The Atlas Obscura Podcast Meet the Woman Visiting Every Museum in NYC
Feb 10, 2026
Jane August, a NYC resident and museum documentarian chronicling visits to every museum in the five boroughs. She explains why she started the project and how she tracks progress. She compares definitions of what counts as a museum and highlights underrated spots like Red Hook Pinball and Poster House. She shares travel challenges, revisits for new exhibits, and plans to celebrate finishing the quest.
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Museums As Community Hubs
- Jane realized museums are community resources, not just stuffy institutions.
- Visiting revealed museums serve diverse demographics and local neighborhood needs.
Keep A Living Museum List
- Track progress with a simple list and update it as new museums appear.
- Use a spreadsheet or notebook to plan and add newly discovered institutions.
Flexible Definition Of 'Museum'
- Jane defines 'museum' flexibly based on purpose and audience rather than strict labels.
- She includes botanical gardens and some novelty institutions but excludes zoos and commercial galleries.