30 Best Museums In New York City

Last Updated on 24th April 2024

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Are you looking for some inspiration for the best museums in New York City? Perhaps you want to find some of the best free museums in NYC to save money on your trip to the Big Apple? This huge guide includes a round-up of some of the best museums in New York!

With over 100 museums, cultural institutions and historical sites in New York City, it’s safe to say that it can be tricky to determine which museums are worth visiting on your trip. Despite not being the biggest fan of museums, I’ve been lucky enough to experience a fair few of NYC’s top museums during my many visits to the city and in today’s guide, I’m sharing the best of the best!

Whether you’re looking for the best museums for families, couples or solo travellers or you just want some inspiration to enjoy the culture of the city, I’ve got you covered in this huge guide about the best museums in NYC, as well as some of the more unique museums in New York City that you might not have heard of!

If you still need some help planning your trip to NYC, you can grab a copy of my Ultimate New York City Travel Guide Ebook which includes more than 230 pages of useful information to help plan your perfect trip to NYC! You can also join my free New York City Facebook Group for more tips, advice and inspiration!

Top 10 best museums in New York City at a glance

Top museums in New York City – included with the Go City Pass

If you’re thinking of purchasing a New York City Pass for your trip to the Big Apple, you might be pleased to know that the following museums are all included in the price of the Go City All-Inclusive and Go City Explorer Pass!

New York City museums included with the Go City Pass:

Get the Go City All-Inclusive Pass here!

Get the Go City Explorer Pass here!

1. National September 11 Memorial & Museum

While it might just be the most sombre and heart-wrenching museum I’ve ever visited, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is also one of my favourite museums in the world as it’s such an incredibly important and poignant part of New York’s history.

The museum tells the story of the fateful events of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Through the use of media recollections, various exhibits and authentic artefacts, the 9/11 Museum is one of the saddest but also most beautiful parts of the city as it aims to remember and honour all the people whose lives were lost during that tragic day in 2001.

Just outside the museum, you’ll find the 9/11 Memorial Pools that stand in the place of the former site of the Twin Towers. The Memorial is completely free to visit and you don’t have to pay to visit the museum in order to see the memorial site. The pools feature the largest manmade waterfalls in North America, at almost an acre each in size!

If you want to experience the 9/11 Museum, you can do so buy purchasing tickets online in advance, on the day by queuing up outside the museum or by redeeming your tickets using a New York City Pass. The museum is open Wednesday to Monday (open on select Tuesdays – check the 9/11 website for more information) from 9 AM to 7 PM.

It’s important to bear in mind that a visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum will be incredibly sad, so it’s a good idea to plan your visit accordingly as you will likely need some time afterwards to regain your composure as it really is a heart-wrenching experience. It is, however, a museum in New York that I definitely recommend experiencing at least once as it’s a truly fascinating and moving place.

The 9/11 Museum is also included with the Go City All-Inclusive Pass and the Go City Explorer Pass.

Book tickets to the 9/11 Museum here!

2. Museum of Modern Art – best museums in New York City

The Museum of Modern Art, or MoMA as it’s more affectionately known, is one of the best art museums in New York City and potentially in the whole world! While I’m personally not much of an art museum fanatic, I did thoroughly appreciate seeing all the incredible collections and exhibits at the Museum of Modern Art as there truly is something for everyone to enjoy!

There are so many incredible works of art on display at MoMA and with both permanent exhibitions as well as temporary and alternating collections, installations and exhibitions, there is always something for everyone.

You can check the current and upcoming exhibitions on the MoMA website. The museum is open every day from 10.30 AM to 5.30 PM, with the exceptions of special events and exhibitions. New York City residents can benefit from free admission on the first Friday of every month, but unfortunately, this offer is only available to residents and doesn’t extend to tourists.

Bonus: you can also visit the Museum of Modern Art’s second branch in the borough of Queens, known as MoMA PS1, where you can experience further exhibitions and displays!

The Museum of Modern Art is also included with the Go City All-Inclusive Pass and the Go City Explorer Pass.

Book tickets to the Museum of Modern Art here!

3. Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met is another one of the best art museums in NYC that’s not only famous thanks to its remarkable art installations and exhibitions, but also because its iconic steps played a key role in the hit TV series Gossip Girl.

If you’re planning to visit The Met to see the art collections inside, rather than just the steps outside, you’ll be delighted to know that there are dozens of exhibitions on display that span more than 5000 years throughout history.

From the incredible collection of African Art in The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing to the stunning displays of Roman, Greek and Egyptian artwork to breathtaking European paintings and a fantastic array of modern and contemporary art, there is something that every art lover can enjoy at The Met.

