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City Reliquary Museum Brooklyn

4.3
·174 reviews·, United States

A quirky Brooklyn museum packed with unique NYC artifacts, celebrating the city's everyday history and hosting vibrant cultural events.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more intimate viewing

CrowdLow
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City Reliquary Museum - Image 1

City Reliquary Museum Brooklyn

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more intimate viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A quirky Brooklyn museum packed with unique NYC artifacts, celebrating the city's everyday history and hosting vibrant cultural events.

4.3
(174 reviews)

"One of the craziest museums of NYC, definitely recommend a visit if you like weird stuff and collections of unusual items."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Embrace the Small Space

It's tiny but mighty! Allow time to really soak in the details of each artifact.

🎟️ Affordable Admission

Entry is just $10, making it a budget-friendly NYC museum experience.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Statue of Liberty Collection

Statue of Liberty Collection

A delightful array of postcards and figurines celebrating NYC's iconic symbol.

Letters to Spider-Man

Letters to Spider-Man

A unique display of fan mail to the web-slinger, showcasing NYC's pop culture connection.

NYC Geology Cabinet

NYC Geology Cabinet

Fascinating geological core samples and fragments telling the story of the city's foundation.

Last Wooden Sidewalk Brick

Last Wooden Sidewalk Brick

A tangible piece of NYC history, representing a bygone era of street construction.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Quirky Charm

This isn't your typical museum! The City Reliquary is a small, packed space filled with NYC memorabilia. Expect a treasure trove of oddities and local history, perfect for those who love unique finds. It's a quick, engaging stop.

Timing is Key for the Best Experience

Due to its intimate size, visiting during off-peak hours is recommended to fully appreciate the detailed exhibits. Check their website for special events, as these can add a unique cultural layer to your visit.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more intimate viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Catch the golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Step into a realm where history and science converge at The Bone Museum, located in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. Our latest video highlights some of our most captivating new additions: an exostosis (or “rider’s bone”)—a rare bony growth sometimes found in the femur of horseback riders, a medically modified human hand, a femur displaying the destructive lesions of advanced syphilitic infection,...
@bonemuseum
1.4M likes • 11.7M views

🎯 Embrace the Small Space

It's tiny but mighty! Allow time to really soak in the details of each artifact. Reddit

🎟️ Affordable Admission

Entry is just $10, making it a budget-friendly NYC museum experience. Reddit

Step into a realm where history and science converge at The Bone Museum, located in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. Our latest video highlights some of our most captivating new additions: a femur affected by polio, a skull exhibiting signs of tertiary syphilis, and the incredible honor of displaying a skeletonized foot from Johnny — who underwent a below-the-knee amputation in 2015 and has genero...
@bonemuseum
270.6K likes • 2.3M views
City Reliquary Museum, Brooklyn NY📍It’s worth a quick stop ! #thingstodoinbrooklyn #hiddengem #nycmuseums #reliquary
ashmjose_nyc
79 likes • 715 views

💡 Look for Labels

Some visitors note that labels could be improved, so keep an eye out for details. Reddit

📸 Capture the Quirky

Perfect for unique photos! The collection is incredibly photogenic. Instagram

Visit the quirky City Reliquary Museum in Brooklyn for NYC highlights such as World Fair souvenirs, random old beauty and pharmacy items, a cake from the final display of a bakery long out of business, the last wooden (!!) sidewalk brick, and my favorite: the wall of letters written to Peter Parker, thanks to the Spider-man publisher inadvertently including a real street address in the comic!
ericaridley
22 likes • 290 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Embrace the Small Space

It's tiny but mighty! Allow time to really soak in the details of each artifact. Reddit

🎟️ Affordable Admission

Entry is just $10, making it a budget-friendly NYC museum experience. Reddit

💡 Look for Labels

Some visitors note that labels could be improved, so keep an eye out for details. Reddit

📸 Capture the Quirky

Perfect for unique photos! The collection is incredibly photogenic. Instagram

📅 Check for Events

They host fun cultural events like block parties and Collector's Night. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(174 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise The City Reliquary Museum for its incredibly unique and dense collection of New York City artifacts, offering a quirky and memorable experience. While some appreciate the depth of history, others suggest improvements to labeling and lighting to enhance the visitor experience. It's a small but mighty museum for those who love the unusual.

"Very small space but packed to the brim with interesting things to look at. I really enjoyed the Statue of Liberty collection, the NYC geology cabinet, and the letters to Spider-Man."

Per Sveen

"It's a nice little museum type place. It has only two rooms, but it's completely full of NYC memorabilia."

