National Museum Day guide

Museum Day is Saturday, September 26. Go to smithsonianmag.com/museumday to print your admissions card and see all participating museums.

New Museum of Contemporary Art
Catch two highly recommended shows from underappreciated artists before they close on October 18: “Emory Douglas: Black Panther” displays the revolutionary posters of the organization’s official artist and aesthetic leader; and “Dorothy Ianonne: Lioness” is a mini retrospective of the artist’s erotic work of sexual transcendence. 235 Bowery between Prince and Spring Sts (212-219-1222, newmuseum.org). Noon–6pm.
Afterward: Grab a meal at DBGB Kitchen and Bar, the brand-new Bowery outpost of superstar chef Daniel Boulud. The sumptuous “Frenchie” burger, dripping with juices and topped with crispy pork belly, will set you back $17. 299 Bowery at Houston St (212-933-5300)

See also
Must-see summer exhibits: “Emory Douglas: Black Panther”
“Dorothy Iannone: Lioness” Art review

Asia Society
Catch one of the big shows of the fall, “Hanging Fire: Contemporary Art from Pakistan,” the first time this Muslim country’s vibrant artistic scene has been highlighted in a U.S. exhibit. 725 Park Ave at 70th St (212-288-6400, asiasociety.org). 11am–6pm.
Afterward: Go toward the end of the day and then take a stroll across the southern part of Central Park to Lincoln Center, where you can catch avant-garde jazz legend Ornette Coleman. Rose Theater at Lincoln Center, Broadway at 60th St (212-258-9800, jalc.org). 8pm, $30–$120.

See also
The big fall shows: “Hanging Fire: Contemporary Art from Pakistan”
Not-boring museums: Asia Society
International Societies and Museums

Museum of American Finance
You don’t have to be Warren Buffet to see that learning about the credit crunch and your own finances—for free!—is a good deal. And unlike most things finance related, the plain language and interactive exhibits used are remarkably clear and comprehensible. 48 Wall St at William St (212-908-4110, moaf.org). 10am–4pm.
Afterward: While you’re down in the ailing Financial District, head to Leo’s Bagel, which keeps bankers fortified to fight the recession with some of the best bagels in Manhattan. You can’t go wrong with the Orchard Street sandwich ($13.75), which comes piled high with Nova Scotia salmon and sable, cream cheese, tomato and Bermuda onion. 3 Hanover Sq at Stone St (212-785-4700)

See also
Best interactive museums
Best theme museums

Museum of American Illustration
Spirit yourself away to other realms with one of this fall’s big shows, “Spectrum: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art.” It’s a sprawling multimedia survey of dragons, martians and things you can only dream about. 128 E 63rd St between Park and Lexington Aves (212-838-2560, societyillustrators.org). Noon–4pm.
Afterward: Now you’ve seen the world of fantasy hanging on walls, go and see it in real life at the New York Anime Festival’s Yume Cosplay Masquerade, where anime fans don the costumes of their favorite fantasy characters. It’s part fashion show, part talent show, all crazy. Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 655 W 34th St between Eleventh and Twelfth Aves (newyorkanimefestival.com). 6:30–10pm, $40.

See also
The big fall shows: “Spectrum: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art”
NYC’s most underrated museums

Queens Museum of Art
Head to Queens for the sweeping miniature display “The Panorama of the City of New York,” forthright art in “Tarjama/Translation,” and the chance to experience the highs and lows of interest rates on Damon Rich’s Red Lines Housing Crisis Learning Center, a plywood construction that’s 40 feet long and 14 feet tall, and mimics an economic graph. New York City Building, Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens (718-592-9700, queensmuseum.org). Noon–6pm.
Afterward: Since you’re in the ’hood, don’t miss the opportunity to swing by the legendary Lemon Ice King of Corona, which offers nearly forty delicious varieties like watermelon and cherry ($1.50–$3). 52-02 108th St at 52nd Ave, Corona, Queens (718-699-5133, thelemonicekingofcorona.com)

See also
Not-boring museums: Queens Museum of Art

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