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Visit MoMA in New York (Museum of Modern Art)

How to make the most of your visit: Exhibition highlights, recommended time and ticket price

Written by Niké
A wall of cans of soup on a wall.

MoMa is one of New York´s most famous art museums. The museum’s commitment to show 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 great museum in Midtown.

General info

Recommended duration
2 hours to 3 hours

Ticket price
$30 for adults

Accessibility
Good

Key take-aways at a glance

Work of The Greatest Artists

MoMA is home to an amazing permanent collection that includes iconic works of the greatest artists such as Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dalí, Edward Hopper, and others. Let’s have a look at these artists and which masterpieces you can find at MoMA.

1. Pablo Picasso

The nudes by pablo picasso.

Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, From his early blue and rose periods to his pioneering Cubist masterpieces, Picasso’s work is about artistic movements. Les Demoiselles d’Avignon holds a prominent place in the Museum of Modern Art and it is really beautiful.

2. Salvador Dalí

Salvador Dalí, was a leading surrealist artist, is famous for his dreamlike style and bizarre imagery that challenges reality. His iconic painting “The Persistence of Memory” with melting clocks, exemplifies his surrealism and fascination with time. This painting can also be found at MoMA.

3. Claude Monet

Experience the panoramic view of Monet's water lilies painting at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, where it graces a gallery with elegant wooden floors.

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.

4. Andy Warhol

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.

The Museum of Modern Art in New York boasts an exterior with a reflective glass façade, harmoniously framed by lush surrounding trees.

Recommended duration and best time to visit

Once you enter the museum, you will realise how large it is. There is just so much to see and do, I recommend taking at least 2 to 3 hours. This will give you enough time to explore all the different halls, read descriptions 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.

Admission ticket and price

Admission fees vary depending on the visitor’s age and residency status. General admission for adults is $30, while seniors (65 and older) can enter for $22. Students with a valid ID are granted admission at a reduced rate of $17. 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 and offers a Pay-What-You-Wish option for NY, NJ or CT Residents only.

Make sure you buy your tickets in advance this will save you some time on crowded days! Visit the official museum website

Discount with City Pass

Tickets for this museum are offered as an option for the Sightseeing 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.

How to get to MoMA

The museum is located in Midtown Manhattan at 11 West 53rd Street, between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue.

By Subway: 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 staying in the nearby area, walking to MoMA can be a great option.

View the location of this museum on Google Maps.

General information

Some extra information you might find useful.

Opening hours

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.

History of the museum

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City was established in 1929 by Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, Lillie P. Bliss, and Mary Quinn Sullivan to confront traditional art standards. Originally located in the Heckscher Building, its mission was to promote modern art movements like Surrealism, Cubism, and Abstract Expressionism. MoMA moved to its current location on 53rd Street in 1939 and has since expanded through renovations. Today, it remains a leading institution in modern and contemporary art, impacting the world with its exhibitions and educational programs.

Visit MoMA PS1

Can’t get enough of MoMA? Visit MoMA PS1, a contemporary art affiliate in Queens for boundary-breaking ideas and experimental art.

Aerial view of central park in New York City showcasing skyviews.
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