Before there was Hollywood, there was Queens. The site of the Museum of the Moving Image was Paramount's production studio in the 1920s, then a center for independent film production. The museum now contains the country's largest permanent collection of artifacts related to motion pictures, television and digital media. It has a fascinating collection of memorabilia from television series and movies. The museum is undergoing a major expansion, slated for completion in 2010. The theater is closed, but the galleries remain open. Open Tuesday and Thursday 10 am-4 pm, Friday 10 am-6:30 pm. Group tours are offered by appointment. Screenings of avant-garde films will continue during the expansion at off-site locations (call ahead or visit the Web site for program details). US$10 adults, US$7.50 for seniors and students, US$5 children ages 5-18, free for children under age 5; admission is free Friday 4-6:30 pm (does not include screenings). 35th Avenue at 36th Street (subway line G, R or V to Steinway Street; exit at 34th Avenue, walk south to the temporary entrance on 37th Street), Astoria, Queens, New York City. Phone 718-784-0077. http://www.movingimage.us.
