The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” -- St. Augustine

Friday, November 2, 2012

Museum of Biblical Art - New York, New York

(Photo provided)
Destination: If you plan a trip to New York, add the Museum of Biblical Art (MOBiA) to your list of stops. Its collection of Bibles, on loan from the American Bible Society, includes some of the earliest printed Bibles in existence, as well as Bibles in many languages.
Mass options are many. The museum is on Broadway, just over a mile from St. Patrick’s Cathedral (www.saintpatrickscathedral.org), but it’s even closer (a few blocks) from St. Paul the Apostle Church (www.stpaultheapostle.org) near Fordham University.
Why to go:  Open until Jan. 20, 2013, is “Louis C. Tiffany and the Art of Devotion.” Tiffany and his artists designed wall decorations, mosaic floors — even vestments — for Catholic and Protestant churches and Jewish synagogues for nearly half a century. Leaded-glass windows of the type most often associated with Tiffany, as well as archival photographs and work in other media will be displayed.
Another exhibit open until Jan. 20 will feature Bibles of the “Gilded Age.”
Access: The MOBiA website gives you lots of options, including nearby parking. MOBiA can handle wheelchairs and umbrella-type, fold-up strollers.
Admission: Free. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, except Thursday when closing is  at 8 p.m.
(Grand) Kid friendly:  In a word, yes. The museum  is called “visitor friendly” by the Guides Association of New York City, and regularly hosts school and community events.
Info: Address: Museum of Biblical Art, 1865 Broadway at 61st St., New York, NY 10023-7505  Phone: 212/408-1500. Web: http://mobia.org

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Editor's note: The museum asked us to remove illustrations of the art that was part of the Tiffany exhibition, but we left the descriptions. We encourage you to check the museum website for special exhibits when you plan your trip.