Iwalked New York City’s Paley Center For Media (Former Museum Of Television And Radio)

Iwalked New York City’s Paley Center For Media (Former Museum Of Television And Radio) - If the formal art museums such as the Museum of Modern Art are not your thing, then perhaps you may prefer a less formal museum setting such as the Paley Center for Media (formerly recognized as the Museum of Television and Radio). Inside visitors have access to nearly 150,000 television and radio shows that may be watched in designated console rooms. The shows date back as far as 1918 and are also inclusive of current running shows. To watch a program all you need to do is make a reservation at the front desk and select up to four shows you wish to view. You will then be assigned a designated console room with headphones where you are welcome to enjoy your show that is streamed via a vault of media programs stored just outside of New York City. Please note that the Paley Center does not sell any of its shows, it only allows for viewing of select programs within its facility.

Paley Center For Media

Speaking of the Paley Center facility, the $50 million building was designed by our friend Philip Johnson and opened for business on September 12, 1991. The museum originally began in 1975 on East 53rd Street and was then known as the Museum of Broadcasting. The unique idea for the Museum of Broadcasting was conceptualized by William S. Paley who successfully ran the CBS network for many years. It was Paley who, in fact, ensured that CBS was the top network for over twenty consecutive years through such hit shows as Dallas, 60 Minutes, and M*A*S*H. Paley was also known for his eye for talent as he discovered the likes of George Burns, Frank Sinatra, and Bing Crosby.

In 2007 the former Museum of Television and Broadcasting was renamed in honor of its founder William S. Paley. The non-media specific name was meant to recognize evolving technologies such as podcasting and the internet. The success of the New York branch has subsequently led to the opening of a second location in Beverly Hills, California which opened in 1996.

If you are interested in visiting the Paley Center and exploring its three-stories of entertainment technology, the hours are Wed-Sun 12pm-6pm, with extended hours on Thursdays (until 8pm). The museum is closed on both Mondays and Tuesday, and also major holidays (New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas). Again, admission fees may vary from the time of this recording but as of current you may expect $10 for adults, $8 for students and senior citizens and $5 for children under fourteen.