About the Museum
The Paley Center for Media originally opened as the Museum of Broadcasting. As technology and media consumption advanced, it changed its name to the Museum of Television and Radio. In 2007, to again reflect the changing avenues of broadcast mediums, the Museum adopted its current medium-agnostic name. But the goals of the institution have remained consistent: preserve and celebrate the history of broadcasting, whether through television, radio, the internet, or any related medium. Its archive of television programs and radio broadcasts is the largest in the world and is available to visitors to explore on site.
What You Will See
While the Paley Center is now best known for its star-studded panel discussions with current broadcast celebrities, it can still be enjoyed by visitors outside these exclusive events. The center's massive library of historical television, radio, podcasts, and internet post is open for visitors. Changing exhibitions look back at important and relevant periods in the history of American media. The small suggested admission helps the center in its ongoing preservation and digitization efforts.
Why You Should Go
Like the performing arts, broadcasting arts are difficult subjects to capture in a traditional museum. Paley does an excellent job exploring past and contemporary greatness in television and radio. Its archives provide one of the most interesting and nostalgic ways to pass an hour or two in the city on a rainy day. Watch the calendar for a star-studded event, or just stop by and watch an hour of a program you can't find anywhere else.
