Top Museums in New York City You Absolutely Can’t Miss
Let’s face it—visiting New York City without stepping into at least one museum feels like missing part of the story. The city is filled with places that surprise you, make you think, and maybe even stop you. From towering dinosaur skeletons to thought-provoking modern art, there’s something for every mood. If you’re trying to figure out which ones are worth your time, this guide to the top museums in New York City you absolutely can’t miss will point you in the right direction. Grab some comfortable shoes, stay curious, and enjoy the ride.
Art Museums
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
The Met is massive and has everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary works. Walking through its halls feels like traveling through time.
- Website: www.metmuseum.org
- Location: 1000 5th Ave, New York
- Phone: 1 212-535-7710
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
MoMA connects visitors with modern and contemporary art. Its collection includes works by Picasso, Warhol, and Van Gogh.
- Website: www.moma.org
- Location: 11 W 53rd St, New York
- Phone: 1 212-708-9400
Whitney Museum of American Art
Focused on American art, the Whitney showcases pieces from the 20th century to today. Don’t miss the outdoor terraces with city views.
- Website: https://whitney.org
- Location: 99 Gansevoort St, New York
- Phone: 1 212-570-3600
Brooklyn Museum
Located in Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Museum highlights global cultures and contemporary works. The mix of old and new keeps things fresh.
- Admission: Buy your tickets here.
- Website: www.brooklynmuseum.org
- Location: 200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY
- Phone: 1 718-638-5000
The Jewish Museum
Art and Jewish culture intersect here. Exhibits range from ancient artifacts to modern installations.
- Admission: Buy your tickets here.
- Website: https://thejewishmuseum.org
- Location: 1109 5th Ave &, E 92nd St, New York
- Phone: 1 212-423-3200
The Noguchi Museum
Dedicated to the work of Isamu Noguchi, this museum combines sculpture with peaceful garden spaces.
- Admission: Click here.
- Website: www.noguchi.org
- Location: 9-01 33rd Rd, Astoria, NY
- Phone: 1 718-204-7088
Neue Galerie New York
If German and Austrian art from the early 1900s interests you, this spot delivers with works by Klimt and Schiele.
- Admission: Click here.
- Website: www.neuegalerie.org
- Location: 1048 5th Ave, New York
- Phone: 1 212-628-6200
Museum of Arts and Design (MAD)
MAD focuses on contemporary craft and design. Its exhibits push the boundaries of materials and creativity.
- Admission: Click here.
- Website: https://madmuseum.org
- Location: 2 Columbus Cir, New York
- Phone: 1 212-299-7777
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
As the only U.S. museum focused on design, Cooper Hewitt offers interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages.
- Admission: Click here.
- Website: www.cooperhewitt.org
- Location: 2 East 91st Street, New York
- Phone: 1 – 212 – 849 – 8400
El Museo del Barrio
Celebrate Latinx and Latin American culture through vibrant art and thought-provoking exhibitions.
- Admission: Click here.
- Website: www.elmuseo.org
- Location: 1230 5th Ave, New York
- Phone: 1 212-831-7272
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim features modern and contemporary art in a spiral building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
- Admission: Buy your tickets here.
- Website: www.guggenheim.org
- Location: 1071 5th Ave, New York
- Phone: 1 212-423-3500
History & Heritage Museums
Museum of the City of New York
Learn about New York City’s history through engaging exhibits on its people, culture, and growth.
- Admission: Buy your tickets here.
- Website: www.mcny.org
- Location: 1220 5th Ave, New York
- Phone: 1 212-534-1672
New-York Historical Society
This museum covers over 400 years of history, from Revolutionary War artifacts to modern exhibits.
- Admission: Buy your tickets here.
- Website: www.nyhistory.org
- Location: 170 Central Park W, New York
- Phone: 1 212-873-3400
The Morgan Library & Museum
Originally a private library, it now showcases rare books, manuscripts, and artworks.
