Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Indeed, the museum is best known for its remarkable temporary
exhibitions as well as its excellent permanent collection. The
museum's grand Beaux Arts building, designed by McKim, Mead &
White (1897), befits its outstanding holdings, most notably the
Egyptian, Classical, and Ancient Middle Eastern collection of sculp-
ture, wall reliefs, and mummies. The decorative-arts collection
includes 28 American period rooms from 1675 to 1928 (the extrava-
gant Moorish-style smoking room from John D. Rockefeller's 54th
St. mansion is my favorite). Other highlights are the African and
Asian arts galleries, dozens of works by Rodin, a good costumes
and textiles collection, and a diverse collection of American and
European painting and sculpture that includes works by Homer,
O'Keeffe, Monet, Cézanne, and Degas.
200 Eastern Pkwy. (at Washington Ave.), Brooklyn.
&
718/638-5000.
www.brooklyn
museum.org. Suggested admission $8 adults, $4 seniors and students, free for chil-
dren under 12, free to all 1st Sat of the month 11am-11pm. Wed-Fri 10am-5pm;
1st Sat of the month 11am-11pm, each Sat thereafter 11am-6pm; Sun 11am-6pm.
Subway: 2, 3 to Eastern Pkwy./Brooklyn Museum.
Coney Island
Sure, Coney Island is just a shell of
what it was in its heyday in the early 20th century. But it's that shell
and what remains that make it such an intriguing attraction. The
almost-mythical Parachute Jump, recently refurbished, though long
inoperable, stands as a monument to Coney Island. But this is not a
dead amusement park: Astroland, home of the famed Cyclone roller
coaster, has some great rides for children and adults, though 2008
will be its last season. The new owners will keep the National His-
toric Landmark Cyclone, however; and the Wonder Wheel, next
door at Deno's, will still be turning. The best amusement of all, how-
ever, is the people-watching. Maybe because it is at the extreme edge
of New York City, but Coney Island attracts more than its share of
the odd, freaky, and funky. It's here where Nathan's Famous Hot
Dogs holds its annual hot-dog-eating contest on July 4 at noon;
where the wholly entertaining
Mermaid Parade
spoofs the old
bathing-beauty parades (late June); and where members of the Polar
Bear Swim Club show their masochistic gusto by taking a plunge
into the icy ocean on January 1. The best time to visit is between
Memorial Day and mid-September, when the rides and amusement
park are open. Bring your bathing suit and test the waters.
If you are here in the summer, or even if you are not, I recom-
mend a visit to Coney Island just to see it; and you can always visit
the nearby
Coney Island Museum,
1208 Surf Ave. (
&
718/372-
5159;
www.coneyisland.com). Open Saturdays and Sundays year
Moments
