New York is famous for its tourism since it houses some of the most famous pieces of American history. Who hasn’t visited the Statue of Liberty or spent the day in the Museum of Natural History? But what about the lesser known pieces of art and culture, hidden in broad daylight for anybody to discover. Take for example a district like Battery Park City, whose top five museums and memorials contain all forms of culture, art, and history.

The Skyscraper Museum

This brilliantly designed, architectural museum actually gives the feeling of standing 40 stories in the air, towering over the city. The museum, which focuses on high rise-buildings as “objects of design, products of technology, sites of construction, investments in real estate, and places of work and residence,” is currently exhibiting the origin and rise of New York’s Garment District. The unique museum gives a new perspective to New Yorkers, who rarely have to opportunity to step back and see the big picture.

The Berlin Wall

“Mr. Gorbechev, tear down this wall!” was the famous challenge issued by President Ronald Reagan in 1987. Fifteen years after the historic dismantling of the wall, the German Consulate donated a fragment of it to Battery Park City. This historic slab of concrete was once part of the inner wall to help prevent East Germans from escaping. Today it stands as a powerful symbol of strength and democracy, which shows that sometimes a slab of concrete is more than just a slab of concrete.

The Irish Hunger Memorial

In 2002 the Battery Park City Conservancy unveiled a project memorializing the Great Potato Famine (1845-52). Located in a part of the city that was once the first glimpse of freedom that immigrants got, the memorial gives the humble reminder of the past and the continuing battles of hunger worldwide.

The Police Memorial

The symbolic fountain memorial represents the journey police officers have made, and remembers those who have given everything for the safety of the city. The fountain and surrounding area is both peaceful escape where contemplation is encouraged.

Museum of Jewish Heritage

Created as a living memorial to those who perished during the Holocaust, the Museum honors those who died by celebrating their lives—cherishing the traditions that they embraced, examining their achievements and faith, and affirming the vibrant worldwide Jewish community that is their legacy today. New generations are taught how to recognize and fight contemporary instances of injustice and oppression. Located less than two blocks away from Millenium Towers Residences.