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Art and movies

A space that shows movies and displays art without making you feel like you are in a sterile gallery or a crowded multiplex.

Based on 518 Opinions
+515
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Updated May 2026
01
Oceana Theater image 1
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Performing arts theater

Performing arts theater with a historical design and intimate setting creates an electric atmosphere fueled by passionate performers. Seating varies in comfort and visibility, with some areas less convenient for viewing. The venue is well preserved but can feel hot and crowded during events.

A well-run performing arts center offers a range of events that stay interesting without feeling scattered. It delivers quality entertainment and maintains good customer service throughout.

Diverse lineup includes local talent, independent films, and mainstream blockbusters. Theater offers live performances alongside movies.

People are saying

"I found it to be a well-run performing arts center with quality entertainment."

"It's a quality performing art center that feels well-run."

"I loved how they showcased local talent and independent movies."

Good to know

1

Tickets can only be purchased online with a 10% discount.

2

Parking is a significant problem; arrive 40-60 minutes early to find a spot.

3

The rows aren't lighted and seatings aren't labeled, making it hard to find your seat.

02
Asia Society and Museum image 1

Museum offers a beautiful, intimate space with contemporary design and curated Asian art exhibits blending traditional and modern styles. Atmosphere stays quiet and serene, inviting relaxed exploration. Amenities include a gift shop and cafΓ©, enhancing the visit experience.

Exhibitions focus on Meiji Japan arts and Aboriginal Australian bark painting. Shows highlight detailed cultural art forms from distinct regions.

A variety of Asian films and events take place here, including a monthly Films To See Before You Die series. Screenings can be long, with some movies lasting up to 6 hours.

People are saying

"I found the museums beautifully presented and highly informative."

"I found the movies here amazing and enjoyed the variety."

"The art here transforms colonial remnants into symbols of power and resistance."

Good to know

1

Admission to the museum is free on Fridays, which is a significant detail for potential visitors.

2

The venue is currently hosting an amazing exhibition titled 'Maḏayin: Eight Decades of Aboriginal Australian Bark Painting from Yirrkala' from 17 September 2024 to 05 January 2025.

3

Fridays are free and will have a bit more foot traffic.

03
BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center image 1

Spacious, modern theater offers excellent acoustics and comfortable, well-designed seating with unobstructed views from every seat. The atmosphere feels intimate and lively, supported by a friendly environment and diverse energy. The venue adapts well for concerts, theatrical productions, and film showings, enhancing the overall experience.

Performances feature good audio and comfortable seating. Viewing remains decent even at upper corners.

The venue offers excellent screen and audio systems that enhance film viewing. It hosts film festivals featuring moving and insightful movies on a great stage.

People are saying

"The seats here are large and comfortable."

"The screen and audio quality for movies here is amazing."

"The art here offers outstanding seating with no view obstruction."

Good to know

1

Attendees waited over 2 hours along the side of the building before entering.

2

Attendees had tickets with assigned seats but could not enter earlier.

3

The screen and audio systems are among the best for watching movies in New York.

04
American Museum of Natural History image 1

Natural history museum showcases magnificent architecture and iconic taxidermy displays that create a majestic atmosphere. Crowds and noise from school groups often fill the large, well-organized spaces. Interactive exhibits and a planetarium with space simulations add engaging elements to the experience.

Exhibits on ancient civilizations like Phoenicia and Afghanistan reveal early cultures and crafts. The cave paintings show storytelling from thousands of years ago, while the 3D displays in the forests exhibit blend art and painting effectively.

Space films play on a huge domed cinema screen in the planetarium, featuring NASA footage of the moon and planets. The Turtle Odyssey film stands out as a captivating watch, and the location also served as a filming site for the movie Night at the Museum.

People are saying

"The dinosaur exhibits at the Museums are breathtaking, especially the T. rex."

"The planetarium movie was incredible."

"You'll be awed by the massive dinosaur skeletons and cultural exhibits."

