Museum of the Moving Image

Located in Astoria, Queens, the Museum of the Moving Image is the nation’s only museum dedicated to the art, history, and technology of moving images in all forms. It offers interactive exhibitions, screenings of classic and contemporary films, and educational programs, providing a comprehensive exploration of film, television, and digital media. The museum houses a comprehensive collection of moving image artifacts and screens over 500 films annually in its two theaters: the grand Sumner M. Redstone Theater, equipped with Dolby Atmos and 70mm capability, and the Bartos Screening Room. Its exhibitions—including the core exhibition ‘Behind the Screen’ and ‘The Jim Henson Exhibition’—are noted for their integration of material objects, interactive experiences, and audiovisual presentations.

Planning your visit

The Museum of the Moving Image is in Astoria for a reason: it sits on the site of the Kaufman Astoria Studios, where Paramount made films in the silent era and where production continues today. It is the only American museum devoted to the art, history and technology of the moving image across film, television and digital media.

The core exhibition, Behind the Screen, covers how moving images are made and sold — cameras, editing equipment, sound, makeup, licensed merchandise, and interactive stations where visitors dub dialogue, create stop-motion animation and manipulate sound effects. The Jim Henson Exhibition holds over 300 objects from his career including original Muppets, which is the draw for many visitors and genuinely moving in person.

The museum screens over 500 films a year across two theatres, including 70mm and Dolby Atmos capability, and the programming is serious — retrospectives and restorations rather than current releases.

It is a subway ride from Manhattan into Queens. Bookable options include flexible tickets and Friday evening date-night passes, which pair admission with the evening screening programme. Checking what is showing before choosing a date is worthwhile. Current availability is listed below.