20 Best Museums in New York City + MAP

As a city abundant in visual and performing arts, New York City has many outstanding selections of museums, so I recommend taking in at least one exhibition during a visit. There are several quality galleries, showcases, and displays to choose from, ensuring sightseers will find multiple options appealing.

In addition, if you intend on visiting several museums, I advise obtaining a New York attraction pass since it covers many of the top museums in NYC. I like the New York Pass, which incorporates the 9/11 Museum, the Met, MoMA, and the American Museum of Natural History, among others.

Additionally, it`s worth noting that some of the museums on this list have complimentary admission days, and we have a guide to the top no-cost museums in NYC that you can peruse.

Whether your interests lie in art, history, science or culture, you`ll find a NYC museum exhibit that appeals to you. Besides, spending a day at a museum is one of the top activities in New York City to do with friends, children, or even alone. So keep reading to see which galleries and exhibitions you must see.

1. American Museum of Natural History, the best history museum in New York

The American Museum of Natural History is an amazing place to visit and one of the finest activities in NYC with kids. It’s one of the top historical museums in New York City, educating visitors about biology, ecology, geology, and more.

This colossal institution houses 45 exhibition halls, a library, and a planetarium. Within its permanent collection are 34 million specimens and objects ranging from plant and creature fossils to meteorites and gems. Some of the most intriguing exhibits include the mammoth skeleton, the Willamette meteorite, a nearly-complete T-rex skeleton, and a life-size replica of a blue whale.

You are also able to see a space presentation at the planetarium, watch an educational video on the theater’s large 40-foot screen, and find out which unique exhibit is currently available to view. Entrance to the museum is covered in the New York Pass, or you can purchase a ticket here.

• Operational hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5:30 pm
• Admission cost: $23 for adults, $13 for children
• Location: Upper West Side, Manhattan

2. Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the best art museums in NYC

Without question, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the premier art museums in NYC. Not only that, but it’s the largest art institution in the Western Hemisphere, with a permanent collection of over two million works.

The museum contains a variety of modern art from across the globe, and its Egyptian and Roman galleries are among the best. Additional highlights involve artifacts from ancient Greece and paintings from medieval Europe. If you admire the works of Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and other modern masters, visiting The Met is one of the premier activities to participate in Manhattan.

This notable NYC museum is covered under the New York Pass, or you can obtain a skip-the-line admission here.

• Hours: Sunday – Tuesday, Thursday, 10 am – 5 pm; Friday – Saturday, 10 am – 9 pm
• Admission for adults is quoted at $25, while entrance is without cost for children under 12.
• Location: Upper West Side, Manhattan

3. The Met Cloisters, an interesting art museum exhibit in NYC

Speaking of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, it also has an additional site located in Washington Heights. Known as The Met Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park, it is constructed around cloisters from Cuxa, Saint-Guilhem, Bonnefont and Trie. Walking through these covered walkways and courtyard gardens enclosed by walls make one feel like in a French monastery.

In addition to the medieval gardens, the The Met Cloisters contain over 5,000 artistic works including paintings, sculptures, and tapestries. Some of the most popular pieces include the tapestries depicting the hunt of the unicorn and stained glass windows from Normandy, France. Without question, the Romanesque and Gothic architecture of this NYC museum will take your breath away, so be sure to check it out.

Entrance is protected in your Met Museum ticket or with your New York Pass.

• Operational hours: Tuesday – Thursday, from 10 am until 4:30 pm
• Admission for adults is quoted at $25, while entrance is without cost for children under 12.
• Location: Washington Heights, Manhattan

4. MoMA, the best art museum in NYC for modern art

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is undoubtedly the top art museum in NYC. It houses one of the most extensive collections of modern and contemporary art worldwide, with works by masters like Cézanne, van Gogh, Gauguin, and Matisse.

