28 Best Museums in NYC | 2024 (with Photos)
Before you head to the most famous city in the world, you should know a bit about the fantastic museums it has to offer.
From the renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art to lesser-known gems like the Museum of the City of New York, the Big Apple offers an incredible variety of museums that are sure to satisfy any interest.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the 28 best museums in NYC. Each of these institutions has something unique to offer.
Whether it's a stunning collection of art, a fascinating glimpse into the city's past, or an interactive exhibit that will leave you awestruck, New York's museums have it all. So let's dive in and explore the best museums in New York City.
Most Recommended Thing to Do
Visit the Statue of Liberty.
Top Choice Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel New York
Our Top Choice Restaurant
Eleven Madison Park.
Our Top Choice Bar for Nightlife
230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall for pleasant weather and festivals.
Average Temperature
The average temperature in New York is temperate.
Transportation Options
Subway, buses, taxis, rideshare, ferries, bike-sharing, walking.
Average Cost ($, $$, $$$)
$$
My Top Recommendation
New York, the vibrant city that never sleeps, offers endless possibilities for an unforgettable travel experience. Immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of Times Square, where dazzling billboards and bustling crowds will transport you into a world of excitement and wonder. As night falls, indulge in a Broadway show, immersing yourself in the dazzling performances that make this city a truly epicenter of entertainment.
Explore the iconic Central Park, a peaceful oasis amidst the urban jungle, where you can take leisurely strolls or rent a bike to discover its hidden gems. Unwind at one of the many serene lakes, or have a picnic surrounded by lush greenery. As you meander through the park, you may stumble upon street performers and artists, adding an artistic touch to your New York experience.
What You'll Need to Bring
- Valid passport and visa (if required)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Appropriate clothing for the weather
- Travel guidebook or map
- Camera or smartphone for photos
- Travel adapter for electronics
- Travel insurance information
- Cash and credit cards
- Medications and any necessary prescriptions
- Snacks and water for day trips.
What Not to Miss
- Statue of Liberty
- Times Square
- Central Park
- Empire State Building
- Brooklyn Bridge
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Broadway shows
- High Line
- One World Trade Center
- The Museum of Modern Art
What to Avoid
- Crowded Times: Avoid visiting popular tourist attractions during peak hours to avoid large crowds and long queues.
- Rush Hour Traffic: Try to plan your travel to avoid the rush hour traffic, especially on weekdays when commuting can be challenging.
- Overpriced Tourist Traps: Be cautious of overpriced restaurants and shops in popular tourist areas and explore local neighborhoods for more authentic experiences.
- Pigeons in Parks: Be careful of feeding pigeons in parks as it can attract a large number of them and potentially become overwhelming.
- Street Vendors: Be wary of street vendors selling counterfeit or low-quality products, and always ensure your purchases are from reliable sources.
- High Season Prices: Consider avoiding visiting during peak tourist seasons, as accommodation and flight prices tend to be higher.
- Sidewalk Obstructions: Be mindful of sidewalk congestion in heavily populated areas, and avoid blocking the way for pedestrians.
- Unlicensed Taxi Services: Stick to licensed taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft to ensure a safe and reliable transportation experience.
- Restricted Areas: Respect any restricted or private areas, as some places may not be open to the public or require permission for access.
- Pickpockets and Scams: Stay vigilant of pickpockets and common scams targeting tourists, such as distraction techniques or fake ticket sellers.
Table of Contents
1. New York Transit Museum
Located in Brooklyn, the New York Transit Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the city's transportation history. The museum is housed in a decommissioned subway station and features exhibits on the evolution of public transportation in New York City.
You can explore vintage subway cars, buses, and trolleys, as well as learn about the challenges faced by early transportation engineers in the New York Transit Museum.
Moreover, the New York Transit Museum also offers tours of the nearby subway tunnels and workshops, providing an up-close look at the inner workings of the city's transit system. It is no exaggeration to say that the New York Transit Museum is one of the most popular museums in New York.
2. Whitney Museum
In the heart of the cultural Meatpacking District, the Whitney Museum is a premier institution for the modern and contemporary art of America.
The Meatpacking District, situated on the west side of Manhattan, is a hub of creative energy and home to some of the best museums in New York City. With its rich history and diverse culture, the city has long been a center for innovation and art.
Founded in 1930, the Whitney Museum houses an impressive collection of over 25,000 works by famous artists such as Edward Hopper, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Andy Warhol.
