Did you know that a museum in Queens, New York, set a new record for single-day attendance on Valentine’s Day 2026? It happened on the opening day of “Stories and Set Design for The Sopranos,” welcoming 3,600 visitors. This kind of buzz tells me there’s a lot to explore at the Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI).
Exploring the Museum of the Moving Image
I’ve been looking into exceptional family destinations, and MoMI in Astoria, Queens, really stands out. It’s a place dedicated to the history, art, and technology of moving images, which covers everything from old films to the latest in AI. What’s exciting is how much local New Yorkers connect with it; about 61% of general visitors are from the city itself. This suggests it’s a beloved spot for people to regularly visit and feel a sense of belonging.
The museum’s approach to community engagement seems to be working wonders. They’ve focused on being a gathering place where people can see themselves reflected in the stories shown. It’s all about using media and technology as tools for connection and creativity. This philosophy has led to record attendance, with visitor numbers in 2025 exceeding pre-pandemic levels significantly. They saw a 105% increase from 2024 and a 147% increase from 2023, which is remarkable.
Good to Know: New York City residents make up a large portion of MoMI’s visitors, particularly for film programs and museum memberships, indicating a strong local connection.
Engaging Programs and Exhibitions
A big part of MoMI’s success is its wide array of special programs and events. The “Open Worlds” initiative, launched in 2023, has significantly expanded community-focused events and free access, making the museum more welcoming to everyone. They host events like Lunar New Year and Iftar celebrations, bringing together community members, officials, and artists. These events really highlight MoMI’s role as a cultural hub in western Queens.
In 2025 alone, the museum presented over 500 screenings. These include major series like “First Look,” “See It Big: 70mm,” and “See It Big: Stunts,” alongside a complete Terence Davies retrospective. Other ongoing series explore themes like animation, science through film, and international premieres. Many of these screenings take place in the Sumner M. Redstone Theater, a venue that was upgraded in 2025 with a Dolby Atmos sound system and a new laser projector, making it one of New York City’s top movie theaters, capable of screening 70mm prints and 3D films. Often, these screenings are followed by Q&A sessions with actors or filmmakers, adding another layer of engagement.
Exhibitions Driving Visitor Interest
Exhibitions are another major draw for visitors. “The Jim Henson Exhibition” continues to be very popular, attracting consistent interest. The temporary exhibition “Mission: Impossible—Story and Spectacle” celebrated the franchise’s blend of technical skill, discipline, and artistry in storytelling. This exhibition alone welcomed over 81,500 guests. These efforts are successfully drawing in younger audiences who see the museum as a place to understand how media and technology shape society, especially in the current age of AI and algorithms.
For families, certain exhibits are particularly engaging. The “Video Flipbook” within the core exhibition “Behind the Screen” lets visitors create their own flipbook animation, which can be printed and purchased. I can see that being a fun memento, perhaps for couples on a date or for kids who love to be creative.
Current and Upcoming Attractions
MoMI has introduced a refreshed graphic identity, aiming to reflect its role as an interactive, forward-looking institution where people can actively create and build community, not just observe. This signals a commitment to evolve and stay relevant.
Looking ahead to 2026, the “Open Worlds” initiative will expand into year-round weekend events. The museum plans a variety of family-friendly activities, workshops, performances, and discussions that complement their exhibitions and film series. A special science-focused program, “Open Worlds: Science,” supported by the Simons Foundation, is scheduled from April to October, aiming to spark curiosity about moving images across different platforms. The museum’s ground floor is transformed into a free, accessible resource, complete with Wi-Fi, making it one of the largest free community spaces in Queens.
Good to Know: MoMI is actively expanding its accessibility programs, including free Access Mornings and a regular Touch Object Experience for visitors with sensory needs.
Accessibility and Inclusive Experiences
The museum has also made significant strides in its accessibility programs. Beyond its seasonal free Access Mornings, which are designated sensory-friendly sessions for families with children on the autism spectrum, MoMI has introduced a regular “Touch Object Experience.” This program allows visitors to engage with select objects like projectors, cameras, and textiles, offering a tactile way to learn about the story of moving images. These sessions are held on the last Saturday of each month.
What are the upcoming festivals and exhibitions?
For film enthusiasts, “First Look,” MoMI’s annual festival for new cinema, runs from April 23 through May 3. This festival introduces New York audiences to 40 new works, including features and shorts, fiction and nonfiction, all making their New York premiere. It’s a great chance to discover experimental forms and new perspectives in filmmaking. The festival emphasizes discovery, connecting new films with audiences and filmmakers with new viewers.
