Last Christmas, my daughter surprised me with tickets to see Boy George in Moulin Rouge! on Broadway. The show was at 7 p.m. so I had time to do what I, as the Virgin Traveler, do best: explore something new. This time I picked The Morgan Library & Museum, located at Madison Avenue and 36th Street in New York City. Of course, I needed something to eat, so I researched some more and found the retro Ellen’s Stardust Diner, where the servers sing! Did I enjoy the museum and my dinner and the show? Read on!
I went to the March opening night of Boy George in Moulin Rouge. First, I went to The Morgan Library & Museum, which is the personal library of financier, collector, and cultural benefactor Pierpont Morgan, which he started back as early as 1890. This man owned so many historical documents and books and drawings and prints. It’s an unbelievably beautiful collection housed in a home that will leave you with a gaping mouth as you walk through it. I have two words if you do go — LOOK UP! You’re welcome.
I picked out some of my favorite photos from my visit to share with you. There is so much more there and I took so many more photos, but these stood out to me.
Hector Berlioz orchestrated this incredible piece of work to serve as a ballet in his 1841 production of Weber’s 1821 opera, Der Freischutz. My son is teaching me how to play piano, so I sent this to him and asked if this could be my next piece to learn. LOL Just so you know, right now I’m learning Jingle Bells.
In this scene of a dice game, the three players shield piles of coins with their hands and aspire to win more (Gamblers and Criminals, Hugo von Trimberg Der Renner, circa 1476-99). This book (like so many others at the museum) is stunning. No other words. I love books and old books are amazing to look at and cherish. This is no exception.
There is a huge section about money in the museum, including these coins. The card says, “The coins displayed here, from different places and periods, demonstrate how money changed over time.”
Sylvia Plath’s autograph manuscript. From the description, “In this notebook, a young Plath compiled the poems she had written from ages 8 to 14, edited them, and added colorful drawings.”
Look at this book! Can you imagine having a book in your home library that looked like this? Insane!
Remember, I told you to look up! This is just the start. This museum is absolutely GORGEOUS and worth the trip. Cost is $25 for adults; $17 for seniors (65 and over); $13 for students (with current ID); and free to children 12 and under (must be accompanied by an adult). Admission is not required to visit the Morgan Shop and Morgan Café. They do have a Free Fridays program which takes place from 5 to 7 pm every Friday. Reservations are required. Tickets are available one week in advance. College students can also get free tickets.
After the museum, I walked to Ellen’s Stardust Diner at 1650 Broadway and ordered their popular Holy Moly French Toast, which is sweet mascarpone stuffed French toast topped with fresh strawberries, salted caramel, vanilla créme + toasted coconut.
If your mouth isn’t watering now, move the phone or computer closer to your face. Let’s talk about that salted caramel and vanilla créme??? OHMIGOD. Deeee-lish! And let’s not forget you will hear some extremely talented servers singing some of Broadway’s best hits. So. Much. Fun!
Oh and what about Boy George in Moulin Rouge!? (See my picture below.) That was the reason I was in the city! I adore this man and he did such a great job! I had seen Culture Club in concert a few months earlier (the teen in me was in heaven) and bought his latest book Karma autographed! Love. Love. Love him. A great day in New York City! What was the last musical you saw?
