New York City is home to some of the biggest and most famous museums in the world.
But hidden in a tiny alley, inside an old freight elevator, is a museum unlike any other.
It’s so small only a few people can fit inside at once.
Instead of famous paintings or ancient artifacts, it’s packed with everyday objects—things you’d probably never think twice about but actually have wild, fascinating stories behind them.
Some are hilarious. Some are weird. Some make you stop and think.
And the best part? The exhibits are always changing, so no two visits are ever the same.
Keep reading to find out why it’s one of the coolest hidden spots in NYC.
Where Is It?
Mmuseumm (nope, that’s not a typo) is tucked away in a tiny alley at 4 Cortlandt Alley in Lower Manhattan.
It’s right between Tribeca and Chinatown, just a short walk from Canal Street.
The closest subway stations are Canal Street (served by the N, Q, R, W, 6, J, and Z trains) and Franklin Street (served by the 1 train).
About
Mmuseumm is probably the tiniest museum you’ll ever step into—literally.
It’s housed in a former freight elevator in a narrow alley, making it one of the most unusual museums in New York City.
But don’t let its small size fool you.
This museum is packed with some of the strangest, most fascinating objects you’ll ever see.
What’s in the Museum?
Mmuseumm is dedicated to what it calls “Object Journalism,” which means it tells stories through everyday items, often ones that most people would never think twice about.
You’ll find a collection of bizarre, forgotten, or overlooked objects that reveal something about the world we live in.
Exhibits change regularly, but past displays have included:
- Items manufactured by mistake – Think factory screw-ups, like a misprinted can of soda or a bizarrely shaped tortilla chip.
- Objects from fast food restaurants around the world – Curious about what McDonald’s packaging looks like in Egypt? You might find it here.
- Contraband items confiscated at airports – A random assortment of objects that TSA agents have pulled from people’s bags.
- Products that failed miserably – Things that companies tried to sell but completely flopped, like odd food products or strange inventions.
- Objects from politically significant moments – Things like protest signs, propaganda, or everyday objects that became symbols of larger movements.
- Personal collections with unexpected themes – Past exhibits have included a collection of cornflakes that resemble celebrities and a series of shoe heels worn down in different ways.
It’s the kind of place where you never really know what you’ll find, but every single object has a story.
The History of Mmuseumm
Mmuseumm was founded in 2012 by Alex Kalman, along with brothers Josh and Benny Safdie (yep, the same Safdie brothers who directed Uncut Gems and Good Time).
The idea was to create a space that showcased the everyday world in a way that museums usually don’t.
Instead of focusing on historical artifacts or famous art, Mmuseumm highlights the small, overlooked things that shape human culture.
Since its opening, the museum has gained a bit of a cult following.
It’s been featured in major publications, visited by celebrities, and even expanded to include a small window display (called Mmuseumm 2) nearby.
But despite the attention, it has stayed true to its original weird and wonderful concept—telling big stories through tiny objects.
What Makes It So Unique?
The size alone makes Mmuseumm different from anything else in New York City.
It’s a fully functional museum, complete with exhibits, lighting, and a self-guided audio tour, all crammed into a freight elevator.
Only a few people can fit inside at a time, which makes it an intimate, almost surreal experience.
You’re standing in this tiny space, surrounded by strange objects, reading about how they ended up there—it feels like stepping into a different world for a few minutes.
And because the exhibits are constantly changing, there’s always something new to see.
Know Before You Go
Mmuseumm isn’t like a traditional museum, so the logistics are a little different from what you might expect.
Here’s everything you need to know before you visit:
Opening Times
Mmuseumm is usually open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with opening hours from 10AM until 6PM.
Please note that it does close over Winter but reopens again in Spring.
It’s best to check their website or Instagram (@mmuseumm) for the most up-to-date schedule since they sometimes close for exhibit changes.
Pricing
There’s a suggested donation, but technically, you can pay what you want.
If you’re feeling extra curious, they also offer private viewings by appointment, which come with a more in-depth experience.
How to Visit
- The museum is tiny—like, really tiny—so only a couple of people can fit inside at a time.
- If it’s crowded, you might have to wait a few minutes for your turn, but it’s worth it.
Finding It
Since it’s tucked into an alley, it’s easy to walk right past.
Look for the entrance to Cortlandt Alley between White Street and Franklin Street.
You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see a small window with objects displayed and a sign for Mmuseumm.
Anything Else?
- The exhibits change regularly, so if you’ve been before, it’s worth checking out again.
- The museum is small, but the stories behind the objects make it a place where you can spend more time than you’d expect.
- There’s no official gift shop, but sometimes they sell books or small items related to past exhibits.
If you’re looking for something totally different to do in NYC, this is one of the most unique spots you’ll find.
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