15 Exciting Museums in New York City (& What to See at Each)

Home to more than 83 museums (including the fifth largest museum in the world), there’s no shortage of great museums in New York City to choose from.

The challenge? Knowing where to start, but that’s where I come in.

In a sea of options, it’s nice to have some advice – so allow me to share the best NYC museums you simply can’t miss during your first visit. With that said, let’s jump right in.

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The Best Museums in New York City

(Table of Contents)

Table of Contents: Best Museums NYC

• The Best Museums in New York City
  • 1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
  • 2. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
  • 3. The American Museum of Natural History
  • 4. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
  • 5. The Brooklyn Museum
  • 6. 9/11 Memorial & Museum
  • 7. The Tenement Museum (NYC Immigration Museum)
  • 8. Neue Galerie
  • 9. The Intrepid Museum
  • 10. The Morgan Library & Museum
• More Cool New York City Museums
  • 11. Whitney Museum of American Art
  • 12. New York Transit Museum
  • 13. The New-York Historical Society
  • 14. The Met Cloisters
  • 15. The Frick Collection
  • 16. The New Museum
• List of the Best Museums in New York City (Post Summary)
• Visiting the Best Museums in NYC (FAQ)
• Map of the Best Museums in NYC
  • Related Articles

Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The 10 Best Neighborhoods for First Timers +3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.

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1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)

Founded in 1870, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) is often considered the best museum in New York City and it’s not hard to see why. With more than 2 million pieces of art spanning 5,000+ years, the Met is the largest museum in the country and the fifth largest museum in the world.

Averaging 6 million visitors per year, it’s also the most visited museum in New York City. If you only have time to visit one museum in NYC, this is the one. Plus, it’s conveniently located within Central Park, so you don’t have to go far out of your way to visit (assuming you plan to swing by Central Park during your trip).

The collections span the gamut from ancient Egypt to post-impressionist paintings, American history to modern art – there’s something at The Met for everyone. Even my aunts who aren’t “museum people” (whatever that means) loved the beauty of the building and the sculptures.

I know time is precious, especially if you’re traveling to NYC on vacation. So, if you’re looking for the must-sees while you’re there, check out my guide: 20 Pieces You Can’t Afford to Miss at The Met.

Website: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Address: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY

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2. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Home to world-renowned paintings like Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Claude Monet’s Water Lilies and notable works by Warhol, Basquiat, Dali, and others, MoMA is a must-visit NYC museum for those that love modern art.

You don’t have to be an avid art connoisseur to appreciate the real-life paintings you grew up studying in school (even if you thought the class was boring). Founded in 1929, MoMA has continuously evolved over the years, expanding its collection and undergoing several renovations (to accommodate the growing collection).

If you’re excited to see one of NYC’s best museums but don’t know what to choose between MoMA and The Met then think of it this way: The Met pretty much has it all while MoMA is more specialized to modern art. People are rarely disappointed by either.

Must-See at MoMA: The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh, Andy Warhol’s Campbell Soup Cans, Frida Kahlo’s Self-Portrait with Cropped Hair, Monet’s Water Lilies, The Persistence of Memory by Dali, and Picasso’s work.

Website: The Museum of Modern Art
Address: 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY

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3. The American Museum of Natural History

Welcoming 5 million visitors per year and spanning all aspect of the natural world, the American Museum of Natural History is one of the most celebrated museums in New York City. This 2.5 million square foot facility houses more than 32 million specimens making it the largest natural history museum on the planet.

There are so many things to see here (but don’t worry I wrote an entire guide on visiting the AMNH + what not to miss). A couple of the musts include the Hall of Ocean Life where you’ll have an opportunity to see a life-size model of a 94-foot blue whale, the collection of taxidermy mammals displayed in stunning, lifelike dioramas, and the dinosaurs (always a winner).

I recently babysat our friends 5 year old and started here. Based on the amount of times I heard “oh my gosh!” and “look at that!” along with the endless stream of impressive dinosaur facts and reluctance to leave at closing time, I’m guessing she had a great time.

Must-See at the American Museum of Natural History: Hayden Planetarium (one of the best planetariums in the world), the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life (for blue whale), the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs (for the iconic Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton) and the Butterfly Conservatory (requires additional fee, but worthwhile).

