There’s nothing more colorful and vibrant than New York City. Even in a gloomy day our city shines and stands out.
It's one of the most diverse cities in the world, with each of its 5 boroughs sharing a unique, rich, artistic and cultural history.
While Manhattan and Brooklyn may get the attention, the borough of Queens has numerous places that are of cultural and historical significance.
This indescribable feeling of exuberance and buzz is what makes Queens a top destination of activity.
Despite what people might say “The Bridge” is never over. Here are 7 iconic attractions and museums that make Queens just as noteworthy as any other borough in NYC.
1. Louis Armstrong House (34-56 107 Street)
The Louis Armstrong House is a historical museum located in Corona. You can take a tour and explore the life, work and legacy left behind by one of the world’s most lionized jazz musicians.
Louis Armstrong and his wife Lucille lived the remainder of their lives in Queens from 1943 until his death in 1971.
Despite Armstrong’s iconic legacy, he remained a modest man living a genuine lifestyle.
In fact, during the tour, audio clips and homemade recordings are played so that each visitor can get a sense of his lively talent and charisma.
Apart from learning about his journey, guests are also able to stroll the lovely Japanese-inspired garden and visit a shop filled of memorabilia items. Several special events and concerts are also held occasionally at the home each year.
2. MoMA PS1 (22-25 Jackson Avenue)
MoMA PS1, situated in Long Island City, is one of the oldest and greatest establishments presenting cutting-edge art in NYC. Delve into the realm of emerging artists, where new and emerging ideas are celebrated.
Maintaining the diversity of art and culture alive, MoMA PS1 supports the contemporary work from local artists as well as those from around the world.
Besides appreciating historical surveys and site-specific installations, art lovers can also enjoy a full programming schedule of music and performances.
3. Lewis H. Latimer House (34-41 137th Street)
pjpolicarpio At the Lewis Latimer House Museum, learning about the incredible life of Lewis Latimer, son of former enslaved parents, who forever changed the way we live through his work with Thomas Edison and the Edison Electric Light Company where he was later named chief engineer. @LatimerNOW #queens #nyc #vscocam
The Lewis H. Latimer House reveals some of the earlier contributions of science and technology in American history.
Residence of the African-American inventor Lewis Howard Latimer, take an in-depth look into the discoveries and inventions of this electrical pioneer.
Latimer worked closely with three of the most prominent inventors of our time including Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell and Hiram S. Maxim. Some of his notable accomplishments were the invention of the carbon filament, and his critical role in the development of the telephone.
Aside from highlighting his prestige work, the household also showcases the symbolic achievements of several other African-American scientists.
4. Thalia Spanish Theater (41-17 Greenpoint Avenue)
Thalia Spanish Theater is the first and only bilingual Hispanic theater in Queens.
Celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of the Latin and Spanish American community, it features unique productions of plays, comedy shows as well as folkloric and dance musicals.
Interested in learning more about the Latin and Spanish culture? Then sign up for some dance lessons for flamenco, tango, and salsa or join a acting and film-tv production bilingual workshop at the Thalia Spanish Theater.
,5. The Afrikan Poetry Theatre (176-03 Jamaica Avenue)
The Afrikan Poetry Theater or The Center of Culture in Jamaica, Queens, is an ideal venue for open mics/slams and showcases.
They are the cultural resource that offers a wide array of development programs focusing in education and recreation.
The Afrikan Poetry Theater also curates live musical performances and art exhibits that highlight and honor the beauty and essence of African culture.
6. Queens Historical Society (143-35 37th Avenue)
Queens Historical Society provides guided tours along the historic Kingsland Homestead. Learn about the connection between the Underground Railroad and New York City.
You can also do the freedom mile walking tour and visit sites that were linked with the Underground Railroad. Guests also have the opportunity to discover the activists which were dedicated to the movement of freedom and education.
Currently, they have an exhibition on women who at one point lived and worked in Queens. Don’t miss this lucrative and knowledgeable showing which is on view until May 2016. This exhibition features the work and life of Helen Keller, Lisa Randall, Betty Friedan, Rise Stevens, Grace Lee Boggs and Yeou-Cheng Ma.
7. King Manor Museum and Park (150-03 Jamaica Avenue)
robboe #kingmanor #kingmanormuseum in the heart of a very urban expanse of Jamaica #queens #queensboro This place stands out among the sprawl. #rufuskingpark #newyork #newyorkcity #nyc
Located in King Park, the King Manor Museum is the historic home of Rufus King, a distinguished lawyer, political figure, singer of the United States Constitution and a anti-slavery activist.
Draw into the life of the King Manor family. Absorb the rich history with artifacts, paintings, furniture and glassware that date back to the late 18th and mid 19th century.
Guided tours of the museum are offered February through December.
The goal of preserving the home is to keep the history alive and relevant. A root that conveys the past but also conveys an acknowledgement of the present.
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[Feature Image Courtesy Inhabitat.com]