While traditional art doesn’t really appeal to me, I particularly loved the Greek and Egyptian wings of The Met as it was so fascinating to see such vivid collections that date back thousands of years!

If you’re interested in seeing as much as possible at the museum, you could easily spend an entire day there, but if you only want to see certain collections and exhibits, I would recommend planning your visit in advance to ensure that you see everything on your list.

The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and from 10 AM to 9 PM on Friday and Saturday (the museum is closed on Wednesday).

Book a guided tour of the Met here!

4. Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration

The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration is one of my favourite museums in New York City (after the 9/11 Museum) as it’s such a mesmerising and fascinating historical place.

The museum on Ellis Island is located inside the spectacular Main Building of the former immigration complex where thousands of immigrants arrived in New York City.

Experienced through detailed artefacts, historical recollections and intricate displays, the Ellis Island Museum carefully depicts the remarkable story of American immigration via NYC.

As well as the collections inside the museum, you can also see the American Immigrant Wall of Honor which displays almost one million names of people who arrived into America via New York City and other neighbouring cities.

While many people opt for the free Staten Island Ferry or the one-hour tour around Liberty Island and Ellis Island in order to see the iconic Statue of Liberty, I would definitely encourage you to book the official tour that takes you to both islands in order to experience these incredible museums!

Book ferry tickets to visit Ellis Island here!

5. Statue of Liberty Museum

If you opt for the ferry option that takes you to both Ellis Island and Liberty Island, then I would highly suggest checking out the Statue of Liberty Museum as part of this tour as well!

While I didn’t personally love the SOL Museum quite as much as the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, I do still think it’s worth paying a visit while you’re on Liberty Island as it’s a great way to learn more about the history of one of the most iconic statues in the world.

Spanning an impressive 26,000 square-feet, the Statue of Liberty Museum houses extraordinary collections relating to the history of the monument as well as to the incredible history of America as a whole.

Inside the museum you can see the statue’s original torch, as well as the warehouse where Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi built the Statue of Liberty!

Get ferry tickets to visit the Statue of Liberty here!

6. American Museum of Natural History

For one of the best family-friendly museums in New York City, be sure to add the American Museum of Natural History to your itinerary.

With dozens of epic collections and exhibits such as the David H. Koch Dinosaur Wing, the Hall of African Peoples and the Rose Center for Earth and Space, there are so many things to discover inside the museum.

Families may also recognise the museum as the inspiration behind the hit movie franchise The Night at the Museum and while the movie itself wasn’t actually filmed at the American Museum of Natural History, you can see why it was one of the main inspirations behind the Ben Stiller blockbuster!

Thanks to its awesome real estate location directly adjacent to Central Park, you can also tag a visit to one of the most famous parks in the world onto your visit to the museum!

The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5.30 PM.

The American Museum of Natural History is also included with the Go City All-Inclusive Pass and the Go City Explorer Pass.

Book tickets for the American Museum of Natural History here!

7. Museum of Ice Cream – best museums in New York City for families

If you’re looking for cool museums in New York City, look no further than the Museum of Ice Cream; the perfect treat for the whole family!

The Museum of Ice Cream is a fun and immersive experience that allows you to sample unlimited ice cream flavours as you learn about the history of ice cream throughout 12 interactive exhibits!

Inside the museum, you’ll also find a three-storey slide, swings designed for people of all ages, plus bounce rooms, and, of course, the world-famous sprinkle pool!

The Museum of Ice Cream might not be quite as sophisticated as The Met or MoMA, for example, but it certainly is one of the most unique museums in New York City and is guaranteed to be a lot of fun for the whole family!

Opening hours at the Museum of Ice Cream vary daily, so be sure to check the website for more details on opening times/days.

Book tickets to visit the Museum of Ice Cream here!

8. Brooklyn Museum

Located on the other side of the East River, just next to Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Museum is an iconic landmark that’s renowned for both its modern and classic art collections, as well as fascinating exhibits inspired by worldly artists and designers.

Spread out across five floors, the Brooklyn Museum houses collections dedicated to Japan, Egypt, Islam and much more and you can also find temporary displays such as “Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys” and “Artists Who Make Zines”.

As the museum is located in the borough of Brooklyn, it’s not quite as easy to get to as some of the other museums featured in this guide, but if you find yourself wanting to venture out of Manhattan during your trip to the Big Apple, you might want to add a visit to the Brooklyn Museum to your itinerary.

Opening hours vary at the Brooklyn Museum, so be sure to check their website for more details when booking.

