The coronavirus pandemic is restricting travel, limiting gatherings, and changing the way we experience the world. With new public health and safety instructions being announced every day, the city that never sleeps is definitely slowing down.
Thankfully modern technology is making it possible for many of these museums, parks, and libraries to offer virtual access to their venues, galleries, and collections. While we all engage in social distancing and try to remain entertained and energetic, these virtual NY experiences are a great way to stay connected.
Museums
The Google’s Arts & Culture platform offers access to the Met, the Museum of Modern Art, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Cooper Hewitt. Some of the museums also include virtual tours of specific exhibits. The offerings at the Frick, the Museum of the City of New York, the New-York Historical Society, the New York Public Library are particularly nice.
Libraries
New York City’s public libraries have closed, but access to e-books and research platforms is still available. Check out the New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and the Queens Public Library to learn what is available.
Parks
The parks are open, but outdoor gatherings and unnecessary exposure are not recommended. If you are feeling pent-up indoors, you can still go on a virtual tour of the High Line elevated park through Google Arts & Culture. New York favorites Central Park and the Staten Island Greenbelt are also open virtually through the New York City Parks Department.
It is not often that you are given an opportunity to be a“Tourist In Your Own Town.” The New York Landmarks Conservancy has a series by that name, giving tours of historic landmarks such as President Theodore Roosevelt’s birthplace and the Dyckman Farmhouse Museum. Most of the concerts scheduled by the 92nd Street Y will be live-streamed with no audience.
