North America Museums and Culture

    National Portrait Gallery, United States

   - Washington, DC           
Generations of remarkable Americans are kept in the company of their fellow citizens at the National Portrait Gallery. The Gallery presents the wonderful diversity of individuals who have left–and are leaving–their mark on our country and our culture. Through the visual and performing arts, we celebrate leaders such as George Washington and Martin Luther King Jr., artists such as Mary Cassatt and George Gershwin, activists such as Sequoyah and Rosa Parks, and icons of pop culture such as Babe Ruth and Marilyn Monroe. They all link us to our past, our present, and our future. For anyone fascinated by famous Americans and their stories, the National Portrait Gallery is a must-visit destination.
    Arizona State Museum, United States
  1013 E. University Blvd - Tucson, AZ           
At Arizona State Museum you experience the vibrant indigenous cultures of Arizona and northern Mexico through exhibitions, educational programs, a research library, and a museum store. The museum’s scholars and extensive collections are among the most significant resources in the world for the study of Southwest peoples.
    Museum of Science and Industry, United States
  57th Street and Lake Shore Drive - Chicago, IL           
One of the largest science museums in the world, is home to more than 35,000 artifacts and nearly 14 acres of hands-on exhibits designed to spark scientific inquiry and creativity. We have welcomed more than 175 million guests in our 75 years, and our ongoing mission has been to inspire the inventive genius in all of them with world-class, permanent exhibits such the U-505 Submarine, the only German U-boat in the United States; or world-premiere temporary exhibits such as 2008's Smart Home: Green + Wired.
Even bigger than our mission is our vision, which is to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential in the fields of science, technology, engineering and medicine. In addition to our fun and interactive exhibits, the Museum's Center for the Advancement of Science Education is continually developing and facilitating student learning labs, after-school science clubs, teen volunteer programs, teacher development classes and community outreach—all ways in which the Museum's seek to make science come alive for children of all ages.
    International Center of Photography, United States
  1133 Ave. of the Americas at 43rd - New York, NY            
Manhattan has the distinction of being home to some of the most wonderful museum experiences in the world. One of these stands out from the rest, as it grasps the simple idea of presenting a solitary moment for its visitors. The International Center of Photography gives its patrons an opportunity to gaze at frozen moments in time and bring public attention to outstanding achievements in photography. Inside the enormous glass windows that make up the entrance lies some of the most dynamic exhibitions ever presented in the New York Museum scene. Current exhibits include works by Weegee, dealing with New York crime and news events and the first American presentation of Christer Stromholm’s “Les Amies de Place Blanche.” On top of the already vast selection of pictures and exhibits, Spring and Summer 2012 will have the museum partnered up with several instructors to provide hands-on classes for the aspiring photographers of tomorrow. This museum also houses the only library dedicated to photography, which presents even more opportunities for visitors to engulf themselves in this culture. In the simplest terms, the International Center of Photography is a life changing experience that will leave its crowds speechless and give everyone a chance to experience New York like never before.
    Center for Photography at Woodstock, United States
  59 Tinker Street - Woodstock, NY           
CPW's galleries are free & open to the public Wednesday-Sunday, from 12 to 5pm year-round. CPW Offices, library, and darkroom are open Monday-Friday, 10-6pm.Staff are available by appointment.
    Northport Historical Society and Museum, United States
  215 Main Street - Northport, NY           
The Northport Historical Society has been collecting, preserving and telling the stories of the people of Northport for more than four decades. Hop on board a journey of discovery -- a trip that begins before the time of Columbus and brings us right up to the present.
    Alice Austen House Museum, United States
  2 Hylan Boulevard (Bay Street) - Staten Island, NY            
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Are you familiar with the work of Alice Austen? Even if the name doesn’t ring a bell, her photography and cultural impact is second-to-none and continues to be the definition of stunning work. The Alice Austen House Museum in Staten Island pays homage to Austen’s work by showcasing her vast talents and restoring her home to an era gone by. When visiting this Staten Island museum, patrons will find themselves admiring the beautiful gardens and simple Victorian design that defines the house that was Alice Austen’s life. By stepping between the doors, you enter in to the private life of this powerfully observant woman and the chronicles of how Austen led her own life via her own testimonials and the documentations of those around her. Hundreds of pictures that Austen took in her lifetime surround you and demand your attention at every turn, complimented by the works of those inspired by her. In Spring 2012, this Staten Island museum featured “Foreclosed” which was a documentation of the American housing crisis. A stunning look between Austen’s work and the modern pieces, “Foreclosed” is a great example of what New York City museums offer, a slice of life.
