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Museum of the Moving Image to launch ‘Open Worlds’ a free community hub in western Queens

(Thanassi Karageorgiou/MoMI)

Apr. 19, 2024 By Czarinna Andres

The Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) in Astoria has announced the launch of “Open Worlds,” a groundbreaking initiative to transform the museum into one of the largest free community hubs in western Queens.

Executive Director Aziz Isham announced Tuesday that Open Worlds will provide a 15,500-square-foot space for creativity, collaboration, and learning. The space will be accessible to all age groups and features climate control and free WiFi.

(Thanassi Karageorgiou/MoMI)

The official opening of Open Worlds is scheduled for May 18, with a celebration starting at 4 p.m. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony with notable attendees such as Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. Festivities will include performances by DJ Stretch Armstrong, a VR demonstration, and a unique sound-responsive video installation by artist Joshua Davis.

(Thanassi Karageorgiou/MoMI)

The initiative will operate during museum hours until October. The space will also be used for free events focusing on new media technologies, with themes ranging from content creation to video gaming and special effects to Pride and accessibility.

“The goal of Open Worlds is to remove the cost barrier, ensuring that all New Yorkers have the opportunity to engage with innovative technologies and express their creativity in a welcoming environment,” Isham remarked during the announcement,” Isham said.

The stunning lobby of the Museum of the Moving Image stems from a redesign and expansion in 2011. Leeser Architecture. Credit: Photo: Peter Aaron/Esto. Courtesy of Museum of the Moving Image

The Open Worlds free programming will feature artist talks, music performances, professional development panels, trivia nights, and more.

This initiative will also allow visitors free access to multiple areas within the museum, including the Hearst Lobby, Founders Hall, William Fox Amphitheater, and the George S. Kaufman Courtyard.

The museum is located at 36-01 35th Ave. in Astoria. Its operating hours are Thursday from 2 to 6 p.m., Friday from 2 to 8 p.m., and Saturday to Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. For further details about MoMI and its offerings, please visit movingimage.us.