RISD has a good Egytian art section. They had a sarcophagus with a real mummy but I think they removed the mummy to study it.NYC is awesome and this will not be the last time I go.  The Metro museum was incredible, I've never seen such excellently preserved Greek artifacts.  They had a lot of vases with some interesting paintings on them. (also a little sculpture of a dog with what looked like a ball in his mouth and a cosmetic container shaped like a lobster claw)  One of the cooler things was a full chariot...wheels and everything.  I spent most of my time in the Ancient section, and since I didn't have a watch, I rushed through a few other sections.  The three whole rooms with medieval armor were really interesting.  I could have spent another hour or so in the museum, but I was worried about finding the way back to the bus, so I gave myself plenty of time. Also wanted to see or at least take a picture of the Guggenheim, which is a block or two from the Metro Museum,  but I didn't feel like it with the rain and all and worrying about locating the bus. The weather was lousy and raining and I wasn't prepared.  I went to the top of the Empire State Bldg with my buddy and his kid, saw Times Square, then I split off- they went to Ground Zero and Statue of Liberty, I to the museum.  Walking from 49th (or wherever the Emp St Bldg is) to 81st street was not fun in the rain...but I bought an umbrella from a street vendor. (and walking on crowded NYC sidewalks where most people have umbrellas is not advisable! ;D)  Had to walk by Central Park on the way to the museum, but with the rain and all I didn't walk around in there, although I would like to next time.  The bus picked us up right near Rockefeller Plaza so I saw the tree lit.  Also, St. Patrick's Cathedral is an amazing piece of architecture!  NYC is fascinating in many ways.  I will try to plan it out and manage my time better next time (and dress more for warmth and dryness). The subway system isn't as good as Boston's, or maybe because it was just more difficult to figure out.  It was very intimidating, but I was really awestruck seeing things that I've only seen in movies.  It was just cool seeing landmarks (stores, signs, buildings, etc.) that are recognized by everyone worldwide. 

I like Boston better too, but I think only because I know it better now and know the areas. 

That's funny, I was surprised at how clean, at least the main downtown area was. Maybe all the rain washed the litter away. 

I don't even know what MDEC is, so I doubt I can be of any help whatsoever. But if you need pics of Times Sq or from the top of the Empire State Building, feel free to ask.  ;D