saturday and Sunday in April

Time: Drop-in anytime between 11am-4pm

  • Learn about New York City’s historic soundscape through a matching activity that explores the different calls of street vendors from 200 years ago
  • Design a paper doll with your own dance outfit and learn about different New York City dance fashions
  • Learn how New Yorkers have listened to music through historical objects and a coloring activity
  • Create your own maraca to take home inspired by the music and dance of salsa, samba, merengue, and cumbia
  • Learn about traditional Lenape drumming, vocals, and dance by examining historical objects
  • Grab a scavenger hunt and explore objects that have inspired New York City’s musicians and dancers in the museum’s galleries

Museum Admission:
New York State Residents: Pay What You Can 
Children: Free for ages 18 and under
Adults $23/Seniors $18 & Students/$14 – please purchase a ticket online or pay-what-you-wish at the door on the day of your visit. No registration necessary.

Questions? Email familyprograms@mcny.org.

Members: To receive your discount, click on the "Buy Tickets" button above, then sign in to your account on the ticketing page.

An Image of Image: a black and white image of LL Cool J with Cut Creator, E-Love, and B-Rock

Related Exhibition - Ongoing

Songs of New York

Playful, kinetic, and full of surprises, Songs of New York is an immersive interactive experience that introduces visitors to a full range of music from and about New York City.

Supporters

NYC Discovery Lab is made possible in part by the Rochlis Family Foundation.

This program is supported as part of the Dutch Culture USA program by the Consulate General of the Netherlands in New York. 

orange and blue logo with the words Dutch Culture USA Future 400

Family Programs are made possible in part by the Margaret S. Ogden and Stephen A. Ogden Memorial Fund, Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation, Rochlis Family Foundation, and Tianaderrah Foundation. 

The Frederick A.O. Schwarz Education Center is endowed by grants from The Thompson Family Foundation Fund, the F.A.O. Schwarz Family Foundation, the William Randolph Hearst Endowment, and other generous donors. 

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For Families Saturday, April 12, 11:30am

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