Accessible with general admission, “Overexposed: Art, Technology, and the Body” is a major group exhibition on view until January 3, 2027. It explores how medical imaging technologies, from X-rays to MRIs, have changed our understanding and control of the human body. Featuring artists from 13 countries, the exhibition delves into themes of visibility, vulnerability, and what it means to be “overexposed” in an era of advanced imaging and AI. Accompanying this exhibition is a published catalog.
A Deep Dive into “The Sopranos”
“Stories and Set Design for The Sopranos” is another exhibition running through May 31, 2026. This exhibit goes into how the HBO series reshaped American television through its long-form storytelling and character-driven drama. Drawing from the personal archive of creator David Chase, it showcases scripts, notes, and research materials that detail the series’ development. It also examines the design of key locations like Dr. Melfi’s office, the Soprano home, the Bada Bing club, and Satriale’s Pork Store.
Concept art, design drawings, and ground plans reveal how practical decisions translated creative ideas into physical spaces, influencing the look, layout, and workflow of each set. Seeing how these environments were brought to life, with a mix of on-location filming and studio sets in Queens, offers a unique behind-the-scenes perspective for fans of the show.
When I think about planning a trip that combines culture and entertainment, places like MoMI come to mind. It’s fascinating to see how a museum can become such a dynamic part of its community. I’m always looking for experiences that offer both educational value and sheer enjoyment, and this museum seems to hit that mark. For families, finding spots that cater to different ages and interests can be a challenge, but the variety of films, exhibitions, and interactive elements at MoMI suggests it’s a place where both adults and kids can find something engaging.
My daughter Sofia, who is 13, is really interested in film and media production, so an exhibition like the one on The Sopranos, detailing set design and storytelling, would be right up her alley. My younger daughter Emma, who is 6, would likely be drawn to the more interactive exhibits and perhaps some of the animated film screenings. I often consider how to balance their different interests, and in places like this, it seems possible. It’s also helpful that the museum is located in a well-connected part of New York City, making it relatively easy to access from various points, even if you’re coming from further afield. Looking for top things to do in NYC can lead you to some unexpected and wonderful places.
It’s important to me that a place also offers a comfortable experience. The fact that MoMI has upgraded its theater with a Dolby Atmos sound system and a new laser projector indicates a commitment to quality. This means the film screenings will be top-notch, providing a truly cinematic experience. I also appreciate the focus on accessibility, with programs designed to make the museum welcoming to everyone. This includes the sensory-friendly sessions and the touch object experiences, which are thoughtful additions for visitors with specific needs.
What makes MoMI unique for visitors?
The museum’s core exhibition, “Behind the Screen,” offers a comprehensive look at how films and television shows are made. It covers everything from the camera work and editing to the sound design and special effects. The interactive elements, like the Video Flipbook, make learning fun and hands-on. This is the kind of engagement that makes a visit memorable for children and adults alike.
The “Open Worlds” initiative is particularly noteworthy for its focus on community and free access. Transforming the ground floor into a free, climate-controlled, Wi-Fi-enabled space means that the museum is accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for admission. This inclusive approach is something I really admire, as it opens up cultural experiences to a wider audience.
Good to Know: “Open Worlds” aims to provide a free, accessible community space in Queens, emphasizing the museum’s commitment to local engagement.
Considering travel practicalities, I’m always thinking about how easy it is to get around and what the general atmosphere is like for families. MoMI is located in Astoria, Queens, which is generally accessible via public transport. While I haven’t personally visited this specific museum, the description of their programs and exhibitions suggests a visitor-friendly environment. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend several hours, taking in the exhibits and perhaps catching a screening.
The museum’s commitment to showcasing diverse stories and using media as a tool for civic conversation is also something that resonates with me. It goes beyond just entertainment; it’s about fostering understanding and dialogue. For Sofia, who is at an age where she’s forming her own perspectives on the world, experiencing these themes through film and art could be incredibly valuable.
The “Overexposed: Art, Technology, and the Body” exhibition, running until 2027, sounds particularly thought-provoking. It tackles complex ideas about how medical imaging and technology influence our perception of the human body. While it might be more suitable for older children or adults, the museum’s range suggests there’s something for many different age groups and interests.
For potential visitors, I recommend checking the museum’s official website for the most current information on exhibition dates, screening schedules, and any necessary advance bookings. Details like hours of operation and specific event timings can sometimes change, so it’s always best to get the latest updates directly from the source before planning your visit.
MoMI sounds like a fantastic option for anyone interested in films, television, and the art of moving images. Its record-breaking attendance figures and strong local connection are clear indicators of its appeal and importance as a cultural institution. I’m always on the lookout for places that offer unique learning experiences in a welcoming atmosphere, and MoMI seems to fit that description perfectly.
