Vanderbilt Museum is a wonderful educational experience and an interesting and exciting combination of mansion, marine and natural history museum, planetarium, and park.
Year-Round Fun at Vanderbilt Museum
The mansion offers an intimate glimpse into the life of a renowned family from the Jazz Age through the end of World War II. Set atop 43 breathtaking acres, see the Spanish-Revival style mansion and its distinctive architecture. Check out oceanic expeditions, global journeys, islands, marine life, bird and insect life, and more in the many exhibits at the museum.
William K. Vanderbilt II collected tools from expeditions around the world, which can be seen in exhibits in the museum.
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Specimens in the exhibits show the artisanal talents of Asian, Pacific, and African cultures including their artifacts, clothing, and utensils. The Reichert Planetarium is one of the most advanced in the country. Visitors can see seasonal shows and special features created for families and school audiences under the 60-foot dome. The $4 million makeover has revealed new seating, a renovated lobby, and a gift shop.
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The museum is home to numerous pieces of fine art.
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Annual Events at Vanderbilt Museum
Through Jan. 2, 2017, come to the planetarium to see Long Island Skies. Following the program, and weather permitting, the planetarium staff will open the Observatory. One World, One Sky depicts Sesame Street’s Elmo and Big Bird who discover that they see the same stars at their friend Hu Hu Zhu who lives in China. Night Sky, Live! features lectures by an astronomy educator who will use the planetarium’s Starball to show viewers what the Long Island night sky will look like on the very day they visit the venue.
The Vanderbilt’s Charles and Helen Reichert Planetarium offers fun and educational programs for kids and adults.
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Details to Visit Vanderbilt Museum
Address: 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport
Hours: Through April 10, 2017: museum: Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 12-4pm (the last mansion tour is at 4pm); planetarium: Tuesday, Friday-Sunday, see website for show times.
Admission: $7; $6 students with ID and seniors ages 62 and older; $3 children 12 and younger. Planetarium show and mansion tours: an additional $5 each per person.
For more information: 631-854-5579 or vanderbiltmuseum.org
Main image: The mansion is a “living museum,” which can be toured regularly.
All photos courtesy Vanderbilt Museum
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