Sights to See
You’ll never run out of things to do in Murray Hill. Here, Manhattan’s most iconic attractions, like the Chrysler Building and Grand Central Terminal, are just a few blocks away, and there are still plenty of things to keep you busy in the immediate area as well.
Interesting museums, exquisite libraries, hidden-gem parks, and prestigious venues are all among Murray Hill’s attractions, providing both visitors and residents with plenty of ways to spend their days and nights.
Museums
AKC Museum of the Dog
Dogs are an integral part of society. And the AKC Museum of the Dog celebrates that role while educating the public about the bond humans share with canines through one of the most substantial collections of canine-related art in the world. Their repository includes nearly 1,700 pieces of fine art and high-tech interpretive displays, along with a 4,000-volume library.
101 Park Ave, New York, NY 10178
212.696.8360
https://museumofthedog.org/
Distance from hotel: 0.3 miles
The Morgan Library and Museum
Founded in 1906 to house J. P. Morgan’s private library, the Morgan Library & Museum is a dazzling complex of buildings filled with treasures. Boasting three Gutenberg Bibles, its collection is certainly impressive and includes (among many other things) the only surviving manuscript of Milton’s Paradise Lost, manuscripts and letters from Jane Austen and Albert Einstein, and the largest collection of Rembrandt etchings in the United States.
225 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016
212.685.0008
https://www.themorgan.org/
Distance from hotel: 0.4 miles
Scandinavia House
The leading center for Nordic culture in the United States, Scandinavia House: The Nordic Center, hosts fine art, design, and performing art pieces. Visited by 1.5 million people since it opened in 2000, the center’s diverse exhibitions aim to illuminate the culture of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
58 Park Ave, New York, NY 10016
212.779.3587
http://www.scandinaviahouse.org/
Distance from hotel: 0.4 miles
The National Museum of Mathematics
Mathematics illuminates the patterns that abound in our world. The National Museum of Mathematics strives to enhance public understanding and perception of mathematics. Even if you didn’t love math in school, the museum’s dynamic exhibits, interactive installations, and educational programs help showcase real-world applications of those algorithms and formulas, bridging the scientific inquiry with human curiosity.
11 E 26th St, New York, NY 10010
212.542.0566O
https://momath.org/
Distance from hotel: 0.3 miles
Entertainment
The Cutting Room
After closing its original location in 2009, The Cutting Room on East 32nd Street between Park and Madison is one of NYC’s most prestigious music venues. Created by original owner Steve Walter and co-owner Chris Noth, The Cutting Room offers a fresh take on what a club and lounge should be. While the lineup is remarkably varied — from burlesque shows to jazz acts — mainstream artists have also been spotted on the red-curtained main stage, including Sting, Billy Joel, John Legend, and Lady Gaga.
In addition to first-class performances, the venue offers a surprisingly diverse selection of beers, spirits, and cocktails, as well as a bar menu with everything from charcuterie to sliders.
44 E 32nd St, New York, NY 10016
212.691.1900
http://thecuttingroomnyc.com/
Distance from hotel: 0.6 miles
The Peoples’ Voice Cafe
Founded in 1979, the Peoples’ Voice Cafe is an alternative coffeehouse where you’ll find quality live entertainment, usually political music, poetry, storytelling, dance, and theater. The cafe is run as a not-for-profit collective, and patrons are asked to contribute $20, more if you’re able, or less if you can’t, but no one is turned away. Past performers include Roberta Flack, David Alpher, and Hank Roberts.
40 E 35th St, New York, NY 10016
212.787.3903
http://peoplesvoicecafe.org/
Distance from hotel: 0.2 miles
The Escape Game New York City
Prepare yourself for a live 60-minute adventure. You can choose from different themes, like a classic art heist or a 1950’s prison break, and team up to uncover clues, solve puzzles, and complete your mission.
295 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10017
917.970.1360
https://theescapegame.com/newyorkcity/
Distance from hotel: 0.4 miles
Other Places of Interest
The United Nations
Completed in 1952, the headquarters of the United Nations sits on roughly 18 acres next to the East River. Public guided tours are available to visit the General Assembly Hall, the Security Council Chamber, and more.
46th St & 1st Ave, New York, NY 10017
212.963.7539
https://visit.un.org/
Distance from hotel: 0.8 miles
The New York Public Library
Discover the flagship building of The New York Public Library—one of the world’s great libraries. A magnificent example of the Beaux-Arts style of architecture, this library has symbolized the democratic ideal of free and open access to knowledge since it opened to the public in 1911. Today, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building welcomes millions of visitors a year from across the world who find inspiration in its majestic public spaces, unparalleled research collections, and vibrant programs and exhibitions.
476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018
917.275.6975
https://www.nypl.org/
Distance from hotel: 0.7 miles
Empire State Building
Visiting the Empire State Building is a New York City rite of passage. With an 86th-floor outdoor observatory deck boasting iconic views of Manhattan and beyond, there’s a good reason why the skyscraper remains one of the must-visit destinations in town. Other attractions within the space include the 102nd floor indoor observation deck and the Dare to Dream exhibit, honoring the thousands of folks who built the 1,454-foot building.
20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001
212.736.3100
http://www.esbnyc.com/
Distance from hotel: 0.5 miles
Flatiron Building
Just south of Madison Square Park is this famously photo-friendly triangular renaissance palazzo. The 22-story edifice is clad in white terracotta: its light color was revealed again by cleaning and restoration in the early 1990s. Some believe that the building was named after the eponymous neighborhood; but in reality, the surrounding area was christened in honor of the structure, which was the world’s first steel-frame skyscraper.
175 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010
https://www.nycgo.com/attractions/flatiron-building
Distance from hotel: 1.0 mile
Grand Central Terminal
This beautiful and instantly-recognizable Beaux-Arts train terminal is the nation’s biggest transit hub and one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. Even if you aren’t taking a train, be sure to check out the enormous main concourse, with its oversized windows and pristinely painted ceiling. And if you’re in the mood for a bite, the station is home to the famed Grand Central Oyster Bar as well as both a bakery and fine-dining restaurant by legendary Scandinavian chef and Noma co-founder Claus Meyer.
89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
212.340.2583
https://www.grandcentralterminal.com/
Distance from hotel: 0.8 miles
St. Vartan Cathedral
Amidst NYC’s glittering skyscrapers, you can find St. Vartan’s Cathedral hidden in plain sight. The church looks like it could be from a quaint village in Armenia, but really it’s a replica of Armenia’s Saint Hripsime Church, which was constructed in 681. After stepping into the courtyard and heading inside the building, you’ll feel transported to a different century, charmed by the beautiful stained glass, vibrant murals, and the stone dome covered in glittering gold leaf.
630 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10016
212.686.0710
https://armenianchurch.us/tag/st-vartan-cathedral/
Distance from hotel: 0.4 miles
Right Light Sculpture
If you bump into a man painting outside the public plaza on 34th Street between 3rd Avenue and Lexington, there’s no need to say “excuse me.” While exceedingly life-like, the man is, in fact, bronze. Created by Seward Johnson in 1983, ‘Right Light’ depicts a man painting en plein air, complete with his easel, paint brush, and canvas
