Visiting one of the museums located in Manhattan presents the ideal activity for a rainy day, a couples` outing, or an afternoon spent with children. Here you`ll discover all sorts of museums, so regardless of your interests, there exists an appropriate one.
The chronicle, scientific fields, and works of visual art housed in Manhattan are world-class and are viewed as some of the premier attractions in NYC, so investigating them is worthwhile. Numerous of them are even covered by New York City`s entrance vouchers, such as the New York Pass, allowing you to conserve funds on tickets.
There are dozens of cultural institutions in this area, so to assist you in choosing, I’m sharing the 10 highest rated museums in Manhattan, NY. Below, you will discover the best reviewed museums, buildings of historical significance, and exhibitions in Manhattan. They cover a variety of topics and artistic forms, so keep reading to uncover what you will find in each of them.
Table of Contents
1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the best museum in Manhattan, NY
First, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a leading art gallery located in Manhattan. It is internationally reputed for its prestigious collections. Visitors can explore a variety of artworks from across different continents like Africa, Asia, Oceania and beyond, with over two million pieces in its collections spanning the globe.
One of the most noteworthy parts of the museum is the amazing Egyptian exhibit, containing thousands of objects dating back to as early as 3000 B.C. The Roman galleries are also rather special, featuring pieces from Greece and Italy originating from the Neolithic period to the Constantine era of the Roman Empire.
The Met additionally houses contemporary masterpieces by renowned artists like Picasso, Pollack, Miró, and Dalí. Its collection of old art and contemporary exhibits makes The Met one of the top museums in NYC, so you must add it to your list. Besides, it’s a huge place, so you’ll need more than one visit.
Entrance is covered by the New York Pass, or you can obtain a guided tour here.
2. American Museum of Natural History, a good Manhattan museum to visit with kids
If exploring options in NYC geared towards kids, I suggest visiting the American Museum of Natural History. It is considered one of the premier museums in Manhattan to check out, appealing not just to little ones but people of all ages.
Spread across 45 exhibition halls, this large institution contains an abundant collection of fossils, gems, minerals, and other plant and animal exhibits, guaranteeing something to engage a wide range of interests. Notable highlights within the displays include the skeletons of a woolly mammoth and a nearly complete Tyrannosaurus rex, as well as a planetarium where audiences can view impressive shows focused on space and the cosmos.
Another cool part of the museum is the Hall of Gems and Minerals, which has over 5,000 specimens from 98 countries. Among the gems here, the fluorescent Sterling Hill Slab, the large DeLong Star Ruby, and the Patricia Emerald from the Chivor Mine in Colombia stand out.
I also suggest stopping by the Butterfly Vivarium, where you can stroll among a tropical microenvironment while hundreds of butterflies flutter around you. There is also a separate moth show featuring the unusually large atlas moth, which is sure to elicit gasps of astonishment.
Generally, this entertaining Manhattan museum proves perfect for family outings, so obtain tickets ahead here or apply your New York Pass.
3. MoMA, one of the best art museums in Manhattan
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) represents another art gallery in Manhattan, and merits inclusion in your itinerary since it features contemporary design displays not found elsewhere.
The Museum of Modern Art is the premier location to discover modern masterworks from throughout the world, as well as contemporary artistic creations from national painters. Here, you can browse the initial Impressionist efforts of Cezanne, the Post-Impressionist segments of van Gogh, and the colorful pictures of Matisse, just to mention a few.
In addition to paintings, the museum features galleries containing drawings, sketches, photographs, and sculptures. MoMA also exhibits displaying models and renderings from renowned architects for example Frank Lloyd Wright and Isamu Noguchi, two artists who left their mark on New York City’s architectural landscape.
If you’re seeking activities to engage in within Manhattan, MoMA is a sound pick. You can pop in for an hour or two or spend a dreary or rainy afternoon examining the galleries, the film library, and the video game collection. Admission is covered by the New York Pass, or you can get a skip-the-line ticket here.
4. Museum of Chinese in America, one of the most interesting museums in Manhattan
The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) is one of the superior museums in Manhattan, even if it may not be prominently acknowledged. MOCA is a widely respected cultural institution that catalogues the history and heritage of Chinese Americans through the generations. Thanks to its collection of artifacts, it’s an ideal place to visit to learn more about this community and its contributions to the city.
The museum’s galleries and exhibits cover over 160 years of history through photographs, artwork, textiles, garments, and other objects. There is additionally an investigation core with additional products and recorded archives.
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If you want to go to MOCA, you can use your New York Pass or purchase a ticket on the museum’s website.
5. 9/11 Museum, an important Manhattan museum to visit
The 9/11 Museum is one of the most impactful museums in the city, and across the United States. It pays tribute to the history of the World Trade Center, especially noting the attacks of September 11, 2001. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost during the assault, which destroyed the Twin Towers, one the area`s most iconic landmarks.
While structures can be replaced, human lives cannot, therefore this museum in Lower Manhattan serves as one method by which the victims continue on. Inside contain photographs, videos, audio recordings, and objects from Ground Zero, such as steel remnants from the Towers and a staircase that survived amid the wreckage. A section is also dedicated to the six individuals who perished in the 1993 terrorist attack targeting the World Trade Center.
Outside are reflecting pools at the former Twin Towers site along with bronze plaques with victims` names. Several white oak trees and man-made waterfalls create a tranquil and somber place for remembrance and tribute.
