Museum of the City of New York Hits Play on “Songs of New York”

Photo Courtesy of Museum of the City of New York (MCNY)

Special Interactive Experience Highlights 100 Years of Music from Across NYC’s Five Boroughs Opens February 14, 2025

Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) is thrilled to turn up the volume on its Spring exhibition line-up with Songs of New York: 100 Years of Imagining the City Through Music, an engaging interactive experience, designed by DOME Collective. Opening on February 14, 2025, this new installation celebrates the vibrant musical legacy of New York City and will be showcased in a gallery on the Museum’s second floor.

This one-of-a-kind musical journey first captivated audiences as part of MCNY’s centennial exhibition This Is New York. Now, back by popular demand, this new incarnation strikes all the right chords as visitors hop from borough to borough, engaging with a randomized playlist that highlights NYC’s enduring musical contributions.

Featuring over 100 songs that span the 1920s to the 2020s, the museum mixtape moment includes hits such as Frank Sinatra’s “The Brooklyn Bridge” (Brooklyn) to Wu-Tang Clan’s “C.R.E.A.M.” (Staten Island); Suzanne Vega’s “Tom’s Diner (Manhattan) to Jennifer Lopez’s “Jenny from the Block (The Bronx) and The Ramones’ “Rockaway Beach” (Queens). Lesser-known gems, like the Mills Brothers’ “Coney Island Washboard”; trumpeter Tom Browne’s “Funkin’ for Jamaica, NY”; and rapper Leikeli47’s “Hoyt and Schermerhorn” round out the playlist. Through powerful themes of diversity, resilience, and spirit, Songs of New York sonically reflects the heart and soul of the city’s streets and neighborhoods.

“Songs of New York was a standout of our centennial exhibition,” said Lilly Tuttle, curator at MCNY. “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.” Tuttle added, “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.”

Songs of New York promises an unforgettable aural experience, blending timeless classics with fresh 21st-century sounds. Whether you’re a longtime fan of iconic anthems or exploring aspects of the city’s musical legacy for the first time, there’s something for everyone. Beyond the interactive, visitors can browse archival photographs from the MCNY collection and keep the groove going outside the gallery with a specially curated Spotify playlist.

For related programming and more information, go to mcny.org.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

The Museum of the City of New York celebrates and interprets the city’s history, art, popular culture, and civic life, highlighting New York’s influence worldwide. Founded in 1923 as a private, nonprofit corporation, the Museum serves 200,000 visitors from around the world through exhibitions, school and public programs, publications, and collections.