According to Metro newspaper, The Big Apple is home to over a hundred museums. However, most travellers to New York City clearly do not have the luxury of time to cover all these places. If you are after a spectacular world-class experience, then you are on the right track.
From American Museum of Natural History, Metropolitan Museum of Art to Whitney Museum Of American Art, here are the 7 Best Museums In New York City for all you art and history junkies. Most admissions require tickets, but the experience will make it worthwhile!
#1 AMERICAN MUSEM OF NATURAL HISTORY
The American Museum of Natural History—one of the biggest museums in the world—boasts more than 32 million specimens and artefacts. A general admission ticket starts at US$22 per adult and it will grant you entry to 45 museums halls and the Rose Center for Earth and Space. Dinosaur fans do visit the Hall of Ornithischian Dinosaurs and Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs!
Central Park West & 79th St
New York, NY 10024, United States
Tel: +1 212-769-5100
Daily: 10am – 5.45pm
Nearest Station: 81 St – Museum of Natural History
#2 BROOKLYN MUSEUM
Spanning across 560,000 square feet, Brooklyn Museum is a massive museum home to approximately 1.5 million artworks. The museum—located in the New York City borough of Brooklyn—is a must-visit for all art buffs. General admission tickets start at US$16 per adult while students with valid ID pay US$10 per person.
200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn
NY 11238, United States
Tel: +1 718-638-5000
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Wed: 11am – 6pm
Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri to Sun: 11am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Eastern Parkway Brooklyn Museum
#3 METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
Colloquially known as The Met, Metropolitan Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the United States. The renowned museum was founded in 1870 and showcases a trove of masterpieces with origins from all over the world. You can easily spend an entire day here. A general admission ticket starts at US$25 per adult while kids under 12 enter for free.
1000 5th Ave, New York
NY 10028, United States
Tel: +1 212-731-1498
Sun to Thu: 10am – 5.30pm
Fri and Sat: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: 86 St
#4 MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
New York City’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a multi-level museum with an excellently curated collection of modern and contemporary art. Crowds are a daily sight but do not let it deter you from marvelling at the world’s best art pieces. Admission tickets start from US$25 per adult while children aged 16 and below can enter for free.
11 W 53rd St, New York
NY 10019, United States
Tel: (212) 708-9400|
Sat to Thu: 10.30am – 5.30pm
Fri: 10.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: 5 Av/53 St
#5 MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
Built in 1923 and founded by historian Henry Collins Brown, Museum Of The City Of New York is exactly what it is. The museum exhibits artefacts related to the city’s past, present and future. Tickets range from US$10 per adult and S$10 per pax for seniors and students. Those aged 20 and below can enter for Museum Of The City Of New York for free.
1220 5th Ave, New York
NY 10029, United States
Tel: +1 212-534-1672
Daily: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: 103 St
#6 MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE
New York City’s Museum of the Moving Image is a media museum. From 19th century optical toys to the latest digital cinematography, you can expect a wide selection of genres across various media platforms here. Admission tickets range from US$15 per adult and US$7 for youths aged between 3 to 17.
36-01 35th Ave, New York
NY 11106, United States
Tel: +1 718-777-6800
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Wed and Thu: 10.30am – 5pm
Fri: 10.30am – 8pm
Sat and Sun: 11.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Steinway St
#7 WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
Known by New Yorkers as Whitney, The Whitney Museum of American Art is located in Manhattan. The building—designed by architect Renzo Piano—is sandwiched between the High Line and the Hudson River. It is the first museum with a sole dedication in present work of living American artists. General admission tickets range from US$17 per student/senior and US$22 per adult.
99 Gansevoort St, New York
NY 10014, United States
Tel: (212) 570-3600
Closed on Tuesdays
Mon to Thu: 10.30am – 6pm
Fri and Sat: 10.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: 14 St
For more recommendations on where to go, read our New York’s food and travel guides.