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The Best of New York · See and do · Museums

My favorite unusual museums in New York.

In my order, from my own visits, updated September 2026. 12 places.

Let’s face it, not everyone is a fan of art, ancient history, or science. Thankfully, there are so many unique museums in New York City for those with more eclectic interests. These offbeat attractions offer a break from the ordinary, inviting visitors to explore the more unusual, peculiar and unique masterpieces beyond the Moma and Met.

These museums defy expectations and spark curiosity, with exhibits dedicated to unconventional subjects (like dirt) and collections of scrap-metal-made robots. In this guide, I’ll share a roundup of some unusual museums in NYC and why they’re worth the trip. Let’s jump in!

Antonina PattizI went to every one · how I decide

Antonina’s favorite unusual museums in New York, 2026

  1. The Museum of the DogMuseum · Midtown ManhattanThis unique NYC museum is located a stone’s throw away from Grand Central Terminal and houses a massive collection of dog art.
  2. The Dia Art FoundationMuseum · SoHo
  3. Catacombs at St. Patrick’s Old CathedralLandmark · NolitaSkip the tourist version and do it like a local. here’s how.
  4. The Museum of Food and DrinkMuseum · DUMBO, Brooklyn
  5. SpyscapeMuseum · Midtown Manhattan
  6. The Museum of SexMuseum · NoMadAdmission is around $36 and includes admission into “Super Funland” which uses carnival-inspired installations to playfully explore erotic themes.
  7. MmuseummMuseum · TribecaMmuseumm is a tiny museum (36 square feet!) in Tribeca housed in a converted elevator shaft, offering exhibits on random modern artifacts.
  8. The Museum of Reclaimed Urban SpaceMuseum · East VillageThe unique museum in NYC is volunteer-run and operates on pay-what-you-wish donations ($5 recommended).
  9. The City ReliquaryMuseum · Williamsburg, BrooklynI like to think of the unique NYC museum as the city’s garage.
  10. The Museum of the Moving ImageMuseum · Astoria, QueensThe Museum of the Moving Image in Queens is non-negotiable for movie buffs.
  11. The Robotic ChurchMuseum · Red Hook, BrooklynAs one of the most unique museums in NYC, it offers a chance to witness art and engineering collide.
  12. The Met CloistersMuseum · Washington Heights (Fort Tryon Park)The coolest part? The museum itself is built like a medieval monastery, complete with cloisters and gardens (that are especially stunning in the spring!).

On the map

Where they are.

11 neighborhoods, Midtown Manhattan and SoHo most of all.

Midtown Manhattan

Astoria, Queens

DUMBO, Brooklyn

East Village

NoMad

Nolita

Red Hook, Brooklyn

SoHo

Tribeca

Washington Heights (Fort Tryon Park)

Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Antonina’s favorite unusual museums in New York, 2026

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Antonina’s favorite unusual museums in New York, New York Dearest, 2026

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 14 Unique Museums in New York City (Off the Beaten Track).