A Passion Project Turns Public
In 2021, 26-year-old New Yorker Jane August set out on a personal mission: to visit every museum in New York City. What began as a pandemic-era plan to safely get out of the apartment soon became a citywide cultural exploration.
She originally estimated the project would take three years, but with over 136 museums already visited and around 64 left to go, she now aims to complete her journey before turning 30.
TikTok as a Digital Travelogue
To keep friends updated, Jane began sharing short, creative videos of her museum visits on TikTok. The content unexpectedly struck a chord—her follower count soared to over 40,000 across platforms, and she found herself connecting with art lovers, history buffs, and curious locals from around the world.
Her videos often feature quick tours, favorite exhibits, and personal commentary, making museum-going feel approachable and exciting.
Big Names and Hidden Gems
Through her exploration, Jane has visited a mix of well-known landmarks and small, niche museums. Favorites she’s highlighted include:
- Poster House — America’s first museum dedicated entirely to poster art
- Tenement Museum — a moving glimpse into immigrant life in lower Manhattan
- Museum of the Moving Image in Queens — celebrating film, TV, and digital media
- Quirky spots like Brooklyn’s Seltzer Museum, Sign Museum, and Red Hook Pinball Museum
- The Paley Center for Media — home to an expansive television archive
Beyond Manhattan, she’s made time for Staten Island’s cultural treasures, including the Alice Austen House, the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, and the Chinese Scholar’s Garden—a serene escape from the urban pace.
How She Makes It Work
Visiting hundreds of museums isn’t cheap, but Jane has mastered the art of affordable exploration:
- Using library museum passes to access free or discounted entry
- Taking advantage of free admission days
- Working night shifts, allowing her to explore during less crowded weekday hours
- Earning a license as a New York City tour guide, which deepens her knowledge and helps fund her visits
She also notes an encouraging trend: more museums are creating events for younger audiences and reimagining exhibits to make them more engaging, encouraging people to return again and again.
Why Museums Matter
For Jane, the project is about more than just checking off a list. She sees museums as vital “third spaces”—places outside home and work where people can relax, connect, and learn. By highlighting smaller and lesser-known institutions, she hopes to draw attention and support to places that might otherwise be overlooked.
Her journey has:
- Introduced thousands of people to museums they’ve never heard of
- Boosted attendance for local cultural institutions
- Inspired others to start their own exploration projects
The Finish Line Is in Sight
With just over 60 museums left, Jane’s pace has picked up, but she’s still taking time to savor each visit. For her, this mission isn’t just about completing a goal—it’s about celebrating the city’s diversity, history, and creativity, and sharing that joy with others one post at a time.
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