Discovery Times Square

Having more good than bad, I have mostly good things to say about my two visits to this museum. I don’t want to judge Discovery by reviewing the showcases themselves but how the museum actually does at showcasing them.
Pros: On my first visit here a few years back I went to see both the «Bodies» museum as well as the Lego «Art of the Brick» exhibition. My most recent visit was for the «Star Wars costumes» and «Vikings» exhibits. I would say the place can be either good or mediocre DEPENDING on what the showcases are. In all honesty, the previous visit with the Bodies/​Lego was more entertaining and colorful, despite the fact that my love for Viking culture is what hooked me into my most recent visit. I was much more into that simply due to the fact that I am more personally invested in the subject.
For both visits the ticket price for two shows was a deal at $ 39.99, whereas the price for a single museum is $ 29.99. Just know that it’s always the best bang for your buck to see BOTH exhibits when visiting. I would recommend never just seeing one, based on price alone.
Typically, for a simple walk and sight-​see, every exhibit takes a minimal amount of time; I’d estimate something like 20 minutes. If you actually want to hang around a bit, maybe with a friend, and actually take some closer looks, take a few shots, read a few captions, interact with the appropriate displays, etc, it might take the average person around 30 minutes. For more hardcore fans of an exhibit, with heavy duty photography, etc, it would take perhaps an hour.
Anyway, for all exhibits, the layouts were nicely spaced and I had no complaints about things like the temperature, lighting, sanitation, etc. Volumes were also very appropriate as no showcase was too loud. All things are kept at a very calm volume and spacing to ensure you have a relaxing and quiet time and are very physically comfortable. I definitely was. Everything on each of my visits was extremely clean and well kept. No messes, smells, etc. Overall, great maintenance. Bathrooms are VERY large and also extremely clean.
While many people consider this place a tourist trap, that’s only if you intend on doing very simple walkthroughs. If you actually get your money’s worth out of it, not so much. The quality of time you have here is really up to you.
Cons: A good amount to state but the most glaring being that, despite the showcases being an appropriate, or more just OK size, they could very well use an increase. A 20-​minute walkthrough is definitely not worth a $ 29.99 admission. Even at $ 20 each with the 2-​show discount, I still feel it could be bigger. Next, the displays could be brighter and more detailed. For each exhibit I’ve seen there, each display is sort of squared away and given it’s own nook, room, or corner, and nothing in between besides the black background curtain that lines the entire museum (this was mostly true for the Lego and Bodies exhibits).
While the employees for each exhibit are not bothersome in the least, they do next to nothing to add to the experiences. They are simply there for checks and balances; make sure people are behaving appropriately, or that rules are being kept in terms of video/​photography, etc. This place COULD definitely benefit from maybe an employee or two standing at specific exhibits to relay more information about them to the public. Even the employees running the gift shops don’t really bother talking to you besides speaking the technicalities of making a purchase. Gift shop items are also a bit overpriced but I expect that given that you’re in NYC.
The downstairs gift shops and eating area could also use a livening up. The area is typically extremely empty, quiet, drab, and looks like it hasn’t been painted or improved since the place opened. That one café stand also never seems to be open every time I’ve visited. The bag check-​in is a nice feature but really unnecessary. Why take people’s bags? Are they afraid someone will bring… well, what? I guess they are trying to avoid people eating and making a mess of the showcase floor but a simple rule saying ‘No eating or drinking’ I think would suffice. Bigger NYC museums allow bags, so why not this smaller one?
Overall, what I said before still stands — this place really is what you put into it. You could decide to do a quick run-​through and be upset that it was so short, but you could also stay a bit and take some pics and get more out of it. Yes, it could be bigger and displays could be more interactive and such, but if you hold no personal interest in the exhibits being displayed at that current time, I’d recommend waiting to see something that would better interest you. Considering I am very much into Viking culture, I thoroughly enjoyed the Vikings exhibit the most, despite others maybe thinking it’s too plain and boring. Honestly, it was way better to me than the Star Wars exhibit.
Anyway, yes, mostly a good time.

