New York City New York City Midtown East Museums and Galleries

Sony Wonder Technology Lab. This free, child-oriented museum combines exhibits on the history of communications with interactive technology. After entering the lab as a “Media Trainee,” you progress through exhibits that allow you to edit movies, mix songs, play new video games on massive consoles, and command robots. At each checkpoint, your card is swiped to document your new knowledge. Make sure to pick up your personalized graduation certificate on the way out the door. Be warned: this place is often swarmed by school groups, birthday parties, and crowds of children trying to get their hands on the interactive exhibits. Try to get there as close to opening as possible, preferably on a Sunday. (550 Madison Ave., between 55th and 56th St. Enter at 56th St. S N, R, W to 5th Ave./59th St. ☎212-833-8100; www.sonywondertechlab.com. Open Tu-Sa 10am-6pm, Th until 8pm, Su noon-6pm. Last admission 30min. before closing. Free.)

Japan Society. Junzo Yoshimura’s building design—a plain, Western facade with an entirely Asian interior—embodies the society’s mission to unite the peoples of Japan and the US. An interior garden on the first floor, complete with stones, a reflecting pool, and bamboo trees, evokes the spirit of a traditional Japanese home. The second-floor gallery covers everything from medieval Japanese art to the work of Yoko Ono. The society screens a variety of documentaries and short films ($10, students and seniors $5) and hosts lectures on topics ranging from the intricacies of kabuki to Japanese politics. (333 E. 47th St., at 1st Ave. S E, V, 6 to 51st St. ☎212-832-1155; www.japansociety.org. Gallery open Tu-F 11am-6pm, Sa-Su 11am-5pm. Tours Tu-F 12:30pm, Sa-Su 12:30 and 2:00pm. $12, students and seniors $10. LECTURES: Adults $25, students and seniors $10.)

Museum Of Arts And Design. In 2008 this museum moved into a six-story, luminescent building overlooking Central Park. The expanded collection showcases the best in modern design, from ceramic and glass sculpture to ultra-modern furniture and even silverware. (2 Columbus Circle. S A,B,C,D,1 to Columbus Circle. ☎212-956-3535; www.madmuseum.org. Open daily 10am-6pm. $9, students and seniors $7, children under 12 free; Th 6-8pm “pay what you wish.” Wheelchair-accessible.)