LL Cool J with Cut Creator, ELove, and B-Rock. Museum of the City of New York. Gift of Janette Beckman, (2016.5.5)
A new exhibition at the Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) immerses visitors in the rich musical heritage of the five boroughs. “Songs of New York: 100 Years of Imagining the City Through Music” showcases more than 100 songs from artists spanning the 1920s to the 2020s, all related to New York City life, be it the subway, nightlife, or neighborhoods. Located in a gallery on the museum’s second floor, the exhibit features artists like the Wu-Tang Clan, Frank Sinatra, the Ramones, Jennifer Lopez, and Suzanne Vega.
Designed by DOME Collective, the musical experience was originally part of the museum’s centennial exhibit “This is New York,” which explored 100 years of art and pop culture in New York City.
“‘Songs of New York’ was a standout of our centennial exhibition,” Lilly Tuttle, curator at MCNY, said. “We’re thrilled to bring this lively, interactive experience back, inviting visitors to engage with the music of the five boroughs and rediscover how it captures the very essence of New York City—its grit, its glory, and its unmatched diversity.”
“With every visit, Songs of New York delivers a unique playlist. No two ‘journeys’ are the same, making each exploration an exciting and unforgettable celebration of the city’s rich musical heritage.”
Promising an unforgettable aural experience, the exhibition weaves timeless classics inspired by the five boroughs with contemporary 21st-century sounds. Whether you’re a dedicated music enthusiast or a casual listener, the exhibit offers something new to discover.
Alongside the music, visitors can explore archival photographs from the MCNY collection by esteemed photographers such as Allan Tannenbaum, Joe Conzo, Fred W. McDarrah, and Janette Beckman, who captured iconic images of artists like Blondie, LL Cool J, and the Velvet Underground.
MCNY has also published a special Spotify playlist featuring the music showcased in the exhibition. Listen to it here.
Tickets for the exhibition cost $23 for adults and can be purchased here.
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