A Visit to the Museum of the Moving Image

by Mikaila Rivas '26

The Museum of the Moving Image is one of the best museums in New York.   An institution accommodating for both families and friends, one can relive memories at The Jim Henson Exhibition or learn about the history of filmmaking at Behind the Screen.  The museum is located in Astoria, Queens, a short train ride from the city, and is open on Thursdays from 2:00-6:00 PM, Fridays from 2:00-8:00 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00-6:00 PM.  For high school students, admission is $10, with varying prices for youth and adults.  

Once visitors arrive, they are instructed to start at the top of the museum and work

their way to the bottom level.  At the top floor is the Behind the Screen exhibition, which features a timeline setup from nineteenth century vintage cameras and filming equipment to modern-day film production appliances.  It was honestly quite surprising to see how big and bulky the old video cameras used to be.  One can even participate in their own film production with one of the interactive experiences, such as recording a video of themselves that can be transformed into a flip book.  

One floor down is a favorite exhibit of mine titled Recording the Ride: The Rise of Street-Style Skate Videos.  Across the exhibit are videos of young adults skateboarding,

broadcasted on 80s and 90s televisions, with one video even recorded in a fisheye style. 

The space also features media, like music and movie CDs, that a skater typically consumed back then.  

The Jim Henson Exhibition brought all visitors back to their childhood, as it featured many old friends innovated by The Muppets creator.  It was a heartwarming experience to see Miss Piggy, the Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie, and especially Kermit the Frog.  It was fascinating to see the character sketches for the many members of The Muppets and even recall some old characters.  Walking through the exhibit, a visitor can truly feel the community The Muppets created and feel the happiness and laughter it brought into the homes of numerous children.

The museum experience concludes with two more exhibits featuring magazines, merchandise, and more of the twentieth century and makeup and set designs sketches and remodels, from the films of Todd Haynes and more.  Numerous horror fans would particularly enjoy Horrible Sites: Makeup and Production Design for The Exorcist. 

The Museum of the Moving Image was a fantastic museum experience that is both inspiring and educational.  As they go through the museum, visitors feel many different emotions, including joy and compassion as they gain knowledge about the human psyche, and even a bittersweet reminder of the past.  Even if one is not a true filmophile, the museum truly offers something for everyone and is a great way to experience the impact of film.

All Photos Courtesy of Getty Images

Sources: movingimage.org

Edited by: Kavya Chacko '26, Catherine Polatidis '26, & Ms. Brilliant

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