Get tickets to the Brooklyn Museum here!

9. Brooklyn Children’s Museum – interactive museums NYC

The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is often cited as the best children’s museum in New York City (and the world!) thanks to its three floors of fun and interactive exhibits and hands-on displays.

Originally dating all the way back to 1899, the museum is also considered to be the “world’s first children’s museum”. The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is primarily aimed towards children aged between 6 months and 10 years and with exhibitions such as “Nature’s Engineers”, “AirMaze” and “World Brooklyn”, there is something for every child to enjoy!

The museum is located in the heart of Brooklyn, so while it’s not quite as easy to get to as some of Manhattan’s famous cultural institutions, it is worth considering a visit to the Children’s Museum if you’re looking for something fun and alternative to do with kids in NYC.

Buy tickets for the Brooklyn Children’s Museum here!

10. The Morgan Library & Museum

Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, just a few blocks from Bryant Park and the Empire State Building, the Morgan Library & Museum is famed for being one of the most beautiful libraries in the United States, as well as being a major venue for art, literature, and music.

The library is home to a vast collection of historical manuscripts, first-edition novels, research papers and old prints, whereas inside the museum, you’ll find permanent and temporary exhibits showcasing the works of the likes of Beatrix Potter, as well as collections from world-famous photographers and painters.

The Morgan probably isn’t the best place for young children, but it is a great spot to visit as a couple or as a solo traveller in New York searching for the city’s most esteemed collections.

Reserve tickets online for The Morgan Museum here!

11. Museum of Sex – best museums in New York City for couples

The Museum of Sex is certainly one of the most interesting museums in NYC and one that’s perfect for couples!

Inside this raunchy, yet tasteful museum, you’ll find an assortment of erotic exhibitions, as well as an on-site bar and games area at the Carnal Carnival Bar, plus an award-winning shop full of paraphernalia.

While it might be a bit “out there” for some visitors to the Big Apple, if you want to experience a different side to New York’s museum scene rather than the traditional art galleries and historical institutions, the Museum of Sex might be the perfect option for you!

The Museum of Sex is also included with the Go City All-Inclusive Pass and the Go City Explorer Pass.

Buy tickets for the Museum of Sex here!

12. Museum of Broadway

Fans of Broadway are sure to relish a visit to the fantastic Museum of Broadway where you can discover the history of Broadway in an educational, but tremendously fun way!

Experienced through a collection of videos, pictures, costumes, props and more, the Museum of Broadway is a brilliant museum to add to your itinerary if you want to enjoy the magic behind some of the greatest Broadway shows of all-time!

There are also numerous photo opportunities throughout the museum, so you can pretend to live out your very own Broadway dreams!

The Museum of Broadway is included on both the Go City All-Inclusive Pass and the Go City Explorer Pass.

Get tickets to the Museum of Broadway here!

13. Intrepid Museum – best museums in New York City for kids

The Intrepid Museum is another one of the best New York museums for the whole family as it houses the world’s first space shuttle, a supersonic spy plane, a nuclear weapons-carrying submarine and the fastest commercial airliner in the world!

Throughout the museum, you can also see a vast collection of military aircraft, NASA space shuttles, and the world-famous British Airways Concorde Alpha Delta G-BOAD!

Families with an interest in all things air, space and water technology will love a visit to Intrepid and thanks to its ideal location on the west side of Manhattan, just a few blocks from Hudson Yards and the start of the High Line, the Intrepid Museum makes for a great place to visit with kids in NYC.

Th Intrepid Museum is also included with the Go City All-Inclusive Pass and the Go City Explorer Pass.

Book tickets to visit the Intrepid Museum here!

14. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

Located in the exclusive Upper East Side neighbourhood of Manhattan, just over the road from Central Park, the Guggenheim Museum is another one of the city’s most iconic art museums, thanks to both its impressive collections and its iconic spiral rotunda appearance.

There are dozens of exhibitions and events happening every single day at the Guggenheim, including Post-Impressionist French masterpieces, exhibitions featuring experimental art in Korea and so much more.

The Guggenheim is a very exclusive and sophisticated art museum, so if you want to be ultra fancy on your trip to New York City, this is the place to be!

The Guggenheim Museum is also included with the Go City All-Inclusive Pass and the Go City Explorer Pass.

Book tickets for the Guggenheim Museum here!

15. Color Factory – NYC Interactive Art Museum

Another utterly awesome and quirky place to visit in NYC is the Color Factory; a fun and immersive experience that takes you on a colourful journey through 14 immersive art exhibits that are suitable for all ages!