Website: American Museum of Natural History
Address: 200 Central Park West, New York
Featured Guide: 15 Best Things to See at the American Museum of Natural History

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4. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Guggenheim Museum is an architectural feat (considered one the architects most notable achievements). Unfortunately, Wright passed away six months before the museum opened to the public in 1959 and never saw it fully completed.

While the exterior is cool, the interior is equally impressive. Once inside, visitors slowly make their way up a spiral 1/4 mile ramp to observe the artwork on each floor. I find that the exhibits are hit or miss with guests. More than a handful of times I or someone I’m visiting with will walk away scratching our heads wondering what in the world we just saw. And that’s part of the beauty.

One thing that’s hard to miss when visiting is that the monolithic and distinctive concrete structure itself is considered a work of art and attracts more than 1 million visitors per year.

Must see at the Guggenheim: The works by Picasso, Mountains of Saint Remy by Vincent van Gogh, and The Hermitage at Pontoise by Camille Pissarro.

Website: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Address: 1071 5th Ave, New York, NY

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5. The Brooklyn Museum

As the second largest museum in New York City, the Brooklyn Museum was established in 1896 and houses an impressive collection of more than 500,000 objects. Notable artists represented here include Norman Rockwell, Georgia O’Keefe, Winslow Homer, Edgar Degas, and more.

The museum spans a wide variety of cultures and time periods, offering all sorts of coverage from ancient Japanese masterpieces to modern art. One of the reasons the Brooklyn Museum is a hit with locals is due to the innovative rotating exhibits (that tackle social and political themes).

While you’re in the area be sure to stop by Prospect Park, one of the best parks in New York City designed by the same folks responsible for Central Park (and the one they preferred).

Website: Brooklyn Museum
Address: 200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY
Featured Guide: 10 Best Museums in Brooklyn & 15 Best Things to Do in Brooklyn

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6. 9/11 Memorial & Museum

NYC is full of historic places, but none is more moving that the somber 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Honestly, I’m often hesitant to mention visiting this museum to out of town guests because it’s such a profound experience (makes me cry every time).

However, it’s truly one of the best museums in New York City and definitely worth the visit, as long as you can brace yourself emotionally. There’s a visceral element that cannot be understated in visiting a place that remembers such a painful history that’s still so fresh in the minds of its visitors.

The layout is well thought out and easy to navigate, the focus instantly latches on to the intended exhibit. Visitors descend down an escalator to reach this subterranean museum. The pace of the visit always feels rightfully slow, as visitors contemplate the gravity of that terrible day. I think everyone should see the 9/11 Museum as least once. It’s one of the most memorable museums in New York City and a truly unforgettable experience.

Website: 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Address: 180 Greenwich St, New York
Featured Guide: 15 Unforgettable Things to Do in the Financial District

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7. The Tenement Museum (NYC Immigration Museum)

The 5-story Tenement Museum in the Lower East Side is comprised of two historic buildings dating back to 1863. These buildings, which contained just 40 apartment units, were home to an estimated 15,000 people (mostly immigrants from 20 nations) between 1863 and 1935.

For context, that’s an average of 5-6 people living in each of these 325 square foot apartments which for 20 years or more did not even have running water. Imagine.

Today, visitors can sign up for guided tours to get a glimpse of the cramped living spaces of past residents. The humble rooms serve as a reminder that our national identity is best understood through the experiences of real working families.

Touring this unique New York City museum is a moving experience. The stories of the rooms and their occupants evoke all sorts of feelings including heartbreak and nostalgia for a time we (luckily) never knew.

Website: The Tenement Museum
Address: 103 Orchard St, New York, NY

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8. Neue Galerie

If you’re into German and Austrian art, the Neue Galerie is probably the best New York City museum to visit. The most famous work here was purchased for a record $135 million (the highest price ever paid for a painting at the time) by Ronald Lauder, the son of Estée Lauder and founder of the Neue Galerie.

If you’re curious about it, I recommend seeing the movie created from this fascinating book, which chronicles the story of Adele Bloch-Bauer. Adele’s portrait by Gustav Klimt, The Woman in Gold, was stolen by the Nazis during WWII. The book tells the story of the painting from its theft, to purchase, final return to the family in 2006, and how it ended up at the Neue Galerie.