The Whitney Museum is known for its innovative exhibitions that highlight the diversity of contemporary American art, featuring both established and emerging artists.
Art lovers can also enjoy the Whitney Museum's outdoor spaces, including its stunning rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.
3. Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as the Met, is one of the world's largest art museums and most comprehensive galleries. Located on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, this is the largest museum in the world.
This gem of Central Park features over two million works of art spanning 5,000 years of world culture. From ancient Egyptian artifacts and African art, over Middle Ages history to contemporary paintings and sculptures, the Metropolitan Museum of Art offers an incredible variety of art and artifacts to explore.
The museum hosts special exhibitions throughout the year showcasing the works of both established and emerging contemporary artists.
Additionally, the Met boasts a stunning rooftop garden, which offers breathtaking views of Central Park and the city skyline. The Met's sister site, the Met Cloisters, is located at Fort Tryon Park. From this high point in the park, you can see the Hudson River.
4. Brooklyn Museum
The Brooklyn Museum is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. To be specific, it's the third-largest museum in New York City.
Located in the heart of Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Museum boasts a collection of over 1.5 million works of art from around the world.
The Brooklyn Museum is known for its impressive holdings of ancient Egyptian art, as well as its collections of contemporary American art, American art, and feminist art.
Explore the museum's vast galleries, attend lectures and events, and participate in interactive programs that engage with the museum's collections. With all that said, it is one of the best museums in New York City.
Extend your museum visit into a full-day adventure by exploring the countless things to do in Brooklyn afterwards.
5. The Tenement Museum
The Tenement Museum is a unique museum dedicated to preserving the history and culture of immigrant life in New York City. Located on the Lower East Side, the museum is housed in a historic tenement building that once served as home to over 7,000 working-class immigrants.
Today, the Tenement Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of these immigrants through guided tours of restored apartments and interactive exhibits that explore the challenges and opportunities of immigrant life in New York City. This is a crucial part of New York's history.
Moreover, the Tenement Museum also hosts special events and programs throughout the year, including film screenings, lectures, and walking tours of the surrounding neighborhood.
6. American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world's most renowned New York City museums of the natural world, located in the heart of Manhattan. With 45 permanent exhibition halls, the museum boasts a vast collection of over 33 million specimens from across the globe.
Moreover, the American Museum of Natural History is famous for its dinosaur fossils, including the Tyrannosaurus rex, as well as its exhibits on human evolution, ocean life, and the biodiversity of the planet.
Feel free to explore the museum's numerous galleries, which cover topics ranging from the origin of life on Earth to the intricacies of the universe.
In addition, the American Museum of Natural History offers a wide variety of educational programs for visitors of all ages, including tours, workshops, and interactive exhibits, sometimes cooperating with other big museums such as the Smithsonian museums.
Furthermore, the Rose Center for Earth and Space, a part of the Museum of Natural History, features a planetarium and an IMAX theater, offering visitors an immersive experience of the cosmos. It is clear why it is one of the best New York City museums.
7. The Jewish Museum
Located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, The Jewish Museum is a museum dedicated to Jewish culture and heritage. The museum's collection spans over 4,000 years of Jewish history and includes over 30,000 objects, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, ceremonial objects, and archaeological artifacts.
The Jewish Museum aims to explore Jewish culture and identity through its exhibitions and educational programs. Learn about Jewish life, customs, and traditions through a range of exhibits that showcase both contemporary and historical works of art.
The Jewish Museum also has a diverse calendar of events, including lectures, performances, and film screenings, which provide opportunities for visitors to engage with Jewish culture in a dynamic and immersive way.
Additionally, the Jewish Museum offers tours, workshops, and family programs that cater to visitors of all ages. If you are interested in exploring the rich history and culture of the Jewish people, The Jewish Museum is an excellent destination that is both informative and engaging.
8. The Space Museum
Located in Long Island, the Cradle of Aviation Museum, also known as The Space Museum, is a unique museum dedicated to aviation and space exploration.
The Space Museum is home to over 75 aircraft and spacecraft, including the Apollo Lunar Module, a Grumman F-14 Tomcat, and a replica of the Wright Brothers' 1903 Flyer.
The museum also features a planetarium, an IMAX theater, and a range of interactive exhibits.
9. The Museum of Sex
The Museum of Sex is a unique and intimate museum located in New York City that explores the history, evolution, and cultural significance of human sexuality.
This museum is dedicated to providing visitors with a deeper understanding of human sexuality, while also showcasing the beauty and diversity of different sexual experiences and expressions.
