This list includes only the museums I have personally visited in New York City. It also features a few galleries that, due to their beauty, fame, and significance, can be considered on par with museums.
Museums visited: 86
Paid for the museum admission $1,732 (doesn’t includes tours or extras)
Please note that we also have a separate ranked list of the best tours in New York City.
The best museums of New York City
🏛️1. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) 🏛️2. Metropolitan Museum of Art 🏛️3. Noguchi Museum 🏛️4. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum 🏛️5. Whitney Museum of American Art 🏛️6. 9/11 Memorial & Museum 🏛️7. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum 🏛️8. Neue Galerie 🏛️9. The Morgan Library & Museum 🏛️10. Brooklyn Museum 🏛️11. Dia:Chelsea 🏛️12. Richard Gilder Center (AMNH) 🏛️13. Broken Kilometer 🏛️14. Frick Collection 🏛️15. Jewish Museum 🏛️16. Madame Tussauds New York 🏛️17. Mmuseumm 🏛️18. Museum of the City of New York 🏛️19. New York Earth Room 🏛️20. New York Transit Museum 🏛️21. Nicholas Roerich Museum 🏛️22. Statue of Liberty Museum 🏛️23. The Brant Foundation 🏛️24. The FRIENDS Experience 🏛️25. The Met Cloisters 🏛️26. El Museo del Barrio 🏛️27. Ellis Island Immigration Museum 🏛️28. Fraunces Tavern Museum 🏛️29. MoMA PS1 🏛️30. Museum of Broadway 🏛️31. Museum of Jewish Heritage 🏛️32. New Museum 🏛️33. New York Botanical Garden 🏛️34. New York Public Library – Main Branch 🏛️35. New-York Historical Society 🏛️36. Spyscape 🏛️37. The Shed 🏛️38. American Museum of Natural History 🏛️39. Drawing Center 🏛️40. International Center of Photography 🏛️41. Italian American Museum 🏛️42. Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art 🏛️43. Mercer Labs 🏛️44. Museum at Eldridge Street 🏛️45. Museum of Arts and Design 🏛️46. Museum of Chinese in America 🏛️47. Museum of the Moving Image 🏛️48. SculptureCenter 🏛️49. Skyscraper Museum 🏛️50. Socrates Sculpture Park 🏛️51. The Ukrainian Museum 🏛️52. Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace 🏛️53. Times Square Hum 🏛️54. Wallach Art Gallery 🏛️55. American Folk Art Museum 🏛️56. Art at Americas Society 🏛️57. Asia Society 🏛️58. Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum 🏛️59. Hamilton Grange National Memorial 🏛️60. Museum at FIT 🏛️61. Museum of Sex 🏛️62. Queens Museum 🏛️63. South Street Seaport Museum 🏛️64. The Africa Center 🏛️65. Bernard Museum of Judaica 🏛️66. Center for Jewish History 🏛️67. Japan Society 🏛️68. Museum of Street Art (MoSA) 🏛️69. New York City Fire Museum 🏛️70. Society of Illustrators 🏛️71. Vander Ende-Onderdonk House 🏛️72. Center for Brooklyn History 🏛️73. City Island Nautical Museum 🏛️74. General Grant National Memorial 🏛️75. Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space 🏛️76. National Museum of the American Indian 🏛️77. Poster House 🏛️78. Rose Museum at Carnegie Hall 🏛️79. Salmagundi Club 🏛️80. The City Reliquary 🏛️81. Williamsburg Art & Historical Center 🏛️82. Center for Architecture 🏛️83. Paley Center for Media 🏛️84. Salvator Mundi Museum of Art 🏛️85. American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog 🏛️86. Museum of Ice Cream
1. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Modern art including architecture and design, drawings, painting, sculpture, photography, prints, illustrated books and artist's books, film, and electronic media
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2. Metropolitan Museum of Art
One of the world's largest art museums, includes American art and decorative arts, European, African, Asian, Ancient Egyptian, Roman and Greek art, Byzantine and Islamic art, modern art
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4. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, early Modern, and contemporary art
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5. Whitney Museum of American Art
20th-century American art and contemporary American art by living artists
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6. 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Memorial and museum in NYC honoring the victims of the 9/11 attacks. Features two reflecting pools and exhibitions with artifacts and personal stories.
