New York City offers some of the best museums in the world. They are all very different, so there’s usually one that you fits your taste. I have made a list of my favorite museums, what you can expect and why you should visit.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The MET in New York City is one of the largest and most famous art museums in the world. With over 2 million artworks covering 5,000 years of history, it features everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern American art. You can see masterpieces by artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Rembrandt, as well as themed exhibits.
Celeb spotting at the Gala
As you may know, this is where the MET Gala is held. The Gala is an event held annually on the first Monday of May, which marks the opening of the Costume Institute’s annual fashion exhibit. If you are in the city, you might be lucky to spot a few celebs.
Practical information
Recommended duration
3 or 4 hours up to a full day
Ticket price
$30 for adults
The MET is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm, with extended hours until 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. General admission for adults is $30. Note that pay-what-you-wish is only for New York State residents. Buy your tickets at https://www.metmuseum.org/.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, located in Midtown Manhattan, is a must-visit museum for modern art lovers. It features a diverse collection, including notable works by Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol, as well as temporary exhibitions that challenge creative norms.
Want to learn more about this museum? Read our full guide here.
Practical information
Recommended duration
2 or 3 hours up to half a day
Ticket price
$30 for adults
MoMA’s opening hours are from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm, with extended hours until 9 pm on Fridays.
Adult tickets cost $30, but seniors, students, and children under 16 can enter for free. Get a ticket at https://www.moma.org/.
American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan’s Upper West Side has a wide range of exhibits, including dinosaur skeletons, biodiversity dioramas, and the Hayden Planetarium. It features interactive exhibits and educational programs for all ages, making it a great place to bring kids too.
Want to learn more about this museum? Read our full guide here.
Night at the museum
The American Museum of Natural History served as inspiration for the “Night at the Museum” movies. In these movies exhibits come to life after closing time. It’s so fun to watch! The cast includes Ben Stiller, Robin Williams and Owen Wilson… need I say more?
Practical information
Recommended duration
3 or 4 hours up to a full day
Ticket price
$30 for adults
The American Museum of Natural History is open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm.
General admission tickets for adults start at $30, but visitors can pay what they wish with suggested prices. Buy your tickets at the official website https://www.amnh.org/.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
The building itself is worth visiting this museum, if you ask me. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York is located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, overlooking Central Park. This museum is known for its unique spiral architecture, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Inside, you can expect a collection of modern and contemporary art, highlighting innovative artworks. The museum features both special exhibitions and a permanent collection with pieces by artists like Wassily Kandinsky, Pablo Picasso, and Jackson Pollock. The spiral layout makes it walking around the artworks extra special.
Want to learn more about this museum? Read our full guide here.
Practical information
Recommended duration
2 hours
Ticket price
$28 for adults
The museum is open from Sunday to Wednesday, 10 am to 5:30 pm, and on Fridays from 10 am to 8 pm. General admission for adults is $28, while students and seniors can enjoy discounted rates. Buy your tickets at https://www.guggenheim.org/.
Every Monday and Saturday, from 4 to 5:30 pm, you can pay what you wish for admission with a minimum of $1. Pay-What-You-Wish hours are available online only and released at 10 am the morning of the event. So if you plan your trip right, you might be able to get in for next to nothing. Check the ticket page for more info.
Whitney Museum of American Art
The Whitney Museum of American Art, located in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan, showcases 20th and 21st-century American art. It focuses on contemporary works by living artists, supporting emerging and mid-career artists, and attracting those interested in current trends in the art world.
You can expect a variety of paintings, sculptures, installations, and multimedia works, with an emphasis on contemporary and modern American artists. The museum’s collection includes works by artists such as Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Alexander Calder.
Practical information
Recommended duration
2 or 3 hours
Ticket price
$30 for adults
The museum’s opening hours are from 10:30 am to 6 pm, with extended hours until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. General admission for adults is $30, but visitors under 18 can enter for free. Buy your tickets on the official website https://whitney.org/.
Free options available
Whitney offers free admission on friday nights, which is a great way to start the weekend and enjoy a sunset on the rooftop. Also, if you are under 25, you can enter free every day of the week. Find out more about free options here (scroll down the page).
How to save money on tickets
Make sure to check the museums’ website for pay-what-you-wish options to save money when visiting. You can also save by buying a CityPASS or New York Pass.
Other museums in New York
Of course there are so many other great museums in New York to visit, like The 9/11 Tribute Museum, The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum or The Frick Collection. Visiting museums can be time-consuming. So if you only have a couple of days in the city, it’s probably best to visit just the ones you’re interested in most. Missed a few? Don’t worry, it’s a great excuse to come back to NYC again soon 😉!
Have another museum that I should add to the list? I’d love to hear in the comments.
Please note that the opening hours and ticket prices may be subject to change. I highly recommend checking the official websites of each museum when making plans.
