A Museum Smaller Than Your Apartment
Cortlandt Alley in TriBeCa is a graffiti-slathered backstreet best known as a filming site for The Godfather and West Side Story. But wedged between dumpsters and fire escapes is Mmuseumm, a “museum of modern relics” housed in a freight elevator the size of a parking spot.
Founded by filmmaker Alex Kalman, this micro-gallery celebrates the overlooked artifacts of contemporary life. Think: Syrian protest bread, North Korean toothpaste tubes, and a collection of homemade masks from the 2020 lockdown.
Curating the Absurd
Kalman’s philosophy? “The ordinary is extraordinary if you look closely.” Each exhibit is meticulously labeled with deadpan wit. A display of Venezuelan hyperinflation bills reads: “When money is cheaper than toilet paper.” A row of AI-generated prison inmate letters (sold on Etsy) explores digital loneliness.
The museum’s crown jewel? A single Cheeto that resembles Elvis, preserved in a glass case like a saint’s relic.
How to Visit (Without Missing It)
Look Down: The museum is at street level, marked only by a small sign reading “Mmuseumm” in Helvetica.
Timing: Open weekends, 12 PM–6 PM (April–October).
Ring the Bell: If the red door is shut, press the intercom—Kalman might buzz you in himself.
Pro Tips from a Mmuseumm Fanatic
Ask Questions: Kalman often lurks nearby, eager to explain why he’s obsessed with plastic grocery bag designs.
Go Viral: The museum’s Instagram (@mmuseumm) features “Artifact of the Week”—snap a pic and tag them for a reshare.
Nearby Eats: Post-visit, grab a slice at Nolita Pizza (the “Secret Spicy” slice is a rite of passage).
Why This Quirky Spot Matters
Mmuseumm challenges what “art” can be. It’s a love letter to humanity’s weirdness, proving you don’t need the Met’s budget to tell a story—just a freight elevator and a sense of humor.
Visitor Intel
📍 Address: Cortlandt Alley (btwn Franklin & White Sts)
🕒 Hours: Weekends 12 PM–6 PM (Seasonal)
💸 Entry: Free (Donations appreciated)
🚇 Closest Subway: Canal St (J/Z line)
Ready to Get Weird?
In a city of skyscrapers, Mmuseumm reminds us that big ideas can fit in small spaces—even if that space once hauled trash.
Next up: The Midtown waterfall that drowns out NYC’s chaos…