You have the option to use your New York Pass to gain entrance into the museum or purchase a ticket that allows you to bypass the line here. Not only is this considered one of the premier museums in Manhattan, but it also houses One World Observatory, deemed one of the top observation decks in NYC. If you also want to visit the observatory, I suggest obtaining a ticket that provides entry to both attractions here.
6. The Guggenheim Museum, one of the most famous museums in Manhattan, NYC
The Guggenheim Museum is another famous gallery in Manhattan dedicated to showcasing iconic works from the twentieth century. This includes notable artistic movements such as Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and Abstract Expressionism that had a significant influence on visual arts.
The collection is full of artwork from masters like Kandinsky, Chagall, and Klee. Some of the highlights include the Cubist paintings of Braque and Gris, the ballerinas of Degas, and the kinetic sculptures of Alexander Calder.
Additionally, the museum’s architecture is also something worth observing. From the outside, the building appears as a whirlwind or a large white ribbon. It was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, who aimed to create a “temple of the spirit.” Inside, the museum has a ramp that travels upwards from the ground floor, and a huge skylight illuminates the rotunda with sunlight.
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7. El Museo del Barrio, one of the best free museums in Manhattan, New York
El Museo del Barrio is another phenomenal place to learn about different cultures, particularly Latino customs, traditions, and artworks. This Manhattan museum is one of the best cultural institutions in the city, covering over 800 years of history from Latin America, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean.
Within, you’ll discover everything from ceremonial masks and Pre-Columbian artifacts to modern artwork and film installations. The museum also holds temporary exhibits and works from visiting artists, so there is always something novel to see.
While there exists a powerful focus on Puerto Rican art and local creators, the museum also possesses a respectable selection of archaeological discoveries, indigenous items, and digital exhibits. The museum hosts community activities throughout the year, and it lies on Museum Mile, facing Central Park, so its situation is fairly convenient.
Finally, entrance is covered in the New York Pass. If you don’t possess the pass, you can get your ticket here. Admission is quite affordable, and there is a pay-what-you-wish option, so if you’re searching for a complimentary museum in NYC to visit as a family, I strongly recommend it.
8. Morgan Library & Museum, the most beautiful museum in Manhattan
The Morgan Library & Museum is one of the most attractively designed museums in Manhattan and a novel place unlike any other in the city. Full of art, history, and ornate luxury, it’s a National Historic Landmark and one of NYC’s hidden gems.
The museum is comprised of several buildings, containing a 19th-century home in the Italian design. Inside, you can marvel at Renaissance paintings, antiquated manuscripts, and gorgeous decorative objects. The collection of liturgical items is especially impressive, with some dating back to medieval Europe and even ancient Egypt.
The museum had its origins as the private collection of New York banker Piermont Morgan, who began assembling books around 1890. Currently, the assemblage has expanded to include an impressive array of illuminated texts and historical texts, which adorn the library’s shelves.
While visiting, take time to appreciate the library’s central area and ceiling decorations, as well as the façade’s two marble felines. Several significant items are on display under glass, such as sketches by Michelangelo and da Vinci, musical compositions from Beethoven and Mozart, plus works by Renoir, Rembrandt, and van Gogh.
Admission to the museum and library is free for children under 12, while adults can purchase their tickets here.
9. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, a fun Manhattan museum you should visit
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is an exciting museum in Manhattan that is worth visiting especially with kids. Aside from being an interesting museum, it is also a designated place of historical significance so it merits checking out at least once.
The museum is located on the USS Intrepid, a naval vessel that was originally launched in 1943. At the height of its service, this aircraft carrier played a pivotal role in World War II, surviving several suicide attacks from enemy aircraft. Now retired from active duty, theUSS Intrepid has several exhibits and galleries where visitors can learn more about its history and the technologies of the time period.
Inside, exhibits feature numerous military artifacts and over two dozen restored aircraft, including reconnaissance planes, fighter jets, and submarines from the Cold War era. Be sure to see the Space Shuttle Pavilion to learn about NASA`s space program and view the space shuttle Enterprise.
Entry to the museum is incorporated into the New York Pass, or you can obtain a ticket here.
10. Tenement Museum, one of the best history museums in Manhattan, NY
Lastly, the Tenement Museum is another top museum located in Manhattan and one of the most important. It’s dedicated to sharing the immigrant experience of the 19th and 20th centuries when thousands of individuals came to New York City from abroad to start new lives.
The museum contains two former residential structures that served purposes similar to rooming houses. Approximately 15,000 individuals from over 20 nations resided in these dwellings between 1863 and 2011. Now designated a historic site of national importance, the location provides fresh insights into the history of New York City.
Throughout the visit, a guide dressed for the era will guide you through a series of restored spaces that depict the everyday lives of various immigrants. You’ll hear narratives outlining these individuals` homelands, reasons for coming to New York City, and experiences once they arrived in the city. This incorporates perspectives from both young and old immigrants from Eastern Europe, China, and beyond.
If you haven’t yet explored this museum in Lower Manhattan, I highly suggest doing so. It will provide more insight into how this well-known part of the city developed, and I’m certain you’ll learn something new. The museum is open daily, and tickets can be obtained on the museum website.
That concludes the 10 best museums in Manhattan, but before departing, here is a map you can download and bring along for your trip.
I’d also appreciate hearing from you, whether you have any inquiries or you think there’s a Manhattan museum that I missed. Until then, stay safe and happy traveling!