Erik Z

"As a proper history nerd it was definitely a 5 star experience with the quality of their artifacts. Can definitely understand why a person with more casual NYC history interests might rate it lower as the place would greatly benefit from improved labels and ideally lighting"

Mason Christensen

What People Like

Unique NYC artifacts
Quirky and eclectic collection
Affordable admission price

What People Dislike

Small space
Could improve labels/lighting

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is easily accessible via public transportation. The L train to the Bedford Avenue station is a common route, followed by a short walk. Several bus lines also serve the Williamsburg area. Instagram

Street parking in Williamsburg can be challenging. It's generally recommended to use public transit or ride-sharing services to reach the museum. Instagram

The L train to Bedford Avenue is a popular choice. From there, it's about a 10-15 minute walk to the museum. Instagram

Yes, the museum is located in the vibrant Williamsburg neighborhood, which is great for exploring on foot before or after your visit. Instagram

Absolutely! Williamsburg is bike-friendly, and there are often bike racks available nearby. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is very affordable, typically around $10 per person, making it a great value for a unique NYC experience. Reddit

While advance booking might be recommended for special events, for general admission, you can usually purchase tickets upon arrival. It's always a good idea to check their website. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, especially on weekdays. It's best to check the official City Reliquary website for the most up-to-date information on their operating schedule. Instagram

Yes, children can find the quirky artifacts interesting, though the museum's small size and detailed displays might be more engaging for older children and adults. Instagram

The museum features rotating exhibits of community collections and temporary exhibitions that showcase vital, yet often overlooked, stories of the city. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Given its size, a visit typically takes about 30-60 minutes. It's a quick but dense experience. Instagram

You'll find a diverse collection of NYC memorabilia, including Statue of Liberty items, geological samples, old pharmacy items, and unique local ephemera. Instagram

Absolutely! History enthusiasts will appreciate the quality and uniqueness of the artifacts, though some might wish for more detailed labels. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but it's always good practice to check for any specific signage or ask staff if you're unsure. Instagram

Its charm lies in its intimate scale, eclectic collection of hyper-local NYC artifacts, and its role as a community museum celebrating the city's everyday history. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the museum is in Williamsburg, which is packed with diverse dining options, from casual cafes to trendy restaurants. Instagram

No, the museum itself does not have a cafe or restaurant. You'll need to explore the surrounding neighborhood for food and drinks. Instagram

Williamsburg offers a wide culinary range, including pizza, international cuisine, bakeries, and farm-to-table options. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The entire museum is a photo op! Focus on the unique displays like the Statue of Liberty collection, the letters to Spider-Man, and the geological cabinet. Instagram

The exhibits are densely packed, which can make for interesting compositions. Lighting might vary, so be prepared to adjust your settings. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is permitted. However, it's always wise to confirm with staff or look for posted signs regarding any specific restrictions. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The City Reliquary Museum offers a unique, albeit small, experience that can be engaging for families. While it's not a large, interactive children's museum, the sheer variety of quirky objects can spark curiosity in younger visitors. The 'Letters to Spider-Man' display is often a hit, connecting with popular culture. Instagram Keep in mind the museum's intimate size; it's best suited for families with children who can appreciate detailed displays and understand the concept of historical artifacts. It's a great stop for a quick, memorable experience that's different from typical tourist attractions. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Explorers

For solo travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences, The City Reliquary is a gem. Its compact nature makes it easy to explore at your own pace, allowing for deep dives into the fascinating collections without feeling overwhelmed. Instagram The museum's focus on hyper-local NYC history provides a unique perspective that you might not find in larger, more general museums. It's the perfect place to discover hidden stories and appreciate the eclectic spirit of Brooklyn. Instagram

💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Charm of NYC Artifacts

The City Reliquary Museum is a testament to the power of collecting the seemingly mundane. Unlike grand institutions, it focuses on the everyday history of New York City. Imagine finding a cake from a long-closed bakery, a sidewalk brick from a bygone era, or paint chips from a subway platform – these are the treasures that tell the city's story in a deeply personal way. Instagram The museum's origin story itself is charming: it began as a window display in the founder's apartment, inviting passersby to engage with local history. Reddit

This approach makes the museum incredibly relatable. It’s not just about famous landmarks; it’s about the lived experiences of New Yorkers. The collection includes everything from Statue of Liberty souvenirs to geological samples that reveal the very ground the city is built upon. Reddit This focus on hyper-local artifacts creates a unique connection for visitors, especially those who appreciate the quirky and the overlooked aspects of urban life. It’s a place where every object has a story, waiting to be discovered. Instagram

Community and Cultural Events

Beyond its permanent displays, The City Reliquary is a vibrant community hub. They regularly host a variety of cultural events that celebrate New York's diverse spirit. These can range from block parties and backyard concerts to film screenings and specialized festivals like the Havemeyer Sugar Sweets Festival or the Panorama Challenge. Reddit These events are a fantastic way to experience the local culture and connect with the community in a more immersive way.

One of their notable annual events is Collector's Night, which offers a unique glimpse into the passion of New York's collectors and their fascinating finds. Reddit The museum also participates in events like Bike Fetish Day, showcasing a different facet of urban culture. By engaging with these events, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the ongoing, dynamic history of New York City, extending beyond the museum walls and into the fabric of the community. Reddit

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