Museum bonanza!

“Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future”
The gist No clue who Eero Saarinen is? You know the Finnish designer’s work. This retrospective looks at his creations, including Terminal 5 at JFK Airport and the one-legged “Tulip chair.”
Why should I care? Saarinen was one of the most innovative designers of the 20th century. He created more than 25 different structures in the U.S., including the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
I'm sold! Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave between 103rd and 104th Sts (212-534-1672, mcny.org). Tue 10–Jan 31.

“FDR’s Brain Trust and the Beginning of the New Deal”
The gist This exhibit is densely packed with information about President Franklin Roosevelt and the conception of the New Deal, as well as the changes that resulted.
Why should I care? One artifact, an editorial cartoon that depicts FDR as a socialist, sounds awfully familiar. “We’re hoping people see the parallels [to today],” laughs curator Jean Ashton.
I'm sold! New-York Historical Society, 2 W 77th St at Central Park West (212-873-3400, nyhistory.org). Fri 6–Mar 25.

“American Beauty: Aesthetics and Innovation in Fashion”
The gist Pieces by 25 different American designers explore fashion innovations (such as ways of manipulating fabric) and show how couture designs become ready-to-wear pieces.
Why should I care? Forget Paris: It’s American designers like Isabel Toledo and Ralph Rucci (both on view here, and both FIT graduates) whose work is making waves across the globe.
I'm sold! The Museum at FIT, Seventh Ave at 27th St (212-217-4558, fitnyc.edu). Fri 6–Apr 10.

The Keeping History Center at the Museum of Jewish Heritage
The gist The new permanent installation’s first exhibit, “Voices of Liberty,” presents stories from émigrés to the U.S., which each visitor can listen to on a provided iPod Touch.
Why should I care? The center offers an experience that goes beyond staring at artifacts. “This is a way to connect with our stories without using staid vocabulary,” says deputy director Ivy Barsky.
I'm sold! Museum of Jewish Heritage: A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, 36 Battery Pl between West St and 1st Pl (646-437-4200, mjhnyc.org). Opens Fri 6; ongoing.

“A Woman’s Wit: Jane Austen’s Life and Legacy”
The gist The exhibit provides an in-depth look at British author Jane Austen, telling her story through rare artifacts and letters, as well as examining her influence.
Why should I care? Who else has inspired books that fuse classic literature with zombies? That Austen’s work is still adapted is a testament to her resonance and longevity.
I'm sold! The Morgan Library & Museum, 225 Madison Ave at 36th St (212-685-0008, themorgan.org). Fri 6–Mar 14.

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New York City museum guide

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