Read More7. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Showcases the World War II aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, Space Shuttle Enterprise, submarine USS Growler, a Concorde supersonic airplane, helicopters and military aircraft
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9. The Morgan Library & Museum
Includes books and printed materials, prints, and drawings of European artists, material from ancient Egypt and medieval liturgical objects, ancient Near Eastern cylinder seals, music manuscripts
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10. Brooklyn Museum
Collections include American art, Egyptian, Classical, and Ancient Near Eastern art, feminist, European, and art of the Pacific Islands
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11. Dia:Chelsea
You should consider visiting Dia:Chelsea if you are interested in contemporary art and want to experience thought-provoking exhibitions from a range of artists. The museum has a reputation for showcasing cutting-edge and challenging works in a variety of media, and its spacious and well-designed galleries offer a unique setting for visitors to engage with the art.
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12. Richard Gilder Center (AMNH)
The new Gilder Center features new exhibition galleries and one-of-a-kind experiences, including an insectarium, butterfly vivarium, floor-to-ceiling collections displays, and more—and connects to the rest of the American Museum of Natural History on four floors.
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13. Broken Kilometer
Broken Kilometer is an art installation in NYC featuring a line of one thousand brass rods, each measuring two meters in length, arranged in a grid pattern.
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16. Madame Tussauds New York
Madame Tussauds New York is a world-renowned wax museum in Times Square. It showcases incredibly lifelike wax figures of celebrities, historical figures, and pop culture icons. Visitors can interact with their favorite stars, pose for photos, and explore themed galleries, making it a popular attraction for entertainment and celebrity enthusiasts in the heart of New York City.
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17. Mmuseumm
Mmuseumm is a small, quirky museum in a freight elevator shaft. It showcases an eclectic collection of everyday objects and cultural artifacts, aiming to provoke thought and spark conversations about contemporary issues. Mmuseumm offers a unique and immersive perspective on modern society in a compact space.
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20. New York Transit Museum
The New York Transit Museum, located in a historic subway station, offers a fascinating journey through the city's transit history. It houses vintage subway cars, buses, and engaging exhibits that showcase the evolution of public transportation in NYC.
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21. Nicholas Roerich Museum
The Nicholas Roerich Museum in New York City is dedicated to the works of Nicholas Roerich, a Russian-born artist whose work focused on nature scenes from the Himalayas
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22. Statue of Liberty Museum
Accessible by boat from Battery Park in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey
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23. The Brant Foundation
The Brant Foundation Art Study Center is a private gallery in a former studio of Walter De Maria
Read More24. The FRIENDS Experience
Best thing you can see if you like The Friends TV show. For non-fans, moderately good.
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25. The Met Cloisters
Art and architecture of the European Middle Ages, including sculptures, paintings, and religious artifacts, in a serene and contemplative setting.
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26. El Museo del Barrio
El Museo del Barrio, located in East Harlem, New York City, is a cultural institution dedicated to Latin American and Caribbean art and culture. It hosts exhibitions, educational programs, and events, showcasing the rich diversity and contributions of these regions to the cultural tapestry of the United States.
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27. Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Ellis Island is a small island located in New York Harbor. From 1892 to 1954, it served as the primary immigration station in the United States, processing millions of immigrants seeking entry into the country.
Read More28. Fraunces Tavern Museum
Reconstruction of a tavern with a prominent role in pre-Revolution and American Revolution history
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30. Museum of Broadway
The Museum of Broadway, on West 45th Street in Times Square, is the first permanent for-profit museum dedicated to documenting the history and experience of Broadway theatre and its profound influence. The museum covers more than three hundred years of Broadway history, including costumes and props from more than 500 productions.