In addition to paintings, the museum features drawings, sculptures, photographs, films, and other design components. For instance, the Architecture and Design Department possesses 28,000 models, sketches, and pictures by developers like Frank Lloyd Wright and Isamu Noguchi.

Furthermore, MoMA also has a library possessing nearly 350,000 cataloged materials, a Film Library with over 25,000 titles, and a modest collection of video games like Pac-Man and Minecraft. In other words, one can find nearly anything art-associated here, given that it’s from the last 150 years.

Situated conveniently in Manhattan`s Midtown, the MoMA is one of the top attractions for visitors to New York City. Admission is covered by the New York Pass, or tickets can be obtained here.

• Hours: Sunday – Friday, 10:30 am – 5:30 pm; Saturday, 10:30 am – 7 pm
• Entrance fee: $25 for adults, free for kids 16 and under
• Location: Midtown Manhattan

5. 9/11 Memorial & Museum, a poignant NYC museum to visit

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is one of the most significant historical museums in New York, and one that should be visited at a minimum once. This emotionally moving museum commemorates the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center buildings from September 11, 2001, which took the lives of nearly 3,000 individuals. The museum also honors the six victims of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

The collection contained within the museum includes over 58,000 products, encompassing photographs, audio recordings, and videos. Inside, you can also find artifacts such as the original steel from the Twin Towers and a surviving staircase from the World Trade Center.

Outside, the 9/11 Memorial is at the former location of the Twin Towers and incorporates two reflective pools encircled by white oak trees. The pools feature artificial waterfalls, which not simply add beauty to the site but also muffle the city noise.

As you wander through the emotional memorial, you’ll also find bronze plaques with the 1993 and 2001 victims’ names etched on them. Another area is home to The Survivor Tree, a pear tree found amidst the rubble of the 9/11 attack. The eight-foot tree suffered major burn damage but was nursed back to health and now features old and new growth, making it a poignant part of the memorial.

The 9/11 Museum is included with the New York Pass, which can be purchased at New York Pass, or you can buy a ticket here. It is also worthwhile visiting the One World Observatory, one of NYC’s best observation spots. You can get a bundled ticket for the museum and observatory viewpoint here.

• Operating Hours: Thursday – Monday, 10 am – 5 pm
• Admission cost: $30 for adults, $24 for kids 13-17, $19 for kids 7-12, free for kids under 7
• Situated: in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District

• Suggested lodging: You won’t regret choosing to reside at the prestigious Arcea Gran Hotel Pelayo. Situated in the core of the national park, it offers perspectives of Covadonga Cathedral.

6. Statue of Liberty Museum, another museum in NYC that you should see

Another noteworthy historical museum in New York City I recommend is the Statue of Liberty Museum. In addition to its engaging exhibits, wonderful scenic views are offered, so be sure to carry your camera device when visiting the Statue of Liberty!

The Statue of Liberty Museum is full of artifacts and exhibits about the history of this famous New York sculpture. During your visit, you’ll learn about the history of Lady Liberty and her importance as a cultural icon.

A brief overview of each section is presented here to assist in deciding which region best suits your trip to Rainier.

The museum is on Liberty Island, so taking a guided trip to view the Statue of Liberty will be needed to see Liberty Island, the famous statue, its museum, and Ellis Island.

• Hours: Daily, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
• Entry fee: $23.50 for adults, $12 for children ages 4-12, free for children under 4
• Location: Liberty Island

7. The Guggenheim, another museum with the best art galleries in NYC

If you have a strong interest in European avant-garde artwork, the Guggenheim is one of the finest art galleries inNYC. Situated in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, one of the best neighborhoods in NYC, the Guggenheim sticks out thanks to its white, round building. In fact, it`s one of the most renowned structures in NYC. Designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the museum’s unique shape is referred to as the “temple of the spirit”.

Inside, a ramp runs continuously from the ground floor to the top of the building, where there is a huge skylight. As you make your way up the ramp, you can check out the various galleries displaying some of the most renowned pieces from the 20^th century. The modern and contemporary works span several art movements, including Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and Abstract Expressionism.

