Open Worlds 2025

The Museum’s second season of Open Worlds free community programs spans themes of performance, arts conservation and accessibility, science, special effects, video gaming, fan meet-ups, and much more! All events take place in the Museum’s first-floor spaces and Kaufman Courtyard.

An initiative of Museum of the Moving Image, Open Worlds is a free, accessible, 15,500-square-foot, climate-controlled, WiFi-enabled community resource for visitors of all ages looking to convene, find creative inspiration, learn about and experience new media technologies, or participate in many diverse programming selections. Launched in May 2024, MoMI’s Open Worlds continues to offer one of the largest free community spaces in Queens.

Caribbean Heritage Celebration
Friday, August 8
7:00–9:00 p.m.

The Caribbean American Center of New York is teaming up with MoMI’s Neighborhood Council for a festive celebration of Caribbean culture, music, and cuisine. This free Open Worlds dance party will feature DJ Mister Butler spinning dance hall, reggae, calypso, and a variety of Caribbean music. Jamaican patties will be available for purchase in the Museum’s Mon Amour Cafe.

Field Report: The Filmmaker & the Scientist
Sunday, September 7

What is the role of the filmmaker in scientific research and conservation? Expedition films show us the work of scientists in the field and document important behavior. But does adding more humans to the scene disrupt animal activity, or damage the environment? Join us for a screening of  Ivohiboro, The Lost Forest, following renowned American primatologist Dr. Patricia Wright, as she leads a 30-day expedition into a pristine tropical forest in the rugged plains of Southeast Madagascar, one of the last primary forests on the planet.  Dr. Wright and other scientists featured in the film will discuss their work after the screening, as well as their collaborations with filmmaking teams, in conversation with other notable filmmakers. Presented in partnership with Pioneer Works and the Institute for the Conservation of Tropical Environments at Stony Brook University. 

Sonic Sunset, produced by MAXlive
Saturday, September 27

Sonic Sunset transports the audience with sound like you have never heard before, with light or its absence as your pathfinder, and a scientist’s field notes as your guide. Enter three ecosystems and join the conversation as the inhabitants struggle, provide resistance, and prove resilient. Featuring bioacoustic recordings of the whales in the Arctic waters, the orangutans in the rainforests of Borneo, and the birds of India’s Western Ghats; don’t miss this sneak peek of a new work from the award-winning creative team of Nick Ryan Studios, Kay Matschullat, and Kameron Neal. With vocals by Eliza Bagg, of the Grammy-winning experimental vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth. In addition, there will be a talk-back about bioacoustics including scientists whose work is featured in the performance. Presented in partnership with Media Art Xploration (MAXlive).

Live Cultures
Saturday, October 11

Join us for a deep-dive into the microorganisms that make life delicious—in our drinks, bread, cheese, pickles, and more. Hear from microbiologists, brewers, and chefs about the science and craft of fermentation. Local purveyors will offer tastings, too! Plus, see films to whet your appetite.

Additional programs will be added as they are confirmed.

Programmatic support provided by the William Fox, Jr. Foundation.