Museum of the Moving Image

The Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens is a specialist museum devoted to the history, technology and art of film, television and digital media. It opened in the late 20th century and now combines exhibition galleries with screening and education spaces.

Exhibits cover technical equipment, filmmaking craft, broadcast history and contemporary digital media, and the museum presents films, retrospectives and themed exhibitions throughout the year. On-site screening spaces are used for public programmes, restorations and festival events.

The institution was founded to preserve moving-image heritage and to interpret its cultural impact; it has expanded its exhibition and public-programme activities since opening. Collections consist of film and television artifacts, archival material and production equipment.

The museum is located in the Astoria neighbourhood of Queens, New York City, immediately beside the Kaufman Astoria Studios complex and reachable by subway and local bus from Manhattan and other parts of Queens.

• Location note: The museum is adjacent to the historic Kaufman Astoria film studios in the Astoria neighbourhood of Queens, New York.
• Planning tip: Timed screenings and special exhibitions can sell out; check the museum schedule for evening film events and festivals.

What to See #

• 'Behind the Screen' permanent exhibition: A long-term permanent exhibition explains the technical, cultural and industrial history of film, television and digital media with objects, film clips and interactive displays.
• Screening theatres and programmes: On-site screening spaces host regular film and video programmes, retrospectives and new-media screenings that accompany temporary exhibitions.
• Education and interactive spaces: Education studios and interactive galleries provide hands-on workshops and activities for students and families linked to moving-image production.