Here, you can view Kandinsky`s color-filled works, Chagall`s surreal creations, and Braque`s Cubist pieces, as well as art by Paul Klee, Fernand Léger, Juan Gris, and Paul Cézanne. Without hesitation, the Guggenheim has some of the best galleries for art in NYC, and the building itself is like a masterpiece. You can gain entrance with your New York Pass or purchase a skip-the-line ticket here.

• Operating Hours: Thursday – Monday, 11 am – 6 pm
• Admission cost: $25 for adults, free for children
• Location: Upper East Side, Manhattan

8. Brooklyn Museum, another art museum in NYC with beautiful exhibits

The Brooklyn Museum is among the most visited museums in Brooklyn and the third-largest museum in NYC, so it’s certainly worth exploring. This impressive Beaux-Arts building contains around 500,000 objects to help examine various world cultures through the arts.

The collection at the Brooklyn Museum contains artworks from various mediums and various regions around the world. These include paintings, sculptures, and decorative pieces from places like Africa, Europe, Japan, North America, and Oceania. One of the most renowned sections is the Egyptian artifacts. Other notable parts incorporate the Islamic Art galleries and shadow puppets from Indonesia and New Guinea. In addition, the Brooklyn Museum owns one of the largest assortments of African art found at any American art museum. One relatively new exhibition spotlights feminist artwork.

Along with works by Rockwell, Rothko, and O’Keeffe, you can browse the Brooklyn Museum Libraries and Archives or walk through the sculpture garden. This is undoubtedly one of the top museums in Brooklyn, NYC, and it’s included in the New York Pass.

• Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, 11 am – 6 pm; Friday & Saturday, 11 am – 8 pm
• Admission cost: $16 for adults, free for children
• Location: Brooklyn

9. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, one of the best museums in NYC for families

If you’re looking for one of the top NYC museums for families, check out the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. It’s housed in the famed USS Intrepid aircraft carrier, a National Historic Landmark berthed on the Hudson River.

The USS Intrepid was initially launched in 1943 and survived numerous kamikaze attacks during World War II. Today, it contains one of the most fascinating museums in NYC where you can learn about the science, technology, and engineering behind history’s most impressive aircraft.

Inside, visitors can discover 28 restored aircraft on display including spy planes, Cold War submarines, and fighter jets. Some highlights involve the USSGrowler, a missile submarine, a Concorde SST, and a Lockheed A-12, the fastest military jet ever created. You’ll also see the legendary space shuttleEnterprise and the museum’s Space Shuttle Pavilion, which centers around NASA’s space missions.

After exploring the four levels of the USS Intrepid, be sure to check out the collection housed inside, featuring various military artifacts. Admission is covered by the New York Pass, or you can purchase a priority entry ticket here.

• Hours: Daily, 10 am – 5 pm
• The cost for entrance was $29.70 for adults, $21.60 for children ages 5-12, and free for children under 5 years old.
• Location: Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan

10. Museum of Ice Cream, a fun museum in NYC to visit with kids

If experiencing an ice cream museum in NYC sounds delightfully intriguing, then I’m pleased to share that it’s become a reality. The Museum of Ice Cream is in SoHo, one of Manhattan`s trendsetting neighborhoods. Here you will embark on a whimsically vivid experience that immerses you in a colorful world.

The museum can be seen as a “selfie museum” where you can capture Instagram-worthy photos. There are three floors of monochrome galleries, imaginative displays, and all kinds of props you can interact with, like a giant inflatable pool of sprinkles.

As visitors interact with the colorful, patterned surroundings, they can enjoy sweet treats and ice cream throughout the experience. The self-guided tour allows entry with this ticket or a New York Pass.

It is one of the best museums in NYC for family entertainment, provided one is fine with the potential for a sugar spike in the children!

