Staten Island Museum

Museum Local history and natural science museum on Staten Island

On Staten Island, the Staten Island Museum presents natural history, local archives and rotating exhibitions-popular with families and visitors researching the borough’s past.

The Staten Island Museum is a long-established cultural institution on Staten Island, New York, founded in 1881 and focused on natural science, art and local history collections. It functions as a civic museum serving the borough with exhibitions and public programs.

Permanent and rotating displays present specimens, artworks and historical material that document Staten Island’s natural environment and community heritage. Educational programs and outreach to schools are a regular part of the museum’s activities.

The museum began in the late 19th century as a local institute for arts and sciences and has expanded its collections and public programming over time to reflect both natural history and cultural heritage. It has operated in different facilities on Staten Island as its collections and activities have grown.

Located on Staten Island in New York City, the museum is sited within the borough and is reachable from Manhattan via the Staten Island Ferry and local transit connections.

Founding: Founded in 1881 as the Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences, the institution combines natural history, local history and fine art collections focused on Staten Island.

How to Get to Staten Island Museum #

Take the Staten Island Ferry from Manhattan (free) to St. George Terminal, then a short walk or local bus to the museum-alternatively drive and use local parking near Stuyvesant Place.

Tips for Visiting Staten Island Museum #

Check the museum's schedule for temporary exhibits and special events-local history displays rotate.
The museum is compact-allow an hour to 90 minutes for a typical visit.
Combine a trip with visits to Staten Island Ferry and the Snug Harbour cultural sites for a full-day local itinerary.