See and do · Museums · 2026
The best museums in New York.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 15 places.
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.
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.
- 9/11 Memorial & MuseumMuseum · Financial DistrictIt’s one of the most memorable museums in New York City and a truly unforgettable experience.
- Neue GalerieMuseum · Upper East SideIf you’re into German and Austrian art, the Neue Galerie is probably the best New York City museum to visit.
- New York Transit MuseumMuseum · BrooklynLocated in Brooklyn, the New York Transit Museum is one of the best museums in NYC for kids.
- Solomon R. Guggenheim MuseumMuseum · Upper East SideOne 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.
- The American Museum of Natural HistoryMuseum · Upper West SideThis 2.5 million square foot facility houses more than 32 million specimens making it the largest natural history museum on the planet.
- The Brooklyn MuseumMuseum · BrooklynAs 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.
- The Frick CollectionMuseum · Upper East SideOne of the most elegant museums in New York City, the Frick is downright breathtaking.
- The Met CloistersMuseum · Washington HeightsFar 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.
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)Museum · Upper East SideIf you only have time to visit one museum in NYC, this the one.
- The Morgan Library & MuseumMuseum · MidtownThe room itself is absolutely stunning and worth seeing even if you’re not into the collection.
- The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)Museum · MidtownMoMA is an absolute must for anyone who loves modern art.
- The New MuseumMuseum · BoweryA leading destination for contemporary art, The New Museum is renowned for its commitment to showcasing new art and new ideas.
- The New-York Historical SocietyMuseum · Upper West SideThe New-York Historical Society was founded in 1804, making it the oldest museum in NYC.
- The Tenement Museum (NYC Immigration Museum)Museum · Lower East SideTouring this unique New York City museum is a moving experience.
- Whitney Museum of American ArtMuseum · Meatpacking DistrictEvery 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.
9/11 Memorial & Museum
Museum · Financial District · 180 Greenwich St, New York
It’s one of the most memorable museums in New York City and a truly unforgettable experience.
Neue Galerie
Museum · Upper East Side · 1048 5th Ave, New York, NY
If you’re into German and Austrian art, the Neue Galerie is probably the best New York City museum to visit.
New York Transit Museum
Museum · Brooklyn · 99 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY
Located in Brooklyn, the New York Transit Museum is one of the best museums in NYC for kids.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Museum · Upper East Side · 1071 5th Ave, New York, NY
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.
The American Museum of Natural History
Museum · Upper West Side · 200 Central Park West, New York
This 2.5 million square foot facility houses more than 32 million specimens making it the largest natural history museum on the planet.
The Brooklyn Museum
Museum · Brooklyn · 200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY
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.
The Frick Collection
Museum · Upper East Side · 1 E 70th St, New York, NY
One of the most elegant museums in New York City, the Frick is downright breathtaking.
The Met Cloisters
Museum · Washington Heights · 99 Margaret Corbin Dr, New York, NY
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.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
Museum · Upper East Side · 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY
If you only have time to visit one museum in NYC, this the one.
The Morgan Library & Museum
Museum · Midtown · 225 Madison Ave, New York, NY
The room itself is absolutely stunning and worth seeing even if you’re not into the collection.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Museum · Midtown · 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY
MoMA is an absolute must for anyone who loves modern art.
The New Museum
Museum · Bowery · 235 Bowery, New York, NY
A leading destination for contemporary art, The New Museum is renowned for its commitment to showcasing new art and new ideas.
The New-York Historical Society
Museum · Upper West Side · 170 Central Park West, New York, NY
The New-York Historical Society was founded in 1804, making it the oldest museum in NYC.
The Tenement Museum (NYC Immigration Museum)
Museum · Lower East Side · 103 Orchard St, New York, NY
Touring this unique New York City museum is a moving experience.
Whitney Museum of American Art
Museum · Meatpacking District · 99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY
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.
Best museums in New York, 2026
The seal
Every place on this list can show it. It links back here, so a reader sees the whole list and how it was made. No fee.
The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 18 Exciting Museums in New York City (& What to See at Each).