Unusual NYC Museums

The troll dolls fad swept the nation during the 1960’s, 1970’s and again in the 1990’s with their colorful hair, cute faces and “magnetism for good luck.” In the Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Reverend Jen started a museum dedicated to all things trolls in her apartment. You’ll find limited-edition dolls such as the rock 'n' roll Elvis troll and one that is supposedly haunted. All except for two trolls found online have made their way to Reverend Jen and she’ll be happy to tell a story for each of them. Visits are by appointment only so call ahead of time.  

Opened Thursday through Sunday, this Williamsburg exhibition hall houses only-in-New York trinkets and findings. Their permanent collection includes pieces from the New York’s World Fair of 1939, baseball memorabilia and limited edition Statue of Liberty souvenirs. The Brooklyn attraction's rotating collections have featured New York pizza box art, the evolution of the parking meter and art on vinyl record canvases. There’s always something quirky in store and most items in rotating exhibitions are for sale!

Looking to impress your guests with some nifty card tricks? At the Conjuring Arts and Research Center, there is a collection of over 11,000 magic books: ventriloquism, hypnosis, psychic phenomenon, deceptive gambling mentalism, you name it. Read about magic masters sharing their tricks, history and traditions of performing arts from the 15th century to present time.

Located inside a decommissioned subway tunnel in downtown Brooklyn, New York Transit Museum takes guests to the beginning of time… well, the beginning of the New York City subway, that is. Enter vintage train cars from 1904 to see what it was like to be a straphanger back in the day. Afterwards, follow the evolution of the MTA and New York’s subway transportation with interactive exhibits and historic displays.