I’ve been looking into some exciting events happening in New York City for families in March and April 2026, and I found a treasure trove of activities at the Museum of the Moving Image. It seems like they have a packed schedule that could make for a memorable visit, focusing on art, technology, and the magic of film. For instance, a major new exhibition called “Overexposed: Art, Technology, and the Body” is set to open, exploring how innovations have changed the way we see the human form. I’m also seeing a special program dedicated to Marilyn Monroe in New York, which sounds like a lovely way to connect with classic Hollywood history right in the city.
Museum of the Moving Image Events
Exhibitions to Explore
One of the standout exhibitions I’ve spotted is “Overexposed: Art, Technology, and the Body.” It’s scheduled to run from March 14, 2026, all the way through January 7, 2027. This exhibit delves into how new technologies, like cinema and X-ray imaging, have transformed our understanding of the human body. It brings together a fascinating mix of historical research films and contemporary art from 16 different artists. I think this blend of science and art is particularly interesting for sparking curiosity in both kids and adults.
Another exhibition that caught my eye is “Yuri Norstein: Three Tail Tales,” running from March 5 to May 31, 2026. This is presented within an artwork called “Tut’s Fever Movie Palace,” which is part of the larger “Behind the Screen” exhibition. It features three short animated films by Yuri Norstein, known for his cut-out animation techniques. The films, “The Fox and the Hare,” “The Heron and the Crane,” and “Hedgehog in the Fog,” sound like they offer charming stories perfect for winding down and experiencing a different kind of animation.
For fans of television, the “Stories and Set Designs for The Sopranos” exhibition, on display from February 14 to May 31, 2026, offers a deep dive into the making of the acclaimed series. It includes materials from David Chase’s personal archive, showing how the story and visual worlds were developed. I’m particularly interested in the design aspects, with concept art and drawings for iconic locations like Dr. Melfi’s office and the Soprano home. This could be fascinating for anyone interested in television production.
The “Lick Pic” collaborative work by Sarah Friend and Yehwan Song will be on view from February 19 to May 10, 2026, on the Herbert S. Schlosser Media Wall and in the museum lobby. This piece connects the contemporary art market with screen dependence through themes of desire and possession. It sounds quite modern and thought-provoking, using images from the museum’s collection alongside interactive robotic tongue sculptures that affect on-screen images. I imagine this would spark interesting conversations.
Film Screenings and Series
The museum is hosting a substantial film series called “2001: The Year, Not the Movie,” running from February 14 to April 11, 2026. This series celebrates the year 2001 by screening over 30 films released in the United States that year. I’ve noticed there are many critically acclaimed films in the lineup, including “Mulholland Drive,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “Memento,” and “The Royal Tenenbaums.” It’s a great opportunity to revisit a significant cinematic year.
From March 7–8, 2026, the museum is presenting “The World of ’70s Black Film Musicals,” hosted by author and programmer Ashley Clark. This weekend program highlights his new book and features screenings of three 1970s Black musical films: “The Wiz,” “West Indies: The Fugitive Slaves of Liberty,” and Sun Ra’s “Space Is the Place.” Clark will also be signing copies of his book after the screening of “The Wiz” on Saturday, March 7. This sounds like a really special cultural deep dive.
A screening program called “Overexposed: Through and Through” is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026, to complement the “Overexposed” exhibition. It will feature two films representing interior body representations: the 1966 sci-fi classic “Fantastic Voyage” and the 2022 documentary “De Humani Corporis Fabrica.” The inclusion of a scientist to introduce “Fantastic Voyage” is a nice touch, adding an educational layer to the film’s exploration of medicine.
The fifth annual “Marvels of Media Festival” is set to take place from March 26–28, 2026. This festival celebrates the work of autistic media-makers and will include screenings, panel discussions, workshops, and an exhibition featuring VR experiences and video games. Admission to all events is free with RSVP, which makes it a very accessible event for families looking to engage with diverse creative voices.
From April 11–12, 2026, the museum will present “Marilyn Monroe in New York” to mark her centenary. This series will showcase films set in New York City, such as “The Seven Year Itch” and “How to Marry a Millionaire,” alongside the rarely shown “Don’t Bother to Knock.” If you’re interested in the iconic photographer Sam Shaw, whose work captured Monroe throughout her career, there’s a special conversation scheduled on April 11 with his granddaughter, Melissa Stevens, discussing the star’s myth and reality.
The “Always on Sunday: Greek Film Series,” presented in association with the Hellenic Film Society USA, has dates in March and April 2026. On March 15, they are screening “Wishbone” (2024), and on April 19, “Kyuka: Before Summer’s End” (2024). These offer a glimpse into contemporary Greek cinema.
