At Snug Harbor Cultural Center on Staten Island, this compact museum brings together art, natural science and local history. Its galleries connect borough stories with wider themes, so you can move from a mastodon display to works of art and exhibits about Staten Island’s past. Look for the lower-level historical timeline and, when on view, exhibitions such as “Remember the Mastodon” and “Taking Care: The Black Angels of Sea View Hospital.” Admission is pay what you wish, and the visit fits neatly into a day exploring Snug Harbor.
A museum founded on local collections
The Staten Island Museum began in 1881, when 14 local naturalists joined their collections. Their aim was to preserve objects connected to the borough and make them accessible to the public. The museum opened to visitors in 1908.
Today, its collections span natural science, art and history. That mix gives the galleries room for both objects from the natural world and records of Staten Island’s past. The museum’s local focus also opens onto wider subjects, from art and environmental change to the people and events that shaped the borough.
Natural science and the mastodon
Natural science displays bring attention to specimens and the stories they can tell. “Remember the Mastodon” is a focused exhibition about the extinct animal, including how it compares with the woolly mammoth and the work involved in preserving its remains. A mastodon replica is another striking presence in the museum’s displays.
The Hall of Natural Sciences includes unusual objects alongside specimens. Other exhibits have explored decay through both living organisms, such as fungi and bacteria, and non-organic materials such as microplastics. Exhibition schedules change, so check what is on view when planning your visit.
Art and Staten Island history
Art appears alongside historical material rather than in a separate, unrelated visit. The museum’s collections include works from different periods, while its archives and displays document life on Staten Island. The lower-level posters and murals lay out a timeline of the borough’s history and are a useful place to start if you want context for the exhibits upstairs.
“Taking Care: The Black Angels of Sea View Hospital” tells the story of nurses who worked at the hospital during the tuberculosis crisis. The exhibition brings attention to their contribution and adds a personal dimension to the museum’s local history. Together, the galleries give you several ways to approach the island’s past, from archival records to stories about individuals.
Häufige Fragen
How does admission work at the Staten Island Museum?
Admission is pay what you wish. You choose how much to contribute.
How long should I plan for a visit?
Allow about 40 minutes to explore the museum.
What can I see at the museum?
The collections cover art, natural science and local history. Exhibitions have included displays about mastodons and the Black Angels of Sea View Hospital.
Is the museum open every day?
No. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and open Wednesday through Sunday.