Good to know

1

Buying tickets ahead of time saves a lot of time.

2

You have to reserve a time to enter the museum.

3

Entry to the museum is free during the last hour.

05
BAM Fisher image 1
Performing arts theater

Intimate performing arts theater with modern design and comfortable seating offers great sightlines close to the stage. The space includes an upper balcony and a beautifully restored vintage lobby. Programming features new age shows, films, and live performances suited for date nights and cultural events.

A historic multi-arts center hosts live performances, films, and HD Met screenings. A street fair supports the arts with vibrant community engagement.

A beautifully restored vintage building hosts a small movie theater with comfortable seating and well curated films. The venue screens classic movies and HD Met performances, offering a multi-arts experience beyond just film.

People are saying

"It's a fantastic place for date nights with great plays."

"The movie seating here is comfortable, though it might be tight if you're tall."

"I love visiting this place for its live performances and films."

Good to know

1

Parking is conveniently located near the venue, making access easy.

2

Sunday evenings are less crowded, providing a more relaxed experience.

3

The venue hosts a variety of curated events throughout the year.

06
National Museum of the American Indian image 1

Historic Beaux-Arts building houses galleries with intricate architecture and a grand rotunda. Exhibits feel dark and cramped, often crowded with interactive areas for children. Gift shop offers many unique cultural items.

Exhibits highlight contemporary indigenous arts and traditional crafts. Displays include personal accounts, cultural objects, and living history of Native American customs and survival tools.

Short films focus on Native American history and emancipation, including a kid-friendly movie under 10 minutes. The venue hosts a free Saturday movie for kids and an American movie festival.

People are saying

"It's a Smithsonian museum, and admission is free."

"I loved the exhibits on First Nations art and culture."

"The museum entry was free."

Good to know

1

The museum is free to enter, making it accessible to everyone.

2

Wearing a mask is compulsory in the museum as of 12/18/2022.

3

Free admission is offered during special events like Aloha Day.

07
Whitney Museum of American Art image 1

Modern art museum features stunning architecture and accessible terraces with panoramic city and river views. The atmosphere is generally calm with low crowd levels on weekdays, though weekends bring significant congestion. Rooftop cafe offers a relaxed spot to enjoy the vistas and drinks.

Exhibitions span paintings, graphic arts, and photography across multiple floors. Figure drawing activities happen on the 5th floor, adding an interactive element to the fine arts experience.

Films here feature cinematic production that transports viewers to a different era. A special room shows a circus film with hand-manipulated pieces by Calder, adding to the artistic experience.

People are saying

"The galleries here have amazing and thought-provoking art."

"I thought they'd display more of their art collection."

"I saw lots of interesting paintings, sculptures, and films here."

Good to know

1

Every Friday, the museum has free tickets, and you just have to book ahead.

2

Friday night is free entry from 5 PM to 10 PM.

3

Second Sundays are free to enter.

08
Hall des Lumières image 1

Old bank building hosts immersive digital art shows with 360-degree projections and interactive light spectacles. Peaceful atmosphere with plentiful seating and bean bags encourages long, relaxed visits. Architectural details blend seamlessly with art, creating a magical, sensory experience.

An immersive experience with colors, sounds, and arts fills the space. Paintings blend with music to create a memorable atmosphere but lack detailed artist information or background.

Hour-long movies let you stand, sit, or walk around while watching. Two films show Chagall and Kandinsky art back to back in different areas. A slideshow film features beautiful planets with minimal text.

People are saying

"The immersive digital art museums here are spectacular and emotionally impactful."

"You can walk inside the art in this amazing historic bank."

"The entire venue lights up with astonishing movies and dramatic music."

Good to know

1

Bookings are essential to visit the attraction.

2

Tickets can be purchased online in advance to avoid extra fees.

3

Visitors should spend at least 2 hours at Hall des Lumières to fully appreciate the exhibits.

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