The Museum of the Dog returns to the Big Apple.
The American Kennel Club’s Museum of the Dog is now open in New York City after its grand opening on Friday, February 8.
The Museum of the Dog holds a wide variety of paintings, sculptures and photographs of canines of many times and places, and includes several interactive displays, including a “Which Breed Do You Look Like?” feature.
Patrons can discover everything from Roman-era paw prints to Victorian dog carts and portraits of Presidential puppers like Millie Bush, co-author, with her person First Lady Barbara Bush, of the 1990 Millie’s Book.
There are also touchscreen “Meet the Breeds” tables to learn more about the AKC’s 193 recognized breeds, one located on each floor.
According to NPR, the museum was founded in NYC in 1982, though by 1986 had moved to St Louis, Missouri. Now the MoD shares building space with the AKC headquarters, an AKC.tv studio and the AKC Library, housing part of the library’s collection.
“We know how much New Yorkers love their dogs, and we’re very excited to educate them more about their dogs and help them discover new dog breeds they’ve never heard of before,” Brandi Hunter, AKC vice president of public relations and communications, told NPR..
Regular museum hours will be from Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but due to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden this week, the MoD will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, and Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets are $5 for children under 12, $10 for students, seniors (over 65) and active military or veterans, and $15 for adults.
While service dogs are of course allowed inside the museum, it is really for the enjoyment of humans only, and so ordinary dogs cannot enter.
There is also an MoD app available for both iPhone and Android, which offers a virtual tour guide led by Arty the dog.
The MoD is located at 101 Park Avenue in Manhattan.