The “First Look 2026” festival is scheduled from April 23 to May 3, 2026. This is MoMI’s annual festival for new and adventurous cinema, introducing New York audiences to over two dozen works from around the world. It includes feature and short films, fiction and nonfiction, and experimental forms. The ethos here is discovery, aiming to connect audiences with new films and filmmakers.
Free Community Events and Special Programs
The “Open Worlds 2026” series offers free access to the museum’s ground floor and includes various community events throughout the year. For March 2026, this includes “Story Studio: Women’s History Month” on March 15, where visitors can film interviews with friends and family about important life moments. I think this is a wonderful activity for families to create lasting memories together.
Also on March 15, 2026, the museum is hosting its first-ever “Oscars Watch Party” in the Sumner M. Redstone Theater. It sounds like a fun, festive evening with a red carpet arrival, drinks and snacks, and the live broadcast of the 98th Academy Awards. Hosted by local performers, it promises trivia and entertainment during commercial breaks, and admission is free with an RSVP. This could be a very engaging way to experience the glamour of the Oscars.
On Saturday, March 21, 2026, there’s a free community talk titled “On Production Design” with veteran production designer Dean Taucher. He will share insights into his work on TV shows like “The Sopranos” and “Law & Order: SVU,” discussing the research and problem-solving involved in creating fictional worlds. For those interested, Taucher will also lead a tour of the museum’s “Stories and Set Designs for The Sopranos” exhibition.
A special event celebrating Johnny Carson’s centennial is happening on Sunday, March 29, 2026: “Johnny Carson Presents Jim Henson: Celebrating Johnny Carson’s Centennial.” Hosted by Henson historian Craig Shemin and Carson podcaster Mark Malkoff, it will showcase rarely seen highlights of Jim Henson and the Muppets’ appearances on “The Tonight Show.” A book signing for Malkoff’s new book, “Love, Johnny Carson,” will follow the program.
On Thursday, April 9, 2026, the museum partners with the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation for a “Sloan Science and Film Reception and Celebration.” This event will honor the best science-themed screenplays from graduate film schools nationwide. It includes a reception with food and drink, a script reading, and a Q&A with journalist Evan Ratliff, celebrating the 2025 Sloan Student Prize winners.
For a dose of classic comedy, on Sunday, April 12, 2026, there’s a screening of the Marx Brothers’ “Horse Feathers” (1932) followed by a live recording of the Marx Brothers Council Podcast with an audience. Later that day, you can enjoy a singalong screening of “The Sound of Music” (1965), a beloved musical classic.
Accessibility and Family Programs
The museum continues its commitment to accessibility with several programs. On the last Saturday of each month, the “Touch Object Experience” allows visitors to engage with artifacts like projectors and cameras to learn about the history of moving images in a tactile way. This sounds like a wonderful sensory experience for curious minds.
Every Saturday through April 25, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., “Free Access Mornings” offer a dedicated hour before the museum opens to the public. This is specifically designed for families with children on the autism spectrum, providing a sensory-friendly environment to explore exhibitions and participate in workshops. This thoughtful program underscores the museum’s dedication to inclusivity for all visitors. I always appreciate finding places like this that make such an effort to cater to different needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience. My own daughter, Emma, who sometimes needs a quieter environment, would find this very helpful, and it’s something I look for when planning our outings.
The museum also notes special holiday hours in April 2026, being open daily from April 2–12 for New York City public schools’ spring recess, with varying hours during that period. This is helpful information for families planning to visit during the break.
Practical Visitor Information
Unless otherwise noted, all programs take place at the Museum of the Moving Image, located at 36-01 35 Ave, Astoria, NY 11106. Screenings are held in the Sumner M. Redstone Theater and/or the Celeste and Armand Bartos Screening Room. The most up-to-date schedule and ticket information are available on the museum’s website. Planning ahead is always a good idea, as schedules can sometimes change and additional programs might be added as they are confirmed throughout the season. I find that checking the museum’s site closer to our planned visit date helps ensure we have the latest details.
The museum itself is dedicated to celebrating the history, art, technology, and future of moving images across all forms. Beyond its special exhibitions and screenings, it houses a comprehensive collection of moving image artifacts and screens over 500 films annually. Its core exhibitions, such as “Behind the Screen” and “The Jim Henson Exhibition,” are known for integrating physical objects, interactive elements, and audiovisual presentations, offering a rich and engaging experience that goes far beyond just watching films.
