Museums of New York City
Discover world-class museums across NYC that showcase art, history, science, and culture.
New York City Museums
Explore a world of art, science, culture, and history — all within the museums of New York City.
New York City is home to some of the world’s most visited and beloved museums. From globally recognized institutions like The Met to small, unique collections tucked away in historic buildings, there’s something for everyone. Whether you're interested in fine art, natural history, immigration, technology, or transportation, you’ll find a museum that brings your interests to life.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
Located on Fifth Avenue along Central Park, The Met is one of the most iconic art museums in the world. Its permanent collection includes over 2 million works of art from around the globe, spanning 5,000 years of history. Highlights include the Temple of Dendur, European masterpieces by Rembrandt and Van Gogh, and rotating exhibitions that draw global attention.
Suggested admission is $30 for adults, but residents of New York State can pay what they wish. The Met is closed on Wednesdays.
American Museum of Natural History
On the west side of Central Park sits the American Museum of Natural History, an enormous collection dedicated to the planet, life, and the universe. It's one of the largest natural history museums in the world. The dinosaur halls are world-famous, and the blue whale suspended from the ceiling in the Hall of Ocean Life is a must-see for visitors of all ages.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
MoMA is a shrine for modern and contemporary art lovers. It houses works by Picasso, Dali, Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, and Jackson Pollock. It's sleek, modern, and just a few blocks from Rockefeller Center in Midtown. MoMA also has a sculpture garden and an on-site café, perfect for unwinding after absorbing bold, thought-provoking art.
Whitney Museum of American Art
Located in the Meatpacking District near the High Line, the Whitney Museum focuses on 20th- and 21st-century American art. With floor-to-ceiling glass and sweeping terraces, the museum itself feels like a living canvas. Its exhibitions often include experimental and political themes that reflect current cultural conversations.
The Tenement Museum
In the Lower East Side, the Tenement Museum offers a very different kind of experience — intimate, personal, and often emotional. It explores the lives of immigrants who lived in NYC’s tenement buildings in the late 1800s and early 1900s. You’ll walk through restored apartments, hear audio stories, and see how everyday families shaped the city.
Hidden Gems and Niche Museums
- Brooklyn Museum: A powerhouse of global art just off Prospect Park in Brooklyn.
- Noguchi Museum: A peaceful, minimalist space in Queens combining art and landscape.
- NY Transit Museum: An underground exhibit in an old subway station — a favorite with kids and transit lovers.
- Museum at Eldridge Street: A historic synagogue turned museum of Jewish immigrant history and culture.
Tips for Visiting NYC Museums
- Many museums offer free admission days or evening hours — check their websites before you go.
- Book timed-entry tickets in advance, especially for The Met, MoMA, and AMNH.
- Most museums are closed one day a week — plan accordingly.
- Use public transit — nearly all major museums are subway-accessible.
Other Museums You Might Like
- Brooklyn Museum – Diverse art collections in a less crowded setting.
- Noguchi Museum – Tranquil space blending sculpture, light, and Japanese influence.
- NY Transit Museum – Learn the history of NYC's vast subway system.
- Museum at Eldridge Street – A cultural window into Jewish life on the Lower East Side.
- Tenement Museum – One of the most intimate historical experiences in NYC.
Related Pages on Our Website
Why Museums Matter in NYC
New York City’s museums aren’t just attractions — they are cultural archives, creative laboratories, and public classrooms. Whether you’re viewing ancient Egyptian sarcophagi at The Met, a space exhibit at the Natural History Museum, or thought-provoking installations at the Whitney, each visit gives you a deeper understanding of the city’s diversity and soul.
Explore, learn, reflect — and come back again. In a city with over 100 museums, there’s always something new to discover.