    Museum of American Finance, United States
  48 Wall Street - New York, NY             
Money - to think of America and New York City, is to think of money. No other single object has been such a driving force for power and prestige than money. The Museum of American Finance houses a collaborative history celebrating money and the American free-enterprise system. Walking into the brass and concrete entrance you will see several displays focused on the growth of American commerce and the spirit of entrepreneurship. Visitors have the opportunity to look at many of the economic issues that have faced America, including exhibits dedicated to the history of money and the stock market. Spring 2012 brings two new exhibits to the museum. “Checks & Balances” focuses on the presidential side of economic security and the issues each president has faced. The second exhibit is the credit crisis which focuses on the bottoming of the stock market in 2007 and displays the vast change that resulted in the American financial institution over the last few years. The Museum of American Finance, Manhattan, is a unique perspective into a hub of the United States. If you wish to understand more about money and the desire to better the economy, then definitely make a stop in here.
    Cherry Valley Museum, United States
  47 Main St - Rte 166 - Cherry Valley, NY           
Located in the heart of the historic village of Cherry Valley, the museum houses some of the finest examples of Early Americana in the state. A complete collection of Victorian furniture, housewares, toys and clothing. Revolutionary war artifacts from the Cherry Valley Massacre of 1778. Historic portraits, a Civil War Flag made by Cherry Valley women for the volunteer militia and carried by the NYS 76th Volunteers in 1862. There are also early Fire pumpers and equipment and a bible pierced by an arrow from the massacre. These are just a few of the items you will see as you tour this museum.
    Culinary Arts Museum, United States
  315 Harborside Boulevard - Johnson & Wales University - Providence, RI           
The Culinary Arts Museum at Johnson & Wales University is the premier museum devoted to the preservation of the history of the culinary and hospitality industries.
    Metropolitan Museum of Art, United States
  5th Avenue & 82nd Street - New York, NY             
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George Bellows - November 15, 2012–February 18, 2013. Accompanied by a catalogue and an Audio Guide. Gallery 999. George Bellows (1882–1925) was regarded as one of America's greatest artists when he died, at the age of forty-two, from a ruptured appendix. Bellows's early fame rested on his powerful depictions of boxing matches and gritty scenes of New York City's tenement life, but he also painted cityscapes, seascapes, war scenes, and portraits, and made illustrations and lithographs that addressed many of the social, political, and cultural issues of the day. Featuring some one hundred works from Bellows's extensive oeuvre, this landmark loan exhibition is the first comprehensive survey of the artist's career in nearly half a century. It invites the viewer to experience the dynamic and challenging decades of the early twentieth century through the eyes of a brilliant observer.
Once you step between the doors of this monumental edifice of man’s artistic achievement, you enter into a living body of culture and civilization collected from the four corners of the earth. Ancient Egyptian artifacts, Japanese silk tapestries, Mediaeval Chess pieces, oils and watercolors of Van Gogh, Turner, Rembrandt and Chagal, Collections of Native American art and crafts through the centuries, the opportunities are endless for seeing the wonders of man’s imagination and creative genius. The MET is a NY tourist attraction that holds tours for school classes, seminars on the restoration of ancient shards of daily life, and places you in the midst of cultures from around the world without ever having to step foot on a plane. Where else can you go and enjoy scrumptious art like Faberge eggs, the celebration of baseball in the collection of player cards or imagine yourself wrapped in a mummy cloth. Open every day but Monday and easy to get to, there is every reason in the world to come to the MET, the center of Manhattan museums and culture, spend the day and even eat some of the most delicious food in The City. The main building, often referred to simply as "the Met," is one of the world's largest art galleries, and has a much smaller second location in Upper Manhattan, at "The Cloisters," which features medieval art.
    The Weitzel Gallery, Canada
  904 Central Avenue - Saskatoon, SK            
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The Weitzel Gallery showcases canadian artist Al Nelson Weitzel's unique creations of wildlife, horse and western art.
    Royal Ontario Museum, Canada
  100 Queen's Park - Toronto, ON           
The Royal Ontario Museum is located in the city of Toronto, one of North America’s largest, most diverse and exciting urban centres. The ROM is a must-see Toronto attraction, but there are many other things to see and do in this great city!
    MacBride Museum of Yukon History, Canada
  1124 First Avenue - Whitehorse, YT           
Conveniently located in downtown Whitehorse, the MacBride Museum is the place to start your Yukon adventure.
    Royal London Wax Museum, Canada
  470 Belleville Street - Victoria, BC           
A visit to the Royal London Wax Museum is a journey into the pages of time. The museum documents a myriad of events through some three hundred historical personages from early to contemporary times. Through its objects, artifacts, likenesses of pivotal personages, scenarios and multi-media exhibitions, all visitors will have a meaningful opportunity to see history come alive. This museum is an important educational resource.