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31. Museum of Jewish Heritage
The Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City is dedicated to preserving and educating about Jewish history, culture, and the Holocaust. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts, exhibitions, and survivor testimonies, providing a powerful and educational experience that honors Jewish heritage and commemorates the Holocaust's victims and survivors.
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33. New York Botanical Garden
Includes Mertz Library with exhibitions relating to botanical themes and the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
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34. New York Public Library – Main Branch
Exhibitions about art, history, culture, photography from its collections
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35. New-York Historical Society
The New-York Historical Society is an American history museum and library in New York City. The society was founded in 1804 as New York's first museum. It presents exhibitions, public programs, and research that explore the history of New York and the nation.
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36. Spyscape
Spyscape in NYC is a captivating museum that delves into the intriguing world of espionage. It features interactive exhibits, spy history, real gadgets, and challenges that allow visitors to test their spy skills while learning about the fascinating realm of covert operations and intelligence.
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38. American Museum of Natural History
The world's largest natural history museum. featuring exhibits on natural history, science, and culture from around the globe. Includes Rose Center for Earth and Space
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40. International Center of Photography
Photography exhibits – moving to Lower Manhattan in 2016
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43. Mercer Labs
Mercer Labs transforms the museum experience. Through fifteen experimental exhibition spaces, interactive experiences, unique listening encounters and immersive installations, the relationship between art and technology is redefined.
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44. Museum at Eldridge Street
Opened in 1887, the synagogue is the first great house of worship built in the United States by Eastern European Jewish immigrants. Today, it is the only remaining marker of the great wave of Jewish migration to the Lower East
45. Museum of Arts and Design
Features contemporary hand-made objects in a variety of media, including clay, glass, metal, fiber, and wood, located at Columbus Circle
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46. Museum of Chinese in America
History of North America's Chinatowns and the cultural contributions of Chinese immigrants
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47. Museum of the Moving Image
Exhibitions and programs dedicated to the art, history, technique, and technology of film, television, digital media, video games, the internet, and more.
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48. SculptureCenter
Dedicated to experimental and innovative developments in contemporary sculpture
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49. Skyscraper Museum
Skyscraper Museum is a museum in NYC dedicated to the history, design, and construction of tall buildings, featuring exhibitions, collections, and educational programs on skyscrapers around the world.
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50. Socrates Sculpture Park
Outdoor museum and public park where artists can create and exhibit sculptures and multi-media installations
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51. The Ukrainian Museum
The Ukrainian Museum is the largest museum of its kind outside of Ukraine and is dedicated to the enjoyment, understanding, and preservation of the artistic and cultural heritage of Ukraine
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52. Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site is a replica of the birthplace and childhood home of 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt.
53. Times Square Hum
The Times Square Hum, is a permanent sound art installation created by Max Neuhaus in Times Square in New York City. Originally installed in 1977, it was removed in 1992 and reinstalled in 2002. It is maintained by the Dia Art Foundation, who consider it one of the eleven locations and sites they manage.
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54. Wallach Art Gallery
The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Art Gallery is a gallery in NYC that features exhibitions of contemporary and historical art, with a focus on works that explore social and political themes.
Read More55. American Folk Art Museum
It really depends on which exhibit you get to, but if you're on your way and have 15 minutes of time, feel free to take a look inside
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56. Art at Americas Society
The Art at Americas Society program boasts the longest-standing space in the United States dedicated to exhibiting and promoting art from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada.
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57. Asia Society
Asia Society Museum is a museum in NYC that showcases contemporary and traditional Asian art, as well as exhibitions and programs on Asian culture and society.
Read More58. Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Cooper Hewitt Museum is a museum in NYC dedicated to the history and design of decorative arts, featuring exhibitions, collections, and educational programs on a range of design topics.
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59. Hamilton Grange National Memorial
Hamilton Grange National Memorial is a historic site in NYC that preserves the home of Alexander Hamilton, a founding father of the United States, and features exhibitions and educational programs on his life and legacy.
62. Queens Museum
Focus on social practice, artist in residence programs, and education. Includes a collection of Tiffany glass and the Panorama of the City of New York.