The Woman in Gold is not the only Klimt on display at the Neue nor is Klimt the only notable artist here. There are a number of incredible works from notable artists on display including Egon Schiele, Oskar Kokoschka, and more. When you get your fix of the artwork, head to Cafe Sabarsky (one of the best cafes on the Upper East Side) for the famous Sachertorte (Austrian chocolate cake) and coffee in an opulent setting.

Website: Neue Galerie
Address: 1048 5th Ave, New York, NY
Featured Guide: 15+ Best Things to Do on the Upper East Side

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9. The Intrepid Museum

Located on the Hudson River, the Intrepid Museum is one of the best museums in NYC for military history enthusiasts and folks with kids. Centered around the historic aircraft carrier USS Intrepid (a veteran of World War II and the Vietnam War), the museum showcases a vast array of impressive aircraft, the space shuttle Enterprise, and the submarine USS Growler.

Opened in 1982, the museum’s commitment to preserving history and encouraging a learning environment makes it one of the best museums in NYC for families. Visitors of all ages can explore various exhibits, including decommissioned military vessels and space artifacts, everyone will find something to love!

Each time we visit my husband is like a kid in a candy store glued in disbelief over each of the aircraft they have here. Among his personal favorites are the SR-71 Blackbird and The Concorde (which you can tour the inside of).

Website: The Intrepid Museum
Address: Pier 86, W 46th St, New York, NY

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10. The Morgan Library & Museum

Having lived in the city for quite a while now I’m always surprised by the amount of folks who have never heard of the Morgan Library & Museum as it’s easily one of the best museums in New York City. The museum is housed in the former library of the city’s most famous financier, James Pierpont Morgan.

Throughout his life Morgan became increasingly obsessed with acquiring rare and notable works that spanned quite a range, many of which are displayed at his namesake library (and many of which can be found at The Met).

The part of the library featuring the most notable literary works in his collection consists of three floors of metal-enclosed walnut bookshelves, chock full of rare books and important artifacts. The room itself is absolutely stunning and worth seeing even if you’re not into the collection.

Must see: Speaking of the collection, the museum houses some incredible pieces including an original copy of the Declaration of Independence, a handwritten score from Bach, a Gutenberg Bible, Frederick Douglass’ letter to his former master Hugh Auld, Johann Sebastian Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in B Minor, and more.

Website: The Morgan Library & Museum
Address: 225 Madison Ave, New York, NY

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More Cool New York City Museums

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11. Whitney Museum of American Art

Founded by prominent American socialite Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, this popular NYC museum is a representation of her love for art. The Whitney Museum of American Art (better known as The Whitney), has been a beloved NYC institution for modern and contemporary American art since 1930.

Specifically, the museum is all about 20th and 21st century art and tries extra hard to uplift living artists. The 200,000 square foot new(ish) location in the Meatpacking District houses 25,000 works in style. Designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano (who also designed the Shard in London and the Centre Pompidou in Paris) includes lovely outdoor terraces, a theater, an education center, and more.

Personally speaking, I have friends that love the Whitney and ones that don’t care for it one bit. Every New Yorker should see it at least once and out of town visitors who are into modern art should consider visiting as it’s certainly one of the best museums in NYC.

Must see: Georgia O’Keeffe’s work, Edward Hopper’s A Woman in the Sun, Robert Bechtle’s ’61 Pontiac and Alexander Calder’s Circus.

Website: Whitney Museum of American Art
Address: 99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY

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12. New York Transit Museum

Dating back to 1904, New York City’s robust transportation system is one of the busiest and oldest in the world. As such, there’s a lot of interesting history here which has been wonderfully preserved. Interested visitors can take a walk down memory lane and explore vintage subway cars parked in a decommissioned subway station.

Located in Brooklyn, the New York Transit Museum is one of the best museums in NYC for kids. The museum covers a century of subway history and each car displays era-appropriate ads, which makes for some fun age-appropriate humor.

Visitors are able to explore the inside of vintage cars, some dating back to 1903, sit inside the driver’s cabin and admire vintage walk signs and transit furniture. Make sure to study the impressive photographs that highlight the evolution of the subway system, you’ll be hooked.

Website: New York Transit Museum
Address: 99 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY

Love history? Read: 25 Thought-Provoking Facts About NYC You Probably Don’t Know (Yet)

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13. The New-York Historical Society

The New-York Historical Society was founded in 1804, making it the oldest museum in NYC. This is yet another great activity for history buffs in search of the best museums in New York City. Located right next to Central Park, the museum strives to keep the city’s history alive.