With an extensive collection of artifacts and art, you can explore different aspects of sexuality throughout history and across cultures.
Despite the taboo nature of the topic, the Museum of Sex has managed to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that celebrates sexuality in all its forms.
10. The Morgan Library
The Morgan Library & Museum, located in the heart of Manhattan, showcases the personal library of J. Pierpont Morgan, a prominent American financier, and banker, as well as a vast collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork.
Moreover, the Morgan Library & Museum building itself is an architectural masterpiece, featuring grand marble staircases and ornate rooms that transport visitors back to a bygone era of opulence and extravagance.
In addition to the permanent collection, the Morgan Library & Museum also hosts a rotating series of exhibitions that explore various themes related to literature, history, and culture.
11. American Folk Art Museum
The American Folk Art Museum is a hidden gem in New York City, showcasing an impressive collection of works by self-taught artists.
Not only does the museum have a wonderful collection, but it also offers an impressive selection of rotating exhibitions throughout the year.
One thing you definitely shouldn't miss when visiting the Folk Art Museum is its gift shop, which offers unique items that are perfect for bringing home as souvenirs.
Moreover, the museum offers a variety of educational programs and events, making it a great destination for families and art enthusiasts alike.
12. The New Museum
The New Museum, located in the Bowery neighborhood of Manhattan, is a museum dedicated to contemporary art.
Moreover, the New Museum consists of several floors of exhibition space, showcasing works by some of the most exciting contemporary artists from around the world. Also, the museum's temporary exhibitions are always fresh and dynamic, showcasing the latest trends in contemporary art.
Don't forget to check out the gift shop of the New Museum, where you can find unique and unusual items that you won't find anywhere else.
13. Ellis Island National Museum
The Ellis Island National Museum is housed in the restored main building of the former immigration station on Ellis Island.
It features exhibits and interactive displays that tell the story of the millions of immigrants who passed through the station on their way to a new life in America.
Moreover, the Ellis Island National Museum offers guided tours of the island and the immigration station, as well as educational programs for schools and groups.
14. Rubin Museum of Art
The Rubin Museum of Art is a hidden gem in the heart of New York City. The museum maintains a collection of Himalayan art, spanning over 1500 years of history.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Rubin Museum of Art is known for its temporary exhibitions that explore the intersection of art, culture, and spirituality.
The museum's unique focus on the Himalayan region makes it one of New York City's most distinctive cultural institutions.
On top of that, you can enjoy a diverse range of programming, including lectures, films, and performances, as well as exploring the museum's gift shop for unique souvenirs and mementos.
15. Guggenheim Museum
Known for its unique architecture and impressive art collection, the Guggenheim Museum is one of the most iconic museums in New York City.
The Guggenheim Museum houses a collection of contemporary art as well as modern art, with works from renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Jackson Pollock. The spiral structure of the museum itself is a work of art, designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
In addition to its impressive permanent collection, the Guggenheim Museum hosts a range of temporary exhibitions and special events throughout the year.
16. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is a boat located on the Hudson River. This is a one-of-a-kind museum that is dedicated to showcasing maritime history, and the history of air and space travel.
What people love most about this museum is the NASA Space Shuttle Enterprise. You will also find WWII fighter planes and a submarine used in the Cold War at this awesome museum.
Furthermore, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is an excellent destination for families with children. The museum offers a variety of educational programs, including camps, workshops, and tours that are designed to engage and inspire young visitors.
17. The Frick
The Frick is a museum located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan that boasts an impressive collection of old master paintings and decorative arts. The museum features works by artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Gainsborough, among others.
Moreover, the museum is housed in a beautiful mansion that once belonged to industrialist Henry Clay Frick. This is one of the best museums on the Upper East Side in New York City.
18. Queens Museum
Queens Museum is one of New York City's lesser-known treasures, but it boasts a rich art history and culture. Founded in 1972, the museum features works from both famous artists and up-and-coming talent from the local area.
One of the highlights of the Queens Museum is the panoramic model of New York City, which covers over 9,300 square feet and includes every building in all five boroughs, as well as Central Park.
19. The Skyscraper Museum
Located in Battery Park City, the Skyscraper Museum is dedicated to exploring the history and development of tall buildings. As New York is famed for its skyscrapers, this is a great choice of museum to visit.
Moreover, the museum offers a range of educational programs for adults and children, including lectures, tours, and workshops.
20. Museum of the Moving Image
Moreover, the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens, is a must-visit destination for movie and TV buffs. This world-class museum maintains a collection of artifacts related to the art, history, and technology of filmmaking.