Discovery Times Square consistently produces amazing interactive exhibits. The more recent Iron-​Man and Star Wars exhibits were both outstanding. Children of all ages will enjoy visiting Discovery Times Square!

It’s a cool place, but definitely over priced. Spent 32 $ and only stayed about two hours. But I wanted to see the Star Wars exhibit so it’s probably my fault I decided to spend the money. Oh well. Loved the exhibit but again a little overpriced.

It was okay, but pricey for what it was. There was almost no one there when we went, which was nice. It was a little smelly and musty, so I can;t imagine what it’s like wtih a crowd

We sent yesterday to see the Viking Exhibit it was disappointing to say the least. For $ 60 for 2 people I was expecting so much more. I’m a fan of history, vikings, Tudors, Civil War, etc. you name it yet this exhibit was lack luster and missing the body that most other exhibits we’ve been to throughout the city offer. In my opinion the exhibit could have been so much more entertaining the Viking have an amazing history and full of legends that they did not capture.
I’ve heard others refer to Discovery Time Square as a tourist trap and unfortunately after this experience I would have to agree. The exhibit was more of a brief quick small items exhibit nothing we saw was awe-​inspiring
.
The only plus side was the cupcake I purchase for almost $ 4 from DC Cupcakes located inside it was tasty small expensive but tasty.
Honestly I would have second thoughts about going to a future exhibit at Discovery in the future.

Came here for Body Worlds: Pulse. Saw it on Groupon, so I bought it.
The location is excellent — being on Times Square.
It has multiple floors, but you have go down.

I thought this place was pretty neat. I definitely learned a lot about the body.
They do have real bodies there, which I thought would totally gross me out, but it looks like it’s fake. They tell you in the beginning how/​where they get the bodies donated from. For science class, it’s definitely a cool place for a field trip for the kids! They have explanations of everything. You’ll walk out with a brain full of knowledge!

I came here a few times now (once for the Harry Potter Exhibit and once for the Star Wars Costume Exhibit).
At the HP Exhibit, no pictures were allowed. However, you could in the Star Wars costume one. So it depends.
My biggest gripe is that it’s in the middle of Times Square. Therefore, getting to and from can be a pain.
Also, the prices are a little steep for a museum exhibit especially one you go through in a few hours max (nothing like the other cultural museums in NYC).
There are always lines to get in. I have yet to go where there wasn’t a wait.
I’ll most likely keep going though as long as they have exhibits of interest.

I came here was first for the Marvels exhibition, pity that was already over. But it still two quite interesting exhibitions as well. Star wars and The Hunger Game, I love both, at the end I picked to go the Star Wars one. And it was just brilliant.
The Star Wars exhibition was about the costumes, which most interested costumes show from the movie part 1 – 6. It also had a small area for the new movie The Force Awakens. if you haven’t seen the movie. Spoiler Alert! Luckily that area is near the exit, you don’t have to stay there long. Inside the exhibition, it got serval parts were really interesing. for example, there is a room that full of trooper’s helmets, really cool. near the exit, they got some cool device that allow you dress up like a characters and play around a bit. it wasn’t really something new, but fun. before the exit, there was a gift shop, which they got many different staff under the Star Wars theme.
I also check out the gift shop from the other exhibition. It’s also pretty cool. If I have more time, I probably would have another look on the the other one. The price of the ticket is acceptable. I got my New York City Pass with me. So it was free. But just for one exhibition.

Discovery Times Square has constantly changing exhibits. I have been here twice — the first time was for their Pompeii exhibit, and the second time was their Avengers Station exhibit. The Pompeii one was okay. It had many artifacts from the city both before and after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius that destroyed it. Everything was displayed in an art history sort of way. The Avengers Station was much better though and far more entertainting. That one had the place turned into a S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters with interactive games and display cases featuring your favorite heroes.
How well you like this place will depend on the exhibit. Some of the other ones they’ve had are the Bodies exhibit, a world of Harry Potter one, and King Tut. Unfortunately, no matter which exhibit you see, the space is pretty small and is a total ripoff at the regular price ($ 25-​$ 30). I would only recommend going if you can get a discount ticket, which is why I went the two times.

