MoMa, housed in a beautiful designed building, is one of New York´s most famous art museums. The museum’s commitment to showcasing collections of modern Art & special exhibitions has made it one of the most-visited museums in the world. Here you will read everything you need to know before visiting this Gem in Midtown!
The Greatest Artists
MoMA is home to a permanent collection that includes some of the most iconic works by the greatest artists such as Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dalí, Edward Hopper, and many others. We like to give you a little background on some of these Artists and their Masterpieces.
1.Pablo Picasso
Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, holds a prominent place in the Museum of Modern Art. As one of MOMA’s finest collections, Picasso’s work has left an indelible mark on the art world. In MOMA’s permanent collection, you can admire Picasso’s extraordinary pieces that showcase his unparalleled talent and innovative style. From his early blue and rose periods to his pioneering Cubist masterpieces, Picasso’s works span a wide range of artistic movements. His paintings, sculptures, and drawings offer insight into his artistic evolution.
By hosting Picasso’s notable pieces, MOMA celebrates his artistic legacy and ensures that his groundbreaking art continues to inspire future generations.
2.Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo, a Mexican artist celebrated for her unique artistic style. Her work is characterised by vibrant colours that evoke a sense of life and energy. One of Kahlo’s most notable elements is her extensive collection of self-portraits. Through these intimate portrayals, she provides viewers with a window into her own life and experiences. Kahlo’s self-portraits often explore themes of identity, femininity, and cultural identity, and they serve as a profound form of self-expression.
Another significant aspect of Kahlo’s work is her exploration of physical and emotional pain. She frequently depicted her personal struggles, including the physical and emotional pain she endured throughout her life. Through her art, Kahlo used her own experiences to shed light on broader issues of suffering and resilience, making her work incredibly powerful and relatable.
3.Salvador Dalí
Salvador Dalí is one of the most renowned artists of the surrealist movement. His unique style and incorporation of dreamlike imagery have made him a household name in the art world. Dalí’s paintings often feature bizarre and fantastical elements, challenging the viewer’s perception of reality.
One of Dalí’s most notable paintings is “The Persistence of Memory”, featuring melting clocks draped over surreal landscapes. This iconic artwork captures Dalí’s surrealist approach and his fascination with the concept of time. Another renowned piece, “The Elephants”, showcases the artist’s ability to blend reality and imagination through the depiction of elongated elephants with impossibly long, spindly legs.
Dalí’s contributions to the art world go beyond his striking visual creations. His work pushed the boundaries of traditional art, challenging conventional techniques and exploring the depths of the subconscious. With his surrealist approach and incorporation of dreamlike imagery, Dalí opened up new possibilities for artistic expression. His influence can be seen in the works of many contemporary artists who continue to experiment with unconventional forms and concepts.
4.Claude Monet
One of the notable works by Claude Monet on display at the MoMA is his famous painting “Water Lilies” (1914-1926). This masterpiece is part of Monet’s series of paintings depicting his beloved water lily pond in Giverny, France. “Water Lilies” showcases Monet’s mastery of capturing light and colour through his impressionistic style, with its vibrant brushstrokes and ethereal depiction of nature.
This iconic artwork beautifully represents Monet’s fascination with the interplay of water, reflections, and the ever-changing atmosphere, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the tranquility and beauty of the natural world.
5.Andy Warhol
The Museum of Modern Art is Also home to a significant collection of works by Andy Warhol, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. MoMA showcases several of Warhol’s iconic pieces, including his famous silkscreen prints of Marilyn Monroe, Campbell’s Soup Cans, and Elvis Presley. These works show Warhol’s fascination with celebrity culture, consumerism, and the repetition of mass-produced imagery. MoMA’s Warhol collection offers visitors a chance to appreciate and explore Warhol his significant impact on the art world.
Architectural design of the museum
MoMA’s architectural design is as impressive as the art it houses. The museum’s original building, designed by Edward Durell Stone in 1939, is a modernist masterpiece that seamlessly blends into the surrounding urban landscape. The museum underwent a major expansion in 2004, with the addition of a new building designed by Yoshio Taniguchi, which increased the museum’s gallery space and introduced a more contemporary aesthetic. Taniguchi’s design emphasized natural light and minimalist interiors, creating an ideal backdrop for the museum’s diverse collection of modern and contemporary art. The architecture of MoMA reflects its commitment to innovation and forward-thinking design, setting the stage for visitors to explore and appreciate art in a truly inspiring environment.
How to get to MoMA
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is located at 11 West 53rd Street in New York City. Situated near notable landmarks such as the Rockefeller Center and the Museum of Radio and Television, MoMA is easily accessible to both locals and tourists.
By Subway: MoMA is conveniently located near several subway stations. The closest stops are:
-E or M train to the 5th Avenue/53 Street station
-B, D, F, or M train to the 47-50 Streets/Rockefeller Center station
-N, Q, or R train to the 49 Street station
But if you are already in the nearby area, walking to MoMA can be a great option. The museum is located at 11 West 53rd Street, between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue.
General information
Recommended duration
Once you enter the museum, you will realise how large it is! There is just so much to see and do, we recommend taking at least 2 hours, but ideally 4. This will give you enough time to explore all the different halls, read and join exhibitions.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit is in the morning. During the weekend it can get extra crowded, and you will have to wait longer to enter the museum. This is usually also the case when it rains, as most people want to go to museums.
How to get in faster
Make sure you buy your tickets in advance this will save you some time on crowded days.
Ticket price
Admission fees vary depending on the visitor’s age and residency status. General admission for adults is $25, while seniors (65 and older) can enter for $18. Students with a valid ID are granted admission at a reduced rate of $14. For children under 16, entrance is free of charge. MoMA also offers free access to all NY resident visitors every Friday evening, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Visit the official museum website
Discount with City Pass
Tickets for this museum are offered as an option for the City Pass. Are you visiting more museums and attractions? Then you can save money when using the City Pass. Check out the NY City Sightseeing Pass.
Visitors booking online in advance also receive a $2 discount.
Free entree options
The museum offers a Pay-What-You-Wish option for NY, NJ or CT Residents only.
Accessibility
The building is equipped with ramps and elevators to facilitate those using wheelchairs or mobility aids. Additionally, the museum offers accessible restrooms and seating areas throughout the premises.
Visitors with disabilities receive a discounted admission of $22 ($20 when booked online). Admission is free for a care partner accompanying a visitor with a disability.
Opening times
The museum is open from Monday to Sunday, from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm, with extended hours until 9:00 pm on Fridays. Additionally, MoMA is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
