Paley Center for Media in New York

The Paley Center for Media in New York City is a museum and cultural center in Manhattan dedicated to the history of television, radio, and modern media platforms. The center’s archive contains over 160,000 television and radio programs and commercials spanning more than 100 years of media history. The earliest television program in the museum’s collection is a 1939 NBC silent film.

This place will be interesting for those who want to immerse themselves in media culture, watch rare programs, and understand how television was formed, how it influenced and continues to influence our lives. However, to be honest, I can't recommend the center unless you have a specific purpose in mind.

History

The Paley Center for Media was founded in 1975 by media magnate William S. Paley. It was originally called the Museum of Broadcasting.

In 1991, the museum moved to a building at 25 West 52nd Street, designed by renowned architect Philip Johnson.

In 2007, the institution changed its name to The Paley Center for Media, expanding its collection. It now houses not only memorable television and radio archives but also online videos, podcasts, and other media projects.

In 2025, the Center will celebrate its 50th anniversary and renovate its gallery and theaters.

Collection and exhibitions

The content includes news, drama series, sporting events, children’s shows, and commercials from more than 70 countries.

There are two options for visiting the center:

You can select and watch any show from the archive on the console.

You can also attend a temporary exhibition, a theater performance, a lecture, or an event featuring media personalities.

For example, the center is currently hosting the exhibition “From The Office to The Paper: Celebrating the Ultimate Workplace Comedy” (September 19, 2025 – November 16, 2025). This is a themed exhibition dedicated to the TV series “The Office.” You can see original costumes and props and take photos on the show’s filming sets.