The admission here was included with my New York pass, so I was pretty excited to go see the Star Wars Power of Costumes exhibit. I would not have gone if I had to pay the full price. They have the Hunger Game exhibit too but this one is more attractive to me… And with the hype from the new episode which I just watched the week earlier, it just makes sense to go to the exhibit while I’m in NYC.
I did not expect much at first but when I saw the costumes and the narratives, I got very excited!!! Who would have known costumes could say so much about a character! It’s interesting to see how the costumes designs were created and influenced by different cultures. The costumes were so beautiful and the exhibit displayed them very nicely. But I wish there could have been more things on display from the movie, not just the costumes…

Let me start this out by saying I am not a Star Wars fan and have never seen any of the movies in it’s franchise.
With that said,
we went to Discovery Time Square to check out the Star Wars Fashion Exhibit. Our tickets were on a City Pass from smart destinations and there was no line when we got there, so we got to the desk, got our actual tickets and were then sent to downstairs to attend the event. Once down the steps, we were behind a roped line with a large group of other people waiting on the doors to open to the exhibit.
They let a decent size group go in at once. The opening portion is a video short that gives a quick rundown of Star Wars, Fashion and what the exhibit is. The area where this takes place is pretty decently sized for the groups of people, and there are a handful of benches available (first come first serve) for you to sit. After the movie short finishes, some spaceship type door opens and Voila! You’re in the official exhibit.
Without going into everything we saw, I will try my best to sum up what ended up being a very cool experience, for even a non Star Wars fan.
The clothing of course was really cool too see. The models and figures were perfect and were poised in different classic Star Wars positions. There was information at each area about the fashion that was modeled in any particular area. Some of it came with interactive buttons, like the ones that accompanied the light sabers to make them go on and off.
This was a pretty large exhibit and we took roughly an hour going thru it all. There were scenes set up, glass coffins with characters inside, there were holograms lighting up and more interactive parts that most of the kids really took to. You move at your own pace and can take as many pics as you want as long as you don’t use a flash and don’t take video. I’m not sure how they enforce the no-​video clause.
My favorite part was the glass mirror room that made it look like 100s of the guys in the White Mask & White Robot-​like suit (clearly I’m not a fan of this movie… i know there’s a name for them) were everywhere. Of course, as with most exhibits in the city, you exit thru the Gift Shop.
I would definitely say it’s worth it if you’re a fan. If you’re not a fan and want to take a fan (what i did), you’ll have a great time looking and learning with your fan. If you’re not a fan and don’t know why you’re reading this review regarding Star Wars anything, then in that case. GO ANYWAY!

I wish I knew that I could have received 15% off with a Unilocal check in because I thought the price of admission was high. I went through 4 floors at MoMA for less then than that!
The history and back story on costume design was interesting but everything was dark and I could not see the detail. Because it is Star Wars, I guess I was expecting more interaction or music or buttons to push that told a story?

The Star Wars exhibit was extraordinary and had costumes and props from the actual movie series (the ones worn by the actors themselves)! The staff member who greeted the guests, introduced the exhibit and showed a video was very enthusiastic, clever, funny and knowledgeable; you can tell he is a true Star Wars fan.
The doors that opened to the exhibit after the movie were super cool, futuristic and robotic. There were costumes on mannequins that had masks and held light sabers that lit up when you pressed a button on the podium.
My favorite costumes were the ones worn by the senate, Princess Leia and Natalie Portman. Princess Leia’s costumes were tiny and you can get a feel of how small the characters actually were (Darth Vader was very tall, over 6 feet). My favorite room was the one that featured the Queen in her casket, since it appeared we were in a galaxy around us, with blue, glowing orbs.
My favorite part of the exhibit overall was towards the end, where you step in front of a screen that shows a Star Wars character (storm trooper, Darth Vader, etc.) and the character mimics your exact movements. The gift store at the end had interesting merchandise from clothing, books, backpacks, costumes, and much more!

