First, I'll point out the advantages of this museum --- The entry fee is not only inexpensive as far as NYC museums go but is also a "suggested" price. The museum isn't very big thus it is easy to visit it without feeling overwhelmed. The Panorama is a must-see exhibit---just keep in mind that you are looking at NYC as it appeared in 1992 (the last time the exhibit was updated). The artifacts of past world fairs on the top floor is very interesting---be sure that you don't miss it.
Now, the disadvantages of this museum --- It's a long walk from the subway and signage in the park isn't the clearest. One often thinks of visiting a museum on a rainy day but this isn't the one to visit in inclement weather due to the location. The museum has a snack bar but it wasn't opened the day we went there---and we don't know why. How nice it would have been to be able to sit down and have a cold beverage after a long walk! The bathrooms weren't very clean and smelled bad. The gift shop had very little for sale. Most of their items were overpriced for what they were---ordinary items that could be found in most souvenir stores. There were very few items that would be considered unique to this museum.
All that said, the most annoying thing when we visited was this --- While trying to look at the world fair artifacts, the museum was simultaneously installing a new exhibit. An employee had to ask me to move just so a forklift could get by! I have never visited a museum that operated in that fashion. Other museums, when installing a new exhibit, will close off that area so that patrons aren't put in harms way. To do an installation while patrons are there is unacceptable.
Still---it is worth a visit, if only to see the panorama. Just be sure to bring a cold drink with you since the snack bar may or may not be open.
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