With its interactive exhibits, exhibition space, and state-of-the-art facilities, the Museum of the Moving Image is an ideal destination for the whole family.
21. Museum of Mathematics
The Museum of Mathematics, also known as MoMath, is a one-of-a-kind museum that offers visitors an immersive and interactive experience with math. This might not sound like a lot of fun, but it is actually very entertaining.
Located in Manhattan, the museum was founded in 2009 and has since been dedicated to exploring the wonders of mathematics in a fun and engaging way.
Moreover, the museum offers workshops, talks, and events throughout the year, including math nights for adults and family math days for children.
22. The Museum of Modern Art
Known as MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art is a world-renowned institution that features an extensive collection of contemporary and modern art from renowned artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol.
In addition, the Museum of Modern Art has a stunning design and architecture that complements its impressive collection.
23. The Drawing Center Art Galleries SoHo
The Drawing Center, located in SoHo, is a set of art galleries that are dedicated to the medium of drawing. Founded in 1977, the museum showcases contemporary and historical works of art that demonstrate the infinite possibilities of drawing.
Moreover, the museum's exhibitions showcase works by artists who challenge traditional notions of drawing, using it as a tool for experimentation and innovation.
24. 9/11 Memorial and Museum
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is located at Ground Zero, the site where the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center once stood.
The museum features exhibits that tell the story of the attacks, including first-hand accounts from survivors, artifacts recovered from the site, and multimedia presentations that offer a glimpse into the lives of the victims.
A visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is both educational and emotional. It's a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of never forgetting the past.
25. The Museum of Chinese in America
The Museum of Chinese in America, located in the heart of Chinatown in Lower Manhattan, is a unique cultural institution dedicated to preserving and presenting the history, heritage, and culture of Chinese Americans.
Moreover, the museum's gift shop offers a variety of Chinese-inspired products, including books, jewelry, and housewares, that make for great souvenirs or gifts.
26. The Museum of the City of New York
Located on Fifth Avenue, the Museum of the City of New York offers a comprehensive look at the city's past and present through a variety of exhibitions and interactive displays.
The museum's collection includes over 750,000 objects, photographs, and documents related to New York City's history, from its founding to the present day.
And for those looking to dive even deeper into the city's past, the museum offers a range of educational programs, including lectures, tours, and workshops.
This is without a doubt one of the best museums in New York.
27. The National Museum of the American Indian
The National Museum of the American Indian is part of the Smithsonian Institution and is located in Lower Manhattan.
It showcases the history, culture, and art of indigenous peoples of the Americas, and features a collection of artifacts and exhibits from across North and South America.
The museum's collection includes objects such as baskets, pottery, beadwork, textiles, and more, and there are also rotating exhibitions that showcase contemporary Native American art and issues.
This is one of the best museums in the city for raising awareness for the Indigenous peoples of the Americas.
28. New York Historical Society Museum
Nested on Central Park West, the New York Historical Society Museum is home to a unique collection of artifacts, documents, and art that tell the story of the city from its founding to the present day.
One of the highlights of the museum is its collection of Tiffany lamps, which were designed and produced in New York City in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Moreover, the New York Historical Society Museum is home to the DiMenna Children's History Museum, which is designed to engage young visitors with the history of the city through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities.
FAQs About the Best Museums in New York City
Let's take a look at some frequently asked questions about the best museums in New York City.
What is the most visited museum in New York City?
The most visited museum in New York City is the American Museum of Natural History across from Central Park. Apart from the Museum of Natural History, one of the most visited museums in New York City include the Met, the Tenement Museum, and the Whitney Museum.
What is the second-largest museum in New York City?
The second largest museum in New York City is Brooklyn Museum. The Brooklyn Museum consists of two stories of galleries exhibiting contemporary art. Apart from that, the largest art museum in the city is the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Summing Up: 28 Best Museums in NYC in 2024
New York City is home to some of the world's most famous museums, making it a dream destination for art and history lovers.
Whether you're interested in contemporary art, natural history, science, or even mathematics, there's a museum for you in the Big Apple. From the iconic American Museum of Natural History to the immersive 9/11 Memorial and Museum, New York City has it all.
Additionally, some lesser-known museums like the Museum of Mathematics and the Museum of the Moving Image offer unique and interactive exhibits that are sure to captivate visitors of all ages.
With so many options, it's no wonder that New York is a top cultural destination. So why wait? Book your cultural trip to New York today.