• Operational hours: Monday, Thursday, 11:30 am – 7 pm; Friday, 11:30 am – 8:30 pm; Saturday, 10 am – 8:30 pm; Sunday, 10 am – 7 pm
• Admission price: $49 for adults and kids over 3
• Location: SoHo, Manhattan

11. Frick Collection, a lovely fine art museum in New York City

Another visual art museum worth exploring in New York is the Frick Collection, housing classical paintings and decorative arts. Here, you can view the works of old masters such as Goya, Rembrandt, Velázquez, and Vermeer, as well as 18th-century French home furnishings and an impressive clock selection.

Additional highlights from the Frick involve Indian and Persian rugs from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as a collection of Asian ceramic works, like Chinese vases from the Qing Dynasty. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum hosts temporary exhibits and the Frick Art Reference Library, which acts as an art history research center.

Moreover, the Frick Collection is within a Gilded Age mansion, which served as the former residence of its founder, Henry Clay Frick. So, if you’re interested in Renaissance and early 20th-century art, this is one NYC museum you absolutely cannot miss.

• Operating Hours: Thursday – Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm
• Admission cost: $22 for adults, $12 for children ages 10-17, free for children under 10
• Location: Midtown Manhattan

12. Whitney Museum of American Art, another famous museum in NYC worth seeing

The Whitney Museum of American Art is another renowned museum in New York that will interest you if you enjoy 20th and 21st-century artwork. The collections here span different periods of art, like Minimalism, Abstract Expressionism, and Pop Art. Throughout, you can find works by Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Andy Warhol, as well as lesser-known artists.

The Whitney possesses over 25,000 works of visual art along with temporary exhibits and live performances. Moreover, a public art installation called Day’s End is located across the street from the museum in Hudson River Park.

While you’re visiting, be sure to check out the Frances Mulhall Achilles Research Library and the outdoor terraces and balconies, which offer lovely views of Manhattan.

Every two years, the establishment hosts an international art exhibition called the Whitney Biennial, showcasing American art from newer, younger artists. So, if you want to admire the work of renowned masters and potentially discover a new favorite, you can visit the Whitney with your New York Pass or this ticket.

• Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, 10:30 am – 6 pm; Friday, 10:30 am – 10 pm; Saturday, Sunday, 11 am – 6 pm
• Admission for adults is cited as $25, while access is complimentary for youngsters under 18.
• Location: Meatpacking District, Manhattan

13. Morgan Library & Museum, an unexpected museum in NYC you should visit

The Morgan Library & Museum is, undeniably, the best NYC museum that combines art and history harmoniously. It comprises several buildings, like a 19th-century Italianate home, and holds around 350,000 items. These range from paintings by Renaissance masters to centuries-old manuscripts and decorative objects.

The front of the main building is guarded by two marble sculptures, while the library’s interior features an ornate central area with ceiling illustrations. This has led to the over 100-year-old museum being named a location of historic importance.

• Excellent coverage for trip cancellations.

This location features a wide variety of artifacts that are sure to intrigue visitors, such as musical manuscripts and scores created by renowned composers like Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, and Mozart. One of the most acclaimed parts of the collection is an small assortment of illuminated manuscripts dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Children can enter free of charge, so consider adding this esteemed cultural institution in Manhattan, NYC to your plans.

• Hours of operation: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10:30 am – 5 pm; Friday, 10:30 am – 7 pm
• The admission charge is specified as $22 for adults, with free entry for children under 12.

• Location: East Side of Manhattan.

14. New York Transit Museum, a unique museum in NYC for families

One of the most amusing things to do in Brooklyn with family is to visit the New York Transit Museum. Housed in a decommissioned subway station, this museum will teach you all about the history of the bus, subway, and rail systems in the New York metropolitan region.

Within the Transit Museum you`ll find a huge amount of artifacts, including preserved subway train cars, memorabilia from bridges and tunnels, and vintage road signs and vehicle advertisements. The lower levels house an underground control room and a couple fully operational subway tracks along with old railcars that visitors can observe.

