There are over 170 museums in New York City, and Jane August has made it her mission to visit them all.
In 2021, amid a COVID-19 surge, she realized that she needed to find some outlet for cultural fulfillment and that museums could fit that bill. “It was really about exploring the city and learning something new at a time when I felt it was so hard to do so outside of the house,” said August.
August, who recently visited her 134th museum at the Swiss Institute, recounted how the initial lockdown sparked the idea. “I needed to get out of my house,” she explained, “and museums were one of the few things that were open and doing a really good job at social distancing.” For August, this endeavor is about more than just ticking off a list. It’s a way to explore the city and learn something new.
When starting the project, August had a massive spreadsheet that has now grown into her own personal database. In addition to the popular, more well-known museums, August is on the hunt for new hidden gems.
“It’s really based on my schedule… I scroll through and see which borough I haven’t hit recently.”
August documents her journey through a vlog series on Instagram and TikTok. In addition to her “Visiting Every Museum in NYC” catalog, she also hosts a podcast called “The Next Stop Is” where she covers other cultural institutions where she is able to expand on all the interesting things New York has to offer.
“International Museum Day is May 18 and I highly recommend you go visit a museum you haven’t been to before – there’s so many free museums you can go and visit so there is really no excuse to not go and celebrate.”
August’s ongoing exploration serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of local experiences and the accessible cultural richness that defines New York City. Her journey encourages us all to discover the hidden gems in our own backyards, supporting the local businesses, artists, and institutions that make this city the greatest in the world.
Keep up with Jane’s journey on Instagram and TikTok @JaneAugust.