- Admission: Buy your tickets here.
- Website: www.themorgan.org
- Location: 225 Madison Ave, New York
- Phone: 1 212-685-0008
Fraunces Tavern Museum
Experience American Revolutionary history where George Washington once dined.
- Admission: Click here.
- Website: www.frauncestavernmuseum.org
- Location: 54 Pearl St 2nd floor, New York
- Phone: 1 212-425-1778
Merchant’s House Museum
Explore a preserved 19th-century home complete with original furnishings. It offers a glimpse into New York City’s past.
- Admission: Purchase tickets at the door.
- Website: https://merchantshouse.org
- Location: 29 E 4th St, New York
- Phone: 1 212-777-1089
Tenement Museum
Through guided tours, you’ll hear the stories of immigrant families who lived in the Lower East Side.
- Admission: Click here.
- Website: www.tenement.org
- Location: 103 Orchard St, New York
- Phone: 1 877-975-3786
The Hispanic Society of America
This museum showcases art and artifacts from Spain, Portugal, and Latin America.
- Website: https://hispanicsociety.org
- Location: 3741 Broadway, New York
- Phone: 1 212-926-2234
Specialty Museums
New York Transit Museum
Explore vintage subway cars and learn how New York City’s transit system shaped the city.
- Admission: Buy your tickets here.
- Website: www.nytransitmuseum.org
- Location: 99 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY
- Phone: 1 718-694-1600
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Board an aircraft carrier and see historic planes, submarines, and the space shuttle Enterprise.
- Admission: Buy your tickets here.
- Website: https://intrepidmuseum.org
- Location: Pier 86, W 46th St, New York
- Phone: 1 212-245-0072
Museum of the Moving Image
Fans of film and television will love the behind-the-scenes look at media production.
- Admission: Click here.
- Website: https://movingimage.org
- Location: 36-01 35th Ave, Queens, NY
- Phone: 1 718-777-6800
Museum of Sex (MoSex)
This museum explores the history and cultural significance of human sexuality.
- Admission: Click here.
- Website: www.museumofsex.com
- Location: 233 5th Ave, New York
- Phone: 1 212-689-6337
National September 11 Memorial & Museum
Reflect on the events of September 11 through powerful exhibits and personal stories.
- Admission: Buy your tickets here.
- Website: www.911memorial.org
- Location: 180 Greenwich St, New York
- Phone: 1 212-312-8800
Madame Tussauds New York
Pose with lifelike wax figures of celebrities and cultural icons.
- Admission: Click here.
- Website: www.madametussauds.com
- Location: 234 W 42nd St, New York
- Phone: 1 212-512-9600
American Folk Art Museum
Discover art from self-taught artists across generations and mediums.
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://folkartmuseum.org
- Location: 2 Lincoln Square, New York
- Phone: 1 212-595-9533
Bronx Museum of the Arts
This museum emphasizes contemporary art and community engagement.
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://bronxmuseum.org
- Location: 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY
- Phone: 1 718-681-6000
Hidden Treasures
Queens Museum
Home to the detailed Panorama of New York City, it also features contemporary art exhibitions.
- Admission: Click here.
- Website: https://queensmuseum.org
- Location: Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Building, Corona, NY
- Phone: 1 718-592-9700
The Met Cloisters
Discover medieval Europe through architecture and art inspired by Gothic monasteries.
- Admission: Click here.
- Website: www.metmuseum.org
- Location: 99 Margaret Corbin Dr, New York
- Phone: 1 212-923-3700
International Center of Photography Museum
Photography lovers will appreciate exhibits covering photojournalism and visual culture.
- Admission: Buy your tickets here.
- Website: www.icp.org
- Location: 84 Ludlow St, New York
- Phone: 1 212-857-0000
New York Public Library – Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
While primarily a library, its architecture and special exhibitions attract visitors from around the world.
- Website: www.nypl.org
- Location: 476 5th Ave, New York
- Phone: 1 917-275-6975
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