Queens museums are gearing up to make history with the first-ever New York State Museum Week.
From May 31 until June 6, local participating sites will join approximately 250 state-wide museums, zoos, gardens and art centers in an effort to lure residents and foreign visitors alike with special discounts to showcase their unique exhibits.
“Museum Week is a wonderful way to put the spotlight on the terrific array of educational, cultural and historic attractions that are available in Queens and throughout the state,” said Assemblymember Margaret Markey, chair of the Assembly Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sports Development Committee.
Queens sites include the Museum of the Moving Image [MMI] in Astoria; the Louis Armstrong House Museum; King Manor Museum; the Noguchi Museum; the Mets Hall of Fame & Museum at Citi Field; and the Queens Botanical Garden [QBG].
The week-long initiative was created by the New York State Department of Economic Development and is sponsored by the “I love NY” campaign.
It is designed as a way to get the word out about local and state-wide attractions to residents, who may not have known of quality art so close to home.
“It’s a great chance for people to do something that they wouldn’t normally do and the not get hit in the pocket book or burn extra gas,” said Rob MacKay, an executive member of the Queens Tourism Council, a section of the Queens Economic Develop Corporation.
The sites are advertising special offers such as half-off admission and up to 25% off souvenirs at the QBG, and a two-for-one special admission deal to the MMI by mentioning the NYS Museum Week.
The Louis Armstrong House Museum is planning to offer patrons $10 off any entrée at Bourbon Street restaurant in Bayside with admission.
“The Louis Armstrong House Museum is thrilled to participate in the first New York State Museum Week,” said Museum Director Michael Cogswell. “Queens has it all — science museums, art museums, film museums, botanical gardens, historic houses and so much more.”
