The City Reliquary Museum is a small community museum at 370 Metropolitan Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, devoted to New York City’s five boroughs. Its crowded displays bring together subway tokens, seltzer bottles, old postcards, Statue of Liberty figurines and other objects tied to the city’s everyday history. Look for the geology cabinet, historic street signs and unusual community collections; rotating exhibitions add new subjects to explore. The compact rooms reward a slow look, especially if you enjoy local history told through curious, ordinary things.
A community museum in Williamsburg
The City Reliquary Museum is at 370 Metropolitan Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It connects New York City's past and present through artifacts and collections assembled around the five boroughs. The museum is a nonprofit community organization, and its exhibits focus on objects that can make local history tangible: tokens, bottles, signs and other remnants of city life.
The project began in 2002 as a display in Williamsburg resident Dave Herman's apartment window. A button outside played a recording about the objects, and directions painted on the building pointed toward nearby landmarks and subway stops. The collection moved to its current storefront in 2006.
Objects with New York stories
The permanent displays bring together artifacts from different corners of the city's history. Subway tokens, seltzer bottles and old postcards sit alongside Statue of Liberty figurines, vintage street signs and pieces connected to New York landmarks. The collection also includes New York geology and objects such as parts from an old subway turnstile.
Some items are striking for their unusual origins. The museum has displayed a metal barrel that survived the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, as well as letters addressed to Spider-Man. Look closely at the smaller objects too: the museum's appeal lies in how personal and specific its collection can be.
Rotating exhibitions and events
Alongside its permanent displays, the museum presents rotating exhibitions drawn from community collections. Past subjects have included items lost beneath school floorboards, revealing everyday objects associated with different generations of students. Other exhibitions have explored topics such as milk, pizza, doughnuts and candy made in New York City.
The museum also holds cultural events, including film screenings and block parties. Check its website before visiting if you want to plan around a particular exhibition or event.
Planning a visit
The museum is open Thursday through Sunday, from noon to 6 p.m., and is closed Monday through Wednesday. Its rooms are compact and densely arranged, so allow time to look closely rather than rushing through. Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends.
Admission is charged, and advance tickets are recommended. The gift shop sells souvenirs, including small New York-themed items. As a nonprofit, the museum also welcomes support through donations and shop purchases.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is The City Reliquary Museum?
It is at 370 Metropolitan Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
When is The City Reliquary Museum open?
It is open Thursday through Sunday, from noon to 6 p.m. It is closed Monday through Wednesday.
How long should I spend at The City Reliquary Museum?
Allow about 30 to 60 minutes to explore the compact, densely filled rooms.
What can you see at The City Reliquary Museum?
Its displays include New York City artifacts such as subway tokens, seltzer bottles, Statue of Liberty figurines, old postcards and geological specimens. Rotating exhibitions feature community collections.
