Timescapes is the Museum of the City of New York's signature orientation film, a 28-minute cinematic sweep through four centuries of the city's transformation from Dutch trading post to global capital. Projected in the museum's theater, it stitches maps, paintings, photographs and footage into a fast, vivid primer on how New York became New York. If you're starting a visit to MCNY, this is the ideal first stop.
What to expect
A seated theater screening of a roughly half-hour film tracing New York's history through centuries of growth, immigration, building and reinvention. Expect a polished, image-rich production that works as both a standalone story and a frame for the museum's deeper exhibitions on the city.
Good to know
- Screens in the theater at the Museum of the City of New York, Fifth Ave at 103rd St—take the 6 to 103rd St
- Included with general museum admission
- A great first stop to orient a visit before the other galleries
- Runs about 28 minutes—easy to fit into any visit
- The museum sits at the top of Museum Mile, across from Central Park
- Family-friendly and a solid intro to NYC history for first-time visitors
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Common questions
How long is the film?
About 28 minutes.
Is it included with admission?
Yes—it screens in the museum's theater as part of general admission.
What's it about?
The history of New York City, from its Dutch-colonial origins to the modern metropolis.
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