The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)

This clean, airy space, which bills itself quite reasonably as “the most fashionable museum in New York City,” is the public face of the most celebrated school of design studies in the U.S. With one gallery devoted to items from a permanent collection of 50,000 garments and accessories dating from the 18th century to present, another to innovative special exhibits, and yet an- other holding student and faculty shows, this is a must-visit for anyone with even a passing interest in the history and industry of clothing.