Each of the individual exhibits offers something different, from the fun-filled confetti room to the silent disco dance floor to the giant ball pit room; every room and installation at the Color Factory is fun, bright and energetic!

There are also numerous freebies to take advantage of at the Color Factory, including free digital images, sweet treats to sample throughout the experience and mini keepsakes exclusive to New York City!

Purchase Color Factory tickets here!

16. Fotografiska

Fotografiska - best museums in New York City

The exterior of the building that houses Fotografiska is worth visiting in itself, but if you do decide to head inside this incredible photography museum, you’ll be treated to an array of wonderful and world-class photography displays.

Located in Gramercy Park, the New York branch of Fotografiska is a part of the Swedish photography museum and is one of the best and most prestigious museums dedicated to all things photography and media.

There are plenty of displays and exhibits on constant rotation at Fotografiska, including nature installations, futuristic space travel collections and much more.

There are also three astonishing dining experiences to take advantage of inside the museum, including The Café, Bar Verōnika and Chapel Bar. Each dining establishment is set upon the most beautiful and luxurious setting, with the choice of light bites, bar snacks or a fully-fledged fine dining experience!

It’s worth visiting Fotografiska for the art and photography, but it’s also a good idea to stick around and experience the food and drink options, too!

Get tickets to Fotografiska here!

17. SPYSCAPE – best museums in NYC for kids

If you’re looking for something fun and unusual to do in New York with teenagers, a visit to Spyscape might just be the answer!

The Spyscape Museum features impressive galleries of spy gadgets and stories, as well as fun and immersive spy challenges that are suitable for families with children aged 10+. At “Spy HQ”, you’ll get the chance to break codes, run surveillance software, and dodge lasers as you take on the role of a professional spy.

This is one of the best interactive museums in NYC as not only does it show you epic collections of spy equipment and devices, but it also encourages you to get involved and discover what kind of spy you would be!

Get tickets to the SPYSCAPE Spy Museum here!

Read more: One Day In NYC Itinerary

18. New York Transit Museum

Located in a decommissioned subway station in Brooklyn, the New York Transit Museum was opened in 1976 with the intention of preserving the stories of mass transportation in the city of New York.

The working platform level of the museum spans an entire city block and houses a total of twenty vintage subway cars that date back to 1907! As well as archaic subway cars, you’ll also find plenty of vintage buses, so the transport fanatics amongst you will be in their element!

Purchase tickets to the New York Transit Museum here!

19. Museum of the City of New York

As its name suggests, the Museum of the City of New York is a history and art museum that is dedicated to celebrating and preserving the remarkable city of New York.

With events tailored towards the city’s diversity, including jazz evenings and queer cinema, as well as exhibitions that provide an in-depth and intriguing insight into New York’s magnificent history, this museum is worth visiting if you want to learn more about one of the most iconic cities in the world.

Situated on Fifth Avenue’s Museum Mile, just a few blocks from the very top of Central Park East, the Museum of the City of New York provides an exciting exploration of NYC’s history that dates back to the 16th century.

The Museum of the City of New York is also included with the Go City All-Inclusive Pass and the Go City Explorer Pass.

Buy tickets to the Museum of the City of New York here!

20. Madame Tussauds – best children’s museum in NYC

The world-famous wax museum known as Madame Tussauds has branches all over the world, including London , Berlin , Singapore , Dubai , Sydney and, of course, the iconic store centred in the heart of Times Square, New York City!

While Madame Tussauds might not be like most other traditional museums in the sense of providing historical information, the renowned wax museum is a cultural sensation that the whole family can enjoy.

Inside the Times Square establishment, you’ll find wax statues of some of the most famous people in the world, including Beyoncé, Cristiano Ronaldo, characters from the MARVEL universe, Harry Styles, Jennifer Lopez and many, many more!

As it’s definitely a museum that’s geared more towards kids, it makes for a great family-friendly day out in NYC that is sure to keep young kids entertained for hours!

Get tickets to Madame Tussauds here!

Bonus best museums in the city of New York

Whitney Museum of American Art
The Bronx Museum of the Arts
National Museum of the American Indian
Queens Museum
International Center of Photography Museum
American Folk Art Museum
Museum of Arts and Design
The Jewish Museum
The Museum at FIT
Staten Island Children’s Museum

New York’s museums – conclusion

I hope you found this guide about the best NYC museums useful and I hope it will help you to plan your trip to the Big Apple! There are so many incredible museums in New York City, and while you probably won’t be able to visit every single one on your first trip to NYC, I hope this guide has given you plenty of inspiration for visiting the many museums in New York!

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