COLLECTIONS – Museum of the Moving Image

ABOUT THE COLLECTION

The Museum maintains the nation’s largest and most comprehensive collection of artifacts relating to the art, history, and technology of the moving image—one of the most important collections of its kind in the world. Begun at the Museum’s inception in 1981, today the collection comprises approximately 130,000 artifacts.

This rich and extensive collection is an invaluable resource for both the general public and for scholars, benefiting anyone who takes an interest in the history and culture of the moving image. The collection includes artifacts from every stage of producing, promoting, and exhibiting motion pictures, television, and digital media. Holdings include licensed merchandise, technical apparatus, still photographs, design materials, costumes, games, fan magazines, marketing materials of all kinds, video and computer games, and movie theater furnishings. Over 1,400 of these objects are currently on display in the Museum’s core exhibition, Behind the Screen.

STORIES FROM THE COLLECTION

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Don’t Forget the Pictures

The glass slides exhibited here are drawn from more than 1,500 examples in MoMI’s collection. While glass slides are no longer in use, today’s theaters continue to present local advertisements, behavioral tips, and coming attractions through other forms of media.

A black and white image of the silent star Clara Bow, with curly hair, looking at camera

The Silent Film Era

The Museum's silent film era holdings include over 5,000 artifacts dating from 1894 to 1931. The holdings represent every facet of silent filmmaking and filmgoing, and offer an unparalleled opportunity for users to study and experience how these films were made, marketed, and exhibited.

Five smiling people stand in a row, the third and fourth holding puppets

The Bunin Puppets

In 2001, the Museum acquired over 2,000 artifacts related to the work of puppeteers Hope and Morey Bunin. The Bunins created a cast of puppet characters that were featured on television as early as 1944. The show was lauded by critics and popular among children and adults alike, making the Bunin puppet characters among television’s first big stars.

COLLECTION SPOTLIGHTS

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Compact Disc Video Games Inspired by Hip-Hop

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, we took a deep dive into the vaults of the Museum’s collection and found a pair of video games incorporating the beats and culture of rap music.

A man holds another man's head in a comic pose in a black and white image

Glass Slides

The Museum’s collection includes more than 1,500 glass slides, which were an integral part of the early cinema experience.

Optical Toys

Long before the advent of cinema in the mid-1890s, audiences were captivated by the illusion of moving images through the use of magic lanterns and optical toys.

BECOME A MEMBER

As a MoMI member, you’ll be invited to exclusive events, get behind-the-scenes insights, and experience meet-and-greet moments with special guests.

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MAKE A DONATION

Whether you’re helping the Museum to continue offering groundbreaking education programs, quality film screenings, innovative core and changing exhibitions, or maintain its remarkable collection, all donations are greatly appreciated.

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