Night at the Museum

Before visiting the Brooklyn Museum, I already had some experience with museums and usually saw them as quiet, organized spaces where you move from one artwork to another. This visit though felt a little different. The American Art exhibit shows how museums can tell ongoing stories rather than simply display objects. The mix of historical and modern works reflected changing ideas of identity, power, and belonging in America. It felt less like looking back and more like connecting past and present.

I would encourage other Macaulay students to visit. The museum offers a space to think critically and creatively, no matter your major. Taking time to focus on one gallery or one piece can open up new perspectives that tie into writing, history, and even science. Museums remind us that learning can be visual, emotional, and reflective all at once.

I had a strong feeling toward Albert Bierstadt’s “A storm in the Rocky Mountains”, due to my love for nature. I’ve seen these very mountains with my own eyes and have felt a sense of peace I can’t even put into words. Every time I’m stressed I go to scenic places and reflect on my next steps forward, like this scene in this painting.

I think that I can see aspects of myself and aspects of New Yorkers in this museum through the diversity of the exhibits. While the American art exhibit mostly displayed paintings, I feel that it takes a very human-oriented approach to art. All of the objects and paintings on display seem to reflect some part of personal life throughout various societies and time periods. New York is a very culturally diverse place, and the variety of art and subjects of art really reflects this diversity. Some of the artwork may not be relatable to me, but I still find them interesting. Not everything needs to be relatable about art, and the variety of art that can be made appeals to many different groups of people. I personally think that, since a majority of the paintings were made over century ago, it may be difficult to relate to them because the times have changed. However, this does seem to contribute to the fast-paced development of New York and its people.

I am a History & American Studies major who plans on a career in education. I am able to see obvious connections between changes in American art, culture, and way of life. For Example, “The Doors” film exhibit displayed the continuities and similarities within American television and film. Other exhibits, such as the alarm clocks and kitchenware, shows the universality of household objects. All of this relates to my study of Modern American History & Culture, in an applied context.

I’ve visited previous museums before but none of them could compare to the Brooklyn Museum. I was just in awe at the sheer size and variety of every exhibition. The shock, similar to the feeling of looking at vast expanses of nature, invokes a sense of curiosity and adventure I thought was impossible for museums to emulate. You’re overwhelmed and compelled to explore even more with each step.

The event reinforced some of the ideas I’ve had about museums, but had also shown me a new experience I wouldn’t have had, had I not attended N@tM. I’ve always loved the variety of exhibits in a museum, the silence that allows for quiet reflection, and the feeling of learning something new when you walk out. Tonight was different, though, because I got to share that moment of learning with a group of friends. The quiet thoughts I would usually keep to myself were being listened to and elaborated on by my peers, and they’ve introduced more perspectives that I wouldn’t have thought of myself. I learned that visiting museums do not have to be a solo activity, but can be even more fun if you go with a group. It was a very special experience full of growth, discovery, and connection, and I hope for all Macaulay students to have the same experience we did.