The Coney Island Museum

1208 Surf Avenue

Brooklyn, NY  11224

(718) 372-5159

Open:

Summer: (June-Labor Day Weekend) Monday- Saturday 12:00pm-6:00pm/ Sunday 2:00pm-6:00pm

Fall/Winter/Spring: (September-May) Monday-Saturday 12:00pm-6:00pm/Sunday 2:00pm-6:00pm

Admission: $5.00 Adults/Members Free/Residents, Seniors & Children under 12 $3.00

http://www.coneyisland.com

https://www.coneyisland.com/event/coney-island-museum

TripAdvisor Review:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60827-d555621-Reviews-The_Coney_Island_Museum-Brooklyn_New_York.html?m=19905

The Coney Island Museum at 1208 Surf Avenue

The Coney Island Museum is an interesting place specializing in the history of Coney Island from the time of the Native American settlement to modern history. The history covers from the Dutch visiting the island for pleasure to the mid-1800’s and after the Civil War when time off and weekend pleasures became the rage.

The stretch of Surf Avenue where the museum is located.

The museum covers the history of the three great amusement parks, Steeplechase, Luna and Dreamland when they were all in their heyday until they all burned down or closed. This history includes the rise of Astroland and the current Luna Park.

The History of the Luxury Hotels of Coney Island

The History of the Amusement Parks:

Three great amusement parks dominated Coney Island in the early part of the last century with roots in the old Sea Lion Park and with the innovations and hope of Astroland and the rise of Luna Park again.

Sea Lion Park

Steeplechase Park

Luna Park

Dreamland Park

The rise of Astroland and the new Luna Park are showing signs of the rebirth of Coney Island.

The Astroland Exhibit at the museum

There is loads of memorabilia from all ages and all sorts of novelties from the rides such as the hall of mirrors, bumper cars and old cars and carts. Postcards from different eras also give an interesting look of the past so take time to look at each one.

The back galleries on the old amusement parks.

The history of some of the famous restaurants such as Child’s, Nathan’s and Feldman’s are discussed and their impact on the cuisine of Coney Island from the days of the clams to the revolution of the current hot dog.

The Child’s Restaurant artwork from the building.

The Feldman doors from the original restaurant

Some of the exhibitions cover the development of the area as a pleasure seeking attraction and as a luxury resort for wearied New Yorkers. What started as hotel resort and racing capital developed into an amusement area for the thrill seeking and for those who were looking for an escape for fun. It shows the growth and enhancement of the City reflected into the development of Coney Island itself mirroring what is happening in the City currently.

The amusements and bumper cars in the main gallery

The Bumper Car exhibit

Coney Island amusements

If you are interested in the history of Coney Island, then the Coney Island Museum is a nice was to spend the afternoon. There are tours daily and don’t forget to visit the Sideshow downstairs, which shows on the hour. The fee is $5.00.

The Mission of Coney Island USA:

Coney Island USA exists to defend the honor of America popular culture through innovative exhibitions and performances. Presenting and producing exciting new works, our approach is rooted in mass culture and the traditions of P.T. Barnum, dime museums, burlesque, circus sideshows, vaudeville and Coney Island itself. Preserving and championing a set of uniquely American visual and performing art  forms, we seek to create an international forum for cultural preservation and discourse and where Coney Island represents these impulses, we strive to make it once again a center for live art and entrepreneurial spirit (CIUSA).

The ‘Reinventing Coney Island’ exhibit

Coney Island USA operates a multi-arts center in a landmark building in the heart of Coney Island. We produce and present programming in three unique venues: the Coney Island Museum, Sideshows by the Seashore and the Shooting Gallery/Arts Annex. Serving both New York City and an international community that includes visitors to Coney Island and enthusiasts of various cultural forms, our signature activities include the Mermaid Parade, the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, the Coney Island Museum, Coney Island Film Festival and new theatrical work (CIUSA).

The Coney Island Wax Museum exhibit

The Wax Museum exhibit

In existence since 1980, Coney Island USA has developed and produces a number of different programs including some of New York City’s best loved summer programming, such as the Mermaid Parade and the Coney Island Circus Sideshow. Coney Island USA also operates the Coney Island Museum and produces Ask the Experts, Burlesque at the Beach, the Coney Island Hot Rod Festival, Congress of Curious Peoples, Funhouse Philosophers, Magic at Coney, The Mermaid Ball and the Coney Island Sideshow School. Coney Island USA also produces the Coney Island Film Festival in association with indiefilmpage.com (CIUSA).

The Mangel’s family history in the amusement industry.

The display of amusement offerings from the Mangel’s family company.

The Museum’s video:

Video on the Coney Island Museum

Disclaimer: This information on Coney Island USA was taken directly from their website. Don’t miss this wonderful piece of Coney Island history in one building and plan this as part of your trip to Coney Island along with the Cyclone, Nathan’s, the Wonder Wheel and the beach.

Also part of the museum is the Coney island Pinball Museum with classic pinball games to play and the Coney Island Museum bar, a great place to relax and have a drink. There is also the Coney Island Freak Show that is part of the museum and has several shows a day.

The Coney Island Pinball Museum

The Coney Island Pinball Museum is part of the Coney Island Museum

Some of the pinball machines in the museum.

The Coney Island Museum bar-the perfect place for a drink.