    Musée des Abénakis, Canada
  108, Waban-Aki St. - Odanak, QC           
Welcome to the Musée des Abénakis, the first aboriginal museum in the province of Québec, open since 1952.
    Telephone Historical Museum, Canada
  10440 108 Ave NW - Edmonton, AB           
See, hear and do at one of the most enjoyable attractions in Edmonton! This Telephone Historical Centre is the largest of its type in North America. Perfect for all ages.
The Telephone Historical Centre opened to the public in 1987. It was founded by a group of ED TEL retirees who were dedicated to preserving the history of the telephone in the Edmonton area.
    Gardiner Museum, Canada
  111 Queen’s Park - Toronto, ON             
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The Gardiner Museum offers an intimate look at one of the world’s oldest and most universal forms of art and material culture—ceramics. Complemented by special exhibitions, the collection exceeds 3,000 historical and contemporary pieces and spans continents and time, giving you an extraordinary glimpse into the development of the ceramic process, decoration and shape.
Located across from the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto’s charming Yorkville district, the Gardiner has undergone a major expansion of its gallery and studio spaces. It remains one of the city’s finest examples of modernist architecture.
    Alberta Aviation Museum, Canada
  11410 Kingsway Avenue - Edmonton, AB           
See the incredible progress of technology in the past century of flight. Take a guided tour with a group, or plan a self guided, interactive journey through the culture of flight, from the days of wood and fabric to the Jet Age of today. Celebrate 100 years of flight at the Alberta Aviation Museum!
    Vancouver Museum, Canada
  1100 Chestnut Street - Vancouver, BC
          
As Canada's largest civic museum moves into its second century, The Vancouver Museum continues to explore the human and natural history of the Vancouver region, the Pacific Northwest Coast and Pacific Rim with exciting, ever-changing new exhibitions. The Vancouver Museum continues to celebrate the rich legacy and heritage of Vancouver's diverse multicultural society through varied programs. http://www.vanmuseum.bc.ca/
    The Winnipeg Railway Museum, Canada
  123 Main Street - VIA Rail Station - Winnipeg, MB           
You are welcome to visit the only museum in Winnipeg dedicated to the preservation of Manitoba's rail heritage. See where it all began. View the first steam locomotive on the Canadian Prairies, The Countess of Dufferin. Continue on and view an early-generation diesel locomotive just like the ones still used today.
    Museum of Anthropology, Canada
   - Vancouver, BC           
The Museum houses some 535,000 ethnographic and archaeological objects, many of which originate from the Northwest Coast of British Columbia. Massive totem poles, carved boxes, bowls, and feast dishes are featured in the Museum's Great Hall, while smaller (but no less magnificent) pieces in gold, silver, argillite, wood, ceramic, and other materials are exhibited elsewhere in the galleries.
    Sisimiut Museum, Greenland
  Jukkorsuup aqq. 9 - Sisimiut, GL           
The old town quarter is characterized by its colonial age buildings. As most of the towns in Greenland, Sisimiut has been spared of large fires. Consequently, a great deal of the colony administration buildings has been preserved. The greater part of these buildings belongs to Sisimiut Museum...
    Durham Mining Museum
   - Greenland, GL           
"Two different accounts of the history of coal mining in County Durham are presented.
The first comes from The Victoria History of the Counties of England - Durham, published in three volumes in 1907. It contains a large section on the history of coal mining in the county. This work focuses on the detailed history and does not cover the social or practical side of the industry. We have reproduced the text up to the start of the nineteenth century.
The second comes from The History, Topography, and Directory of the County Palatine of Durham by Francis Whellan, second edition, published in 1894. Once again there is a large section of the history of coal mining in the county, however, it concentrates on the nineteenth century, but the major part covers the practical and the social side of mining during the nineteenth century.
The two works complement each other, and together present an overall history of the coal industry in County Durham. The history is nor complete without coverage of the twentieth century and the eventual demise of the industry - this topic is too large and complex to cover here and is best left to the many books on the subject. We do however, provide some information for the twentieth century in the individual pages on each colliery."
    Greenland National Museum, Greenland
  Hans Egedevej 8 - 3900 Nuuk, GL           
Museet blev startet i midten af 1960`erne som det første museum i Grønland. Samlingerne er siden udvidet gennem indsamling, fra udgravninger og med tilbageført materiale fra Danmarks Nationalmuseum. Museet har landsdækkende arbejdsopgaver indenfor arkæologi, nyere tids historie, kunst og kunsthåndværk. Museet rummer de centrale registre om fredede bygninger og fortidsminder og varetager fredningslovens bestemmelser om fredning af fortidsminder og bygninger samt deltager i naturfredning og byplanlægning.