Preserving New York’s Musical Heritage and Empowering Future Creators
Our mission at the Museum of Music & Entertainment in New York City (MOMENT) is to celebrate, document, and advance the extraordinary musical legacy of New York while inspiring and supporting the next generation of artists and audiences. We exist to ensure that the city’s rich musical history remains alive, accessible, and relevant to everyone. Through exhibitions, performances, educational initiatives, and community outreach, we bring together people from all walks of life to experience the beauty and power of music in all its forms.
Our vision
Building a World Where Every Voice and Every Song Matters
Our vision is to create a world where music serves as a universal language for understanding, empathy, and empowerment. At MOMENT, we imagine a future in which every individual — regardless of age, background, or ability — can experience the joy of music and feel inspired to express themselves through it. We aim to be the world’s most dynamic and inclusive hub for music education, preservation, and innovation, rooted in the cultural heartbeat of New York City.
We envision a museum that is not confined by walls but connected by community — where schools, neighborhoods, and global audiences can engage with our collections, workshops, and virtual exhibits. Our vision extends beyond curation to collaboration. We strive to amplify underrepresented voices, celebrate cultural diversity, and create opportunities for dialogue between artists and audiences. As technology continues to evolve, we embrace new tools to expand access to music learning and performance. Through this commitment, MOMENT will continue to lead as a beacon of artistic freedom, community connection, and lifelong learning, ensuring that the music of today becomes the legacy of tomorrow.
Our Values
Rooted in Creativity, Guided by Integrity, United by Community
At the Museum of Music & Entertainment in New York City, our values serve as the foundation for everything we do. We believe that music is a universal language that connects hearts, transcends boundaries, and strengthens communities. This belief drives our commitment to inclusivity, respect, and collaboration in every aspect of our work. We value creativity not only as an artistic expression but as a tool for understanding, healing, and transformation.
Integrity is at the core of our mission. We approach preservation with responsibility, ensuring that every story we tell honors the truth, history, and humanity behind the music. We believe in giving credit to the creators and communities that shaped New York’s sound and continue to shape its identity today. Collaboration fuels our growth — we work alongside educators, musicians, families, and community leaders to make music education and appreciation accessible to all. Through compassion and curiosity, we foster a culture where everyone feels valued, heard, and inspired.
Our impact
Inspiring Connection, Empowering Creativity, Strengthening Community
The impact of MOMENT extends far beyond our museum walls. Every visitor, student, and artist who engages with our programs becomes part of a larger movement — one that celebrates the transformative power of music in everyday life. Our educational initiatives have reached countless children and families across New York, providing opportunities for learning, self-expression, and cultural appreciation.
Our exhibits and performances tell stories that inspire empathy, creativity, and pride in New York’s musical heritage. Young learners discover how rhythm shapes communication, how melody can express emotion, and how history lives through sound. Artists find a platform to share their craft, families reconnect through shared experiences, and educators gain tools to bring music to life in their teaching. Beyond the city, MOMENT’s outreach programs have fostered international collaborations, bridging cultures through shared sounds and stories. Our goal is not only to preserve music but to keep it alive — vibrant, accessible, and evolving.
Answers to Your Questions About MOMENT
At MOMENT, we strive to make enrollment simple and accessible for every family. Parents can register online through our secure portal or visit the museum in person to complete enrollment forms. We provide clear guidance on age-appropriate programs and available schedules, ensuring that families select the best fit for their child’s developmental stage. Our team is always available to answer questions, offer guidance, and assist with any special requirements. Early registration is recommended for popular programs and seasonal workshops, and we maintain a transparent communication system to keep families informed about openings, waitlists, and program updates.
Health and Safety Protocols
The safety and well-being of every child is our highest priority. MOMENT follows strict health and safety guidelines across all programs, including regular sanitization of instruments and equipment, monitored activity spaces, and trained staff who are certified in first aid and emergency procedures. We maintain appropriate adult-to-child ratios and provide secure check-in and check-out processes to ensure that children are supervised at all times. Our policies also include protocols for illness, allergy management, and emergency communication, giving parents peace of mind while their children explore, play, and learn in a safe environment.
Curriculum and Learning Approach
Our curriculum integrates music history, hands-on practice, and creative exploration to foster both intellectual and emotional development. Children engage with rhythm, melody, and storytelling through interactive exhibits, workshops, and guided lessons. The learning approach emphasizes active participation, collaboration, and self-expression, encouraging each child to explore their unique creative potential. Programs are tailored by age group to provide developmentally appropriate instruction while promoting curiosity, critical thinking, and social interaction. Every activity is designed to connect music to broader cultural and historical contexts, helping children understand its significance while enjoying a joyful, immersive learning experience.
Meals and Nutrition
MOMENT provides nutritious snacks and meal options during longer programs and workshops. We prioritize balanced meals that meet diverse dietary needs and accommodate allergies or restrictions. Families are encouraged to communicate any specific dietary concerns at the time of enrollment, and our staff ensures that every child receives appropriate meals in a safe and supervised environment. Mealtimes are integrated into the day as a part of learning and social development, offering opportunities for children to practice independence, table manners, and positive social interactions.
Daily Schedule and Activities
A typical day at MOMENT is designed to balance structured learning, creative exploration, and play. Children participate in music workshops, instrument exploration, movement activities, storytelling, and collaborative projects. Each day includes dedicated times for individual and group activities, snack breaks, and reflective sessions that allow children to express their experiences through performance or discussion. Special themed days, guest performances, and workshops with local artists supplement the daily schedule, ensuring that each visit is dynamic, engaging, and memorable.