Home to fascinating artifacts (like the calf brace worn by Franklin Delano Roosevelt), make sure to check the current exhibits to see if anything sparks your interest. Also worth mention, The New-York Historical Society hosts interesting talks and weekly events, check the schedule here. We’ve seen a number of interesting folks speak here including Ray Dalio, David Rubenstein, Thomas Friedman, and more.

Website: New-York Historical Society
Address: 170 Central Park West, New York, NY

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14. The Met Cloisters

Far removed from the heart of NYC, the Met Cloisters (an extension of the Metropolitan Museum of Art) is the only museum in the country solely dedicated to the Middle Ages. Opened in 1938, this unique NYC museum is located inside Fort Tryon Park, which sits along the banks of the Hudson River.

Here you’ll find all sorts of medieval art like illuminated manuscripts, stained glass windows, tapestries, armor, lots of religious works, and more. The museum and it’s lucky patrons owe a big thanks to John D. Rockefeller Jr., who generously provided for the building, land and acquisition of George Grey Barnard’s collection.

Barnard was a prominent American sculptor (his work can be seen at the Met), who spent a considerable amount of time traveling France, where he purchased lots of medieval sculptures. Barnard’s collection was so essential to the founding of the museum, it was incorporated into the building by Architect Charles Collens.

Website: The Met Cloisters
Address: 99 Margaret Corbin Dr, New York, NY

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15. The Frick Collection

One of the most elegant museums in New York City, the Frick is downright breathtaking. Currently housed in a temporary location on Madison Avenue (while the building undergoes renovations), the art is set to return to it’s original location in late 2024.

When repairs are complete, the museum will return to an 18th Century mansion on the Upper East Side. Once home to the late millionaire, Henry Clay Frick, this museum displays his impressive private collection. Rembrandt, Goya, El Greco, Titian and Vermeer, it’s hard not to be impressed.

Must see: Rembrandt’s Self-Portrait, The Comtess d’Haussonville, the three works of Johannes Vermeer Officer and Laughing Girl, Mistress and Maid and Girl Interrupted at Her Music. 

Website: The Frick Collection
Address: 1 E 70th St, New York, NY

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16. The New Museum

A leading destination for contemporary art, The New Museum is renowned for its commitment to showcasing new art and new ideas. Located in the vibrant Bowery neighborhood, the museum opened to the public at its current location in 2007.

The New is best loved for presenting the work of under-recognized artists as well as groundbreaking exhibitions, often being the first to exhibit artists who later gain significant recognition. The museum attracts a diverse audience, especially those passionate about contemporary art and emerging artistic trends.

What makes the New Museum even more unique is that it doesn’t have a permanent collection. Rather, all exhibits are displayed on a temporary basis and feature works by contemporary artists that are not commonly seen in other New York City museums.

Website: The New Museum
Address: 235 Bowery, New York, NY

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List of the Best Museums in New York City (Post Summary)

In sum, the best museums in New York City are:

1. Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
2. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
3. American Museum of Natural History
4. The Frick
5. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
6. Whitney Museum of American Art
7. 9/11 Memorial & Museum
8. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
9. The Morgan Library & Museum
10. New York Transit Museum
11. The New-York Historical Society
12. Met Cloisters
13. The Tenement Museum
14. The New Museum
15. Neue Galerie

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Visiting the Best Museums in NYC (FAQ)

(NYC Museums FAQ)

What’s the oldest museum in NYC?

The New-York Historical Society was founded in 1804, making it the oldest museum in NYC.

Is the Met or MoMA better?

This is actually a pretty easy question to answer if you can answer this question first: do you like modern art? If yes, you’ll probably enjoy the MoMA. If you’re not a fan of modern art, I suggest going to the Met because there’s such a great variety of art to choose from. You can’t go wrong with either, but if you’re visiting NYC for the first time, the Met is more impressive.

What’s the ONE musuem people need to see in NYC?

If you only have the chance to visit one musuem while exploring NYC, make it the Met. It’s the largest musuem in the country (and 5th largest musuem in the world). The building itself is a masterpiece too. All around, that’s the best musuem in NYC for first time visitors.

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Map of the Best Museums in NYC

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And there you have it, my personal list of cool museums in New York City, based on first-hand experience. I hope you enjoyed the post! Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or suggestions below, it’s always nice to hear from you. 🙂

Cheers!