Came here to see the Star Wars Costume Exhibition.
The most unique and cool exhibit I have seen. All the costumes worn and used by the Star Wars characters you see in the movies. You also get to know how they came up with the idea of the costume and you be surprise how many costumes relate to our ancient historical times.
A lot of the costumes are mostly Jedi, Queen/​Senator Padme, and Darth Sidious.
The coolest looking costumes has to be R2D2, C3P0, BB-​8, Darth Vader, Storm Troopers, and New Storm Troopers outfit from the Force Awakens.
Definitely check it out even if you are not a fan of Star Wars.
Spoiler alert… don’t look at my pictures because I took a picture of everything in the exhibit.
May the force be with you!

Had a lot of fun here! We opted to do 3 exhibits that they had available.
The Hunger Games
Bodies
Star Wars
They were all interesting and gave a great inside look into what they were exhibiting.
The hunger games display was by far the best well done. They had costumes, interactive props, and green screened video options where you can put yourself in the film.
The star wars display was pretty cool, having so many of the costumes for all 6 of the movies. I would have liked to see a bit more though.
The bodies display was a bit of a let-​down. Sure, it was cool to see portions of the human body sliced and diced and magnified for our viewing pleasure… but it was a bit boring… and more museum like.

My boyfriend and I recently went to the new Star Wars exhibit and had such a fun afternoon. He is a huge Star Wars fan and I am still catching up with the Episodes, but it was not only educational but entertaining! The employees were super friendly and helpful. Matt James specifically went out of his way to make sure we enjoyed our experience. Totally worth your time!
Can’t wait to go to another exhibit!

Imagine my joy when I discovered that Star Wars The power of costumes was included with my New York Pass access card?
Being a limited exhibition part of Discovery, time was really in my side. It features every single costume that was used not only in the original trilogy and it’s prequels, but also in the upcoming The Force Awakens movie!
You also get to see the droids, the blasters, light sabers and there is a respectable gift shop.
Only downside is that you aren’t allowed to film. You can take photos without flash tho. Lighting won’t be a problem as it has been optimized for photos and they did were great.
Of course, you aren’t allowed to touch the costumes and an alarm will set off if you do.
Make sure you visit this exhibition if you are a Star Wars fan!

We went here for the Star Wars Power of Costume exhibit which was so much fun! It was very neat to see all the behind the scenes work put into the series. I definitely gained a deeper appreciation for the movies. Also– 15% off with the check in for the win! :D

I may have missed the Titanic and Harry Potter exhibits, but I wasn’t missing the Star Wars costume one!
After purchasing tickets online (decent pricing, unlike a lot of the surrounding area in Times Square), we chose the noon time to enter. It wasn’t too crowded for the time and day we chose and that is always better. Crowds were coming as we were leaving, so grateful that we missed that.
They had 3 different exhibits going on at the same time in different areas, but we were here for Star Wars. The other two I believe were Hunger Games and Body Worlds.
The staff throughout this place was great and friendly. That is a rarity these days and a pleasant surprise.
The Star Wars costume exhibit was done really well. The lighting was low due to protection of the costumes, but that’s understandable. The displays looked good and there is some interaction on some of the displays. There’s plenty to read/​learn. Any Star Wars fan should undoubtedly appreciate and enjoy this.
You can take pictures without using the flash and there’s certainly more than enough to look at.
There’s a gift shop at the end of the exhibit that ranges in price. We got the free small poster with part of our child’s ticket. There’s also an eatery inside, but we didn’t try it.
Really this place had a great display and I’ll certainly come back for one of their exhibits again.

Aquí van cambiando de exhibición de un tiempo en tiempo, a mi me tocó Body Worlds.
Esta exhibición es cero convencional, cuerpos humanos reales exhibiendo músculos, huesos, órganos, sistemas y hasta una mujer embarazada «plastinada».
La plastinación es el método por el cual logran conservar al cuerpo casi intacto con todos sus músculos y órganos, gracias a este método podemos tener esta exhibición. Los cuerpos que se exhiben fueron donados por las mismas personas con un fin de estudio e investigación.
Es sorprendente todo lo que verán aquí y todo lo que aprenderán.