When the winter chill sets in, the Upper West Side has plenty of indoor activities to keep you warm and entertained. Known for its culture of education and art, the UWS is perfect for finding enriching attractions. Stay toasty and warm as you experience art, science, history, and theater. Enjoy an indoor escape by visiting these museums and attractions just minutes away from the Lucerne Hotel.

American Folk Art Museum


American Folk Art Museum visitors can explore the rich cultural history of self-taught artists. The impressive collection features over seven thousand pieces from over four centuries. Art from almost every continent showcases the artistic skill of each artist. A wide range of mediums are represented, from drawings and paintings to sculptures and quilts. While the museum features a rotating schedule of visiting exhibits, the permanent collections are just as impressive. Explore the collections of photographs, textiles, books, three-dimensional works, and fraternal art and objects. To visit, the museum is open Wednesday through Sunday. Guests of The Lucerne Hotel can enjoy a 15-20 minute walk to visit the museum. 

Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation

Spend the day exploring the Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation. The impressive architecture and immersive exhibits will captivate you from the moment you step through the door. Get closer to nature by experiencing the insectarium and butterfly vivarium. The latest addition to the center’s exhibits is one of the most complete Stegosaurus specimens ever found. Included with museum admission, the Gilder Center connects to the Museum of Natural History across four floors. Getting to the Gilder Center requires a five-minute walk when staying at The Lucerne Hotel. 

American Museum of Natural History

Take a short five-minute walk from The Lucerne Hotel to visit the American Museum of Natural History. With exhibits spanning a variety of topics, this attraction brings the wonders of our world to life. The Extinct and Endangered exhibit teaches about the dangers of not protecting our planet’s flora and fauna. The Opulent Oceans exhibit showcases the diversity of marine life. The museum also hosts visiting exhibits and separate experiences from museum entry. Explore the Invisible World immersive experience, Worlds Beyond Earth, or the Secret World of Elephants.

Hayden Planetarium


As part of the American Museum of Natural History complex, Hayden Planetarium is a ten-minute walk from The Lucerne Hotel. The highlight of your visit will be the space show. It is an immersive theater experience based on data provided by the European Space Agency (ESA), Japan Aerospace Exploration (JAXA), and NASA. It is one of the world’s most advanced planetarium projection systems, creating a memorable experience as you journey beyond Earth and into the surrounding space. 

Nicholas Roerich Museum


This unique museum celebrates the artistic and cultural contributions of Russian-born Nicholas Roerich. The museum’s collection includes about two hundred paintings. The majority of the collection is kept on regular display. There is also a library that keeps an impressive collection of publications and books about Roerich’s life and his work. In addition to visiting the museum, visitors can time their visit to coincide with one of the many events hosted by the museum. Recitals and concerts are regularly performed at the museum. Guests of the Lucerne Hotel can visit the museum, located 1.7 miles away, with a 10-minute cab ride.

Lincoln Center


The world-famous Lincoln Center is home to an impressive 11 resident arts organizations. It showcases the world's top artists in film, opera, theater, dance, and music. The center boasts 15 performing venues, each perfectly designed to enhance the audience’s viewing experience. Take the 20-minute walk from the Lucerne Hotel and enjoy a memorable performance by The Metropolitan Opera, NY Phil, New York City Ballet, or School of American Ballet. Spend the evening at Lincoln Center Theater, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, or Film at Lincoln Center. It is best to purchase tickets in advance, as seating is limited, and popular performances sell out quickly.

Explore These Indoor Escapes  

Winter is the perfect season to explore the cultural treasures near the Upper West Side. From the awe-inspiring exhibits at the Gilder Center to the timeless beauty of Lincoln Center’s ballet and symphony performances, the indoor attractions near the Upper West Side offer education and entertainment. Whether you’re captivated by the unique art at the American Folk Art Museum or the stellar displays of the Hayden Planetarium, there’s something for everyone to enjoy indoors. Make your winter getaway complete by staying at the Lucerne Hotel, a cozy retreat ideally located for your cultural explorations.

Book your stay at The Lucerne Hotel and be within minutes of the Upper West Side’s best indoor attractions.