While it’s a smaller museum, the permanent and rotating exhibits do a fantastic job demonstrating technological advancements in modern transportation methods, as well as historical remnants from earlier eras. Along with guided tours and films, you can see older subway and bus models, like the initial bus equipped with air conditioning in the U.S., which was introduced in 1956.

The Transit Museum is one of the top museums located in Brooklyn, New York City that focuses on transportation, and it also has a smaller offshoot museum located at Grand Central Station. Admission is covered by purchasing a New York Pass, or tickets can be booked on the museum`s website.

• Hours: Friday – Sunday, 11 am – 4 pm
• Admission price: Ten dollars for adults, five dollars for kids ages two to seventeen, free for kids under two
• Location: Brooklyn Heights

15. Tenement Museum, another eye-opening museum in NYC you can’t miss

The Tenement Museum is one of the more distinctive museums in NYC, as it portrays the experience of immigrants in New York in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Without question, it’s an essential museum, and exploring its exhibits is an excellent way to gain new insights into the nation’s immigrant history.

Furthermore, the museum houses in two apartment complexes, which are similar to lodging houses. Currently, the structures are a National Historic Site, and they homed around 15,000 people from over 20 countries between 1863 and 2011.

The apartment buildings originally held around two dozen living spaces and a ground-floor bar. These days, you can join a guided tour through restored period rooms, which provide an idea of what life looked like between 1869 and 1935. Costumed guides assist in portraying the experience of immigrants from different perspectives, such as women, Chinese Americans, Black residents, and Eastern European Jews.

In addition to touring the Orchard Street tenement buildings, you can participate in a neighborhood walking tour and investigate some of the areas in the Lower East Side that played a role in New York City`s immigrant history. This is definitely one of the coolest museums in New York to gain a new perspective and learn more about immigration while putting faces and names to some of the individuals who journeyed here to start fresh lives.

Access to the museum is available daily, and tickets can be obtained on the museum website.

• Hours: Monday – Thursday, 10 am – 5 pm; Friday – Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm

Accommodations with triple, quadruple, and family rooms (featuring bunk beds) for parties of five.

• Spot: Lower East Side, Manhattan

16. National Museum of the American Indian, an important NYC museum to visit

The National Museum of the American Indian presents a fascinating institute and one of NYC’s complimentary museums, so I highly recommend checking it out. As part of the Smithsonian Institution, the main branch exists in Washington, D.C. Regardless, the New York City venue proves worth exploring and has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

Within the museum’s stunning Beaux-Arts architectural style building, you can browse dozens of exhibits and galleries focused on Native American history and culture. Its permanent collection includes artistic and factual materials dedicated to Native American societies across North, Central, and South America, while the rotunda showcases various murals and hosts presentations and performances throughout the year.

In addition to the rotunda, the museum comprises a reference library, a photography hall, a theater, and a special exhibit gallery. What makes this place noteworthy is that you can obtain a balance of historical displays and contemporary exhibitions. So, during your visit, you can see everything from ceremonial headgears and instruments to present-day art installations.

• Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 am – 5 pm
• Admission price: Free
• Location: Financial District, Manhattan

17. Brooklyn Children’s Museum, one of the best museums in Brooklyn, NYC

If you’re visiting the city with children, you’ll want to check out the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. Not only was it the first children’s museum in the country, but it was also the first green museum in NYC. Its engaging and creative environment teaches kids about history, culture, technology, science, and more, so it`s one of the best museums in NYC for families.

Beyond its scheduled activities, the museum offers numerous experiential displays like a massive maze, a section meant for toddlers, and an outside playground. The ArtRink is a exceptional rooftop ice skating rink and art gallery that helps children burn energy while also involving themselves in enriching events.

