New York City New York City Chelsea Museums and Galleries

The Museum At The Fashion Institute Of Technology. This small museum is a fascinating place for both fashion buffs and people who can’t tell the difference between satin and lace. Rotating exhibits feature photography, fabric, sculpture, and mannequin displays. Previous exhibits have included Love and War: The Weaponized Woman, an in-depth look at the evolution of lingerie and the effect of weaponry on fashion design. Student work from the FIT is also shown. (7th Ave. at 27th St. S 1 to 18th St./7th Ave. ☎212-217-5800; www.fitnyc.edu/museum. Open Tu-F noon-8pm, Sa 10am-5pm.)

Dia Center For The Arts. This arts center’s four floors of long-term exhibits cover a range of media and styles, rewarding repeat visits. The rooftop holds an ongoing video installation, Rooftop Urban Park Project , as well as a cafe with a decent view. Poetry readings and lectures are held occasionally; call for schedule. (548 W 22nd St., between 10th and 11th Ave. S C, E to 23rd St./8th Ave. ☎212-989-5566; www.diacenter.org. Open in summer M and Th-Su 11am-6pm; in winter M and F-Su 11am-4pm. Bookstore open W-Su 11am-6pm. $10, students and seniors $7, children under 12 free.)

Union Square, the Flatiron District, and Murray Hill

The Morgan Library And Museum. The Morgan Library houses the personal collection of the illustrious turn-of-the-century financier Pierpont Morgan, and it is a fascinating and diverse trove of ancient, old, and otherwise valuable documents, books, manuscripts, and artwork. The library is based in Morgan’s former home, and the complex recently underwent an extensive expansion and renovation, led by Italian architect Renzo Piano. The complex is now a mix of subdued modern lines and splendidly ornate turn-of-the-century stylings. The rooms that once served as Morgan’s personal library and study are particularly magnificent. The collection ranges widely and claims to “encompass the entire history of the printed word.” Among the riches, you’ll find the most complete known set of medieval tarot cards in existence, illuminated medieval manuscripts, three Gutenberg Bibles, handwritten drafts by Mozart and Thoreau, handwritten letters by Hemingway and Pound, and a huge collection of Rembrandt etchings. (225 Madison Ave., at 36th St. S 6 to 33rd St. ☎212-685-0008; www.themorgan.org. Open Tu-Th 10:30am-5pm, F 10:30am-9pm, Sa 10am-6pm, Su 11am-6pm. $12; students, seniors, and children under 16 $8; children under $12 free. Free admission F 7-9pm. Themed tours are available daily; call for schedule.)

Museum Of Sex. This museum opened its doors in 2002 with the exhibit How New York City Changed Sex in America. Since then, it’s hosted rotating exhibits exploring the history, evolution, and cultural significance of human sexuality. The permanent collection addresses the themes of sex in art, law, public morality, advertising, and more. Recent temporary exhibits have included Sex Lives of Animals, Sex Life of Robots, and Sex of the Moving Image. Check out the gift shop for home accents, clothing, and sex toys. (233 5th Ave., at 27th St. ☎212-689-6337; www.museumofsex.com. S N, R, W to 28th St./Broadway; 6 to 28th St./Park Ave S. $14.50, student and seniors $13.50. $3 discount available on website. 18+. Open M-F and Su 11am-6:30pm, Sa 11am-8pm; last entrance 45min. before closing. Advance tickets available with a $1.50 service charge per ticket at ☎866-MOSETIX.)