The Obama Presidency at Leica Gallery
Chief Official White House Photographer Pete Souza’s photographs of President Obama capture him during some of his presidency’s most—and least—significant moments. The contrasting severity and lightheartedness of the photos remind us that, at least in some cases, politicians are human beings too. Ends Aug. 6, 670 Broadway, Ste. 500, en.leica-camera.com.

Night Vision: Photography After Dark
You take your camera’s flash for granted: until the early 20th century, cameras could barely function in low-light environments. (How people took pictures at ill-lit parties is anyone’s guess.) This exhibit displays the work of those artists—Edward Steichen, Alvin Langdon Coburn, Bill Brant—who, finally able to shoot through the night, found themselves transfixed by its possibilities. Ends Sept. 18, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave., metmuseum.org.

Elevator History Museum
Perhaps this one’s an acquired taste, but we thought we should let you know that this summer marks the opening of the Elevator History Museum in Long Island City. The museum’s collection includes antique elevator components dating back to the 1860s, plus advertising, children’s toys and games, elevator operator licenses, and a “unique collection of elevator postal history.” Ongoing, 21-03 44th Ave., Ste. 206, Queens, 917-748-2328.

Rubin Museum of Art
In “Human Currents,” Hannes Schmid’s vivid films and photographs capture the intensity of the Maha Kumbh Mela festival—the largest gathering of humans on earth, held only once every 144 years. July 22–Nov. 13. Also at the Rubin Museum is “Silent Echoes,” Bill Fontana’s meditative sound installation capturing the reverberations of five famous Buddhist temples in Kyoto—& ambient noises in the environment—while they’re not ringing, with corresponding high-resolution projections. Ends Aug. 14. 150 W. 17th St., rmanyc.org.

Art Within Reach from the WPA to the Present
The Children’s Museum of the Arts brings work by young artists of the Depression era and today to Governors Island, highlighting intergenerational changes in landscape and life experience. Hands-on drawing exhibitions further immerse visitors in the experience of urban evolution through art-making. Ends Sept. 5, CMA’s Free Art Island Outpost, Governors Island, Building 11, cmany.org.