Pros
It is one of the easiest places to work at, for the sole reason that no one is ever rushed, deadlines are extremely flexible, and there is a general sense of apathy regarding a strong work ethic. That worked to my benefit as it has been one of the most stress-free work environments that I have ever been in. Some of the work can be tedium, but it also alternates with stimulating and intellectually engaging work. Due to the fact that the museum is pretty much poor, you do get to learn a lot of valuable skills that can be taken to other institutions.
Cons
Salaries here are a joke. I probably would have made more money working retail. The commute is horrible. The museum is located in the middle of Flushing Meadow Park and is a complete trek in inclement or hot weather. A car is absolutely necessary for your sanity just to get to work. Lunchtime options are at a minimum as no restaurants are nearby. Despite the fact that the museum is located in a park (great for leisurely strolls), most staff stick to eating at their desk and avoid socializing. There is an overall cattiness in the office and cross-departmental socialization rarely happens. Though I had made some wonderful bonds here, most of the people here are embittered. For someone who is young and new and enthusiastic, it is difficult to enact any valuable change because the backwardness of the institution is so inherent within the work culture. The previous director, who was incompetent and lacked fundraising and business skills, hired several of his lackeys and they are still leaching on to their jobs despite their obvious incompetence and lack of knowledge. I can only hope that the new director will fire the bad apples that are there in the hopes of making a better institution overall. The museum exhibitions are inconsistent with the mission of the museum and the population it serves, thus an identity crisis between reality and intent are visible. The fact that there was a mass exodus during the time that I was there is only a testament to the fact that there are better work environments, especially when it comes to non-profit and museum work.