Bound by the East River, Astoria is a multicultural neighbourhood in the New York City borough of Queens. It was originally known as Hallet’s Cove before being renamed after John Jacob Astor, a German-American real estate mogul who was one of the wealthiest men in the United States in the early 19th century.
Things to do in Astoria
Don’t miss the Museum of the Moving Image, which occupies a former building of Astoria Studios. It explores the art, history and technology of the film, television and digital media industries and boasts a state-of-the-art cinema and an exhibit dedicated to the legacy of Jim Henson. Artefacts from over 1,000 different productions are on display in the permanent “Behind the Screen” exhibit, alongside playable video games.
Housed within a former photo-engraving plant is the Noguchi Museum, which was established by the Japanese-American sculptor across the street from the studio where he worked since the 1960s. The museum was designed by Noguchi to showcase his sculptures, stage designs and drawings and also as a meditative oasis.
Hugging the East River in the north of the neighbourhood is Astoria Park, which is home to the oldest and largest pool in New York City. You can enjoy a game on one of the outdoor tennis courts, play basketball or let the kids run loose in the children’s playgrounds. Astoria Park offers magnificent views of Hell Gate Bridge, an arched railroad landmark that dates back to 1916.
Getting around Astoria
Astoria is around 15 minutes’ drive from Grand Central railway station and 30 minutes from John F. Kennedy International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Several subway lines serve stations dotted throughout Astoria and public buses travel through the neighbourhood.