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63. South Street Seaport Museum
The South Street Seaport Museum, located in New York City, celebrates the maritime history of the city. Situated in historic buildings, it offers exhibitions on seafaring, the maritime industry, and the area's cultural heritage. Visitors can explore historic vessels and learn about the vital role the sea played in shaping New York's history.
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64. The Africa Center
The Africa Center is a cultural institution in NYC that celebrates African culture and heritage through exhibitions, performances, and educational programs, and features a cafe and gift shop.
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65. Bernard Museum of Judaica
The Bernard Museum in New York is a cultural institution focused on Jewish history and culture. It houses a diverse collection of artifacts and artworks, providing insights into Jewish heritage, traditions, and contributions through exhibitions and educational programs, serving as a valuable resource for scholars and the public alike.
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68. Museum of Street Art (MoSA)
This is a collection of graffiti by 20 well-known urban artists, famous in New York and worldwide, displayed along the hotel’s internal staircase at the CitizenM New York Bowery. You experience this “museum” by walking down from top to bottom, viewing the artworks as you descend.
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69. New York City Fire Museum
A Fire Museum displays firefighting history, antique equipment, and fire trucks. It educates on fire safety and celebrates the bravery of firefighters while preserving local fire department legacies.
Read More70. Society of Illustrators
Home of the Museum of American Illustration, showcasing original illustration art from advertising, editorial, and children's books, with a rotating exhibition program.
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71. Vander Ende-Onderdonk House
The Vander Ende–Onderdonk House is the oldest Dutch Colonial stone house in New York City
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72. Center for Brooklyn History
The Center for Brooklyn History is a cultural institution in New York, dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Brooklyn. It features archives, exhibitions, and educational programs celebrating Brooklyn's diverse heritage.
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74. General Grant National Memorial
The General Grant National Memorial, located in New York City, is the final resting place of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States and Union Army General. This neoclassical mausoleum honors his legacy and features exhibits about his life and the American Civil War, attracting history enthusiasts and tourists.
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75. Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space
Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space (MoRUS) — a unique museum in the East Village dedicated to the history of squats, activism, and community gardens in New York City. During the tour, you’ll learn how local residents transformed abandoned buildings and empty lots into vibrant public spaces, reshaping the city from the ground up.
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76. National Museum of the American Indian
The National Museum of the American Indian is a museum in NYC that showcases the history, culture, and art of indigenous peoples of the Americas, featuring exhibitions, collections, and educational programs.
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77. Poster House
website, first museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to posters
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79. Salmagundi Club
Founded in 1871, the Salmagundi Club in New York City initially served as a meeting spot for writers and journalists. Over time, it transitioned into a prominent art club, supporting artists through exhibitions and workshops. Its rich history spans over a century, making it a significant institution in Greenwich Village, fostering creativity and artistic camaraderie.
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80. The City Reliquary
The City Reliquary is a not-for-profit community museum and civic organization located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
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81. Williamsburg Art & Historical Center
The Williamsburg Art & Historical Center is a multicultural, multidisciplinary arts center in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY, founded in 1996 by Yuko Nii.
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82. Center for Architecture
Exhibits of architecture, urban planning, urban design, and environmental planning
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83. Paley Center for Media
Cultural, creative and social significance of television, radio, the Internet, and emerging media platforms
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84. Salvator Mundi Museum of Art
This museum is dedicated to the Salvator Mundi and is the largest collection of artwork and ephemera on the subject. It is also an art project and company that goes by the name Real Salvator Mundi. The Salvator Mundi will forever be the subject of much interest, intrigue and debate regarding quality and authenticity
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86. Museum of Ice Cream
Closed museums
Some museums didn’t survive, lost their relevance, and closed, while others were reborn into something new. In any case, our editorial team is grateful to them, so we are listing the museums that have closed:
В базе приложения нет поля «музей закрыт», поэтому этот блок здесь не выводится. Чтобы он появился, в схему nycmap-mobile.museums нужно добавить признак закрытия.
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