Astoria – Culture

Astoria is home to the largest Greek population in the world outside of Greece itself, earning it the moniker “Little Greece.” Since the 1960s when Greek immigrants settled in the neighborhood, Greek culture, restaurants, and bakeries have come to dominate the neighborhood, and there are numerous Greek Orthodox Churches and language schools in the area as well. Astoria is also a family-friendly neighborhood, with the huge Astoria Park providing much-needed green space and numerous other parks dotting the neighborhood.

 

Greek Cultural Center

The Greek Cultural Center opened in 1874 to bring theater, music, folk dance, films, and classes to the neighborhood. The center looks to preserve the Greek language, especially for the children of immigrants, and provide artists a place to highlight their work on traditional Greek themes. The center hosts many events including literary, theatrical, and other performance art.

 

Socrates Sculpture Garden

Founded in 1986, overlooking the East River, the sculpture park was created by the artist Mark di Suvero as an accessible community space. The five-acre waterfront space hosts events and displays rotating selections of art. Unlike most other museum spaces, the park remains open during installations and de-installation, allowing the public a first-hand view of the process of installing artwork, as well as viewing artists at work in the workshop area. Throughout the summer, the park hosts a farmstand (every Saturday) and yoga classes (on Sundays).  There is often other programming hosted in the park as well, like outdoor film screenings and other cultural events.

 

Noguchi Museum

Isamu Noguchi was a 20th-century sculptor known for gardens, furniture, ceramics, architecture, sets, and landscapes. Noguchi traveled extensively throughout his life and kept studios in Japan and New York. He oversaw the opening of the museum in 1985. The works, garden, and museum represent the culmination of his career.

 

 

Museum of the Moving Image

A celebration of film and all motion pictures, the Museum of the Moving Image has long been the nation’s only museum dedicated to “the art, history, technique, and technology of the moving image.” But this museum isn’t just about what is seen on screen; it explores all phases of production with many interactive exhibits. The ongoing Jim Henson exhibit is a great place to see behind the scenes of the world of the muppets, from Fraggle Rock to the Muppet Show. The museum hosts regular events, including film screenings and director Q&As, and memberships are available. It’s an ideal place for kids and anyone with an interest in the art and labor behind making films. Don’t miss the grasshopper tacos and mezcalitas across the street at Tacuba Cantina if you go.

 

Museum of Nostalgia

This throw-back to retro toys is a combination toy store and museum. Founders Phebe and Jeff love toys and have amassed a collection focused on classics from the 1970s and 1980s. The toy-loving couple hosts events, buys collectibles, and sells toys online and in person. Whether you’re looking for a hard-to-find vintage piece from childhood or just want to gawk at the classics, Museum of Nostalgia is the place to go.

 

Q.E.D.

This women-owned arts venue is a community-driven space for creatives to host live performances. The venue hosts over 80 monthly events, including readings, lectures, and stand-up comedy, and offers classes. There is a recording studio where numerous podcasts are recorded, and the performance space is available for private events.

 

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