There are also numerous festivals throughout the year celebrating elements like Juneteenth, Holi, and Earth Day. The museum even has a community garden and greenhouse, so it’s an enjoyable place for children to become educated. General admission is quite affordable, but you can also visit on Thursdays from 2 pm – 5 pm for “Amazon Free Hours.”

• Operating hours: Thursday – Friday, 2 pm – 5 pm; Saturday – Sunday, 10 am – 1 pm & 2 pm – 5 pm
• Admission price: $13
• Location: Crown Heights, Brooklyn

18. Museum of Chinese in America, another great museum in downtown NYC

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MOCA chronicles over 160 years of Chinese American history through its collection of more than 85,000 artifacts. Although the museum sustained damage from a fire in early 2020, it has since recovered most of its objects and reopened its doors to the public. Among the stored items are photographs, publications, audio recordings, fabrics, garments, and artworks. There is also a research center containing additional archived materials and objects.

The Museum of Chinese in America was created to honor the memories and lived experiences of the aging Chinese American population in the city, and most would agree that the museum`s exhibits and programs do justice to these generations. What`s more, admission is covered in your New York Pass, so I suggest checking out MOCA! If you don`t have the pass, you can get a ticket on the museum`s website.

• Hours: Thursday, 11 am – 9 pm; Friday – Sunday, 11 am – 6 pm
• Cost of admission: $12 for adults, $8 for kids, free for kids under 2
• Location: In the Chinatown district of Manhattan

19. Museo del Barrio, an underrated museum in NYC you can’t miss

Situated in El Barrio (East Harlem), the Museo del Barrio is one of the most significant Latino cultural institutions in New York. It possesses over 6,500 items covering more than 800 years of Puerto Rican, Latin American, and Caribbean history, making it one of the best museums in NYC to stop by.

This exhibition focuses on artwork across Latin America and the Caribbean spanning from modern pieces to archaeological artifacts and conventional objects. For example, one can see everything from drawings and paintings by contemporary artists, to conventional masks and artifacts from pre-Columbian cultures, such as the indigenous Taíno people of the Caribbean region.

In addition, there are numerous photographs, films, art installations, and temporary exhibits. The Museo del Barrio also emphasizes the art and culture of Puerto Rico, and hosts events throughout the year. It’s highly recommended adding it to your list of museums in NYC, and general admission is incorporated in the New York Pass. If you don’t have the pass, tickets are very affordable and available on the museum’s website.

• Hours: Friday – Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm
• Cost of admission: $9 for adults, $5 for kids, free for kids under 12
• Location: Uptown, Manhattan

20. American Museum of the Moving Image, a fascinating museum in New York

In conclusion, the American Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI), represents one of the best museums in Queens. You will truly appreciate this interactive museum if you have a passion for movies. Housed in the former Astoria Studios building, MoMI possesses about 130,000 items, rendering it the most substantial collection focused on the moving image.

Here, you can explore galleries and multimedia exhibits focused on digital media and cinema. Among the museum’s permanent collection is an exhibition on Jim Henson, creator of The Muppets, as well as a video game gallery. MoMI also has two theaters that allow the museum to host regular film screenings and lectures.

If you find film and cinema to be fascinating fields of interest, then you’ll enjoy learning about the history, technology, and techniques behind this art form. In addition to live-action movies, the museum also focuses on animation, script writing, and movie posters, so there is a large amount to see in this notable place in Astoria, Queens. The museum is only open on the weekends, so be sure to get your ticket in advance.

• Timeframes: Friday, 2 pm – 8 pm; Saturday – Sunday, 12 pm – 6 pm
• Admission price: Fifteen dollars for adults, nine dollars for kids ages three to seventeen, free for kids under three
• Location: Astoria, Queens

That’s it for the best museums in NYC! It’s clear that there is a museum in NYC for nearly anyone, so download this tourist map of NYC and keep it convenient during your trip.

If you have any inquiries about these museums or you’d like to share your experience or suggestion, leave me a comment, and I’ll get back to you. Have a safe trip!