The Best Museums in New York, Ranked

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Midtown East, Manhattan

A major diamond in the crown of New York's museums. Only the Met is better.

Modern art including architecture and design, drawings, painting, sculpture, photography, prints, illustrated books and artist's books, film, and electronic media

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Manhattan

Type Of Place

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

Noguchi Museum

Queens

one of New York's finest museums, opening the door to the world of Nauci's amazing art and life. It's also a good opportunity to take ride on the Ferry

Works by sculptor Isamu Noguchi

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

Carnegie Hill, Manhattan

One of the best museums in New York City. Architect: Frank Lloyd Wright

Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, early Modern, and contemporary art

Whitney Museum of American Art

Meatpacking District, Manhattan

20th-century American art and contemporary American art by living artists

9/11 Memorial & Museum

Battery Park City, Manhattan

a very progressive museum, It doesn't look like any of the museums. Also you can walk under the fountains of the memorial,

Memorial and museum in NYC honoring the victims of the 9/11 attacks. Features two reflecting pools and exhibitions with artifacts and personal stories.

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Clinton, Manhattan

It's a full-day museum. In addition to the huge ship, you can also take a tour of the Concorde plane or the submarine

Showcases the World War II aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, Space Shuttle Enterprise, submarine USS Growler, a Concorde supersonic airplane, helicopters and military aircraft

Neue Galerie

Carnegie Hill, Manhattan

I would give this museum first place in the "Greatest Aesthetic Pleasure per Square Foot" category. The museum's cafe deserves a separate nomination.

Gallery of early-20th-century German and Austrian art and design

The Morgan Library & Museum

Murray Hill, Manhattan

The library and office of one of the richest and most famous Americans, whose name is given to the richest non-Chinese bank in the world

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

Brooklyn Museum

Brooklyn

great amazing museum

Collections include American art, Egyptian, Classical, and Ancient Near Eastern art, feminist, European, and art of the Pacific Islands

Dia:Chelsea

Chelsea District, Manhattan

Awesome Gallery in georgeos place

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.

Richard Gilder Center (AMNH)

Manhattan

One of the most beautiful museum buildings in the world

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.

Broken Kilometer

University Village, Manhattan

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.

Frick Collection

Lenox Hill, Manhattan

Не мог

Mansion with collection of old master paintings and fine furniture

Jewish Museum

Carnegie Hill, Manhattan

That's when the experience exceeds the expectations. A great modern museum.

Modern and contemporary Jewish art, history

Madame Tussauds New York

Manhattan

If this museum were a film, it's as if Michael Bay directed it. It may come across as cheesy, but it's also grand, captivating, and enjoyable.

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.

Mmuseumm

Civic Center, Manhattan

In a tiny pop-up museum, barely a few square meters, you'll discover stunning art. This museum is like that one friend who's always just around the corner, making art more accessible than your daily coffee run. It's the art gallery you stumble upon when y

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.

Museum of the City of New York

Manhattan

It's twice as interesting if you get on one of the free tours. The history and life of New York City as told by New Yorkers themselves.

Art and local history

New York Earth Room

University Village, Manhattan

One of the most ingenious and impressive gallery experiences in the world. Don't miss the opportunity to talk to the Earth keeper, who has worked there since 1989. (I'm your fun, Bill!)

Permanent exhibit of earth covered room

New York Transit Museum

Brooklyn

I haven't seen anything more conceptual, a subway (and more) museum located in an abandoned subway station, and the museum itself lives up to your expectations.

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.

Nicholas Roerich Museum

Manhattan Valley, Manhattan

A unique opportunity to witness the visuals from a blockbuster titled 'The Life and Creativity of Nicholas Roerich' with your own eyes. Just think about it – he's the only artist in New York for whom a separate skyscraper was built.

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

Statue of Liberty Museum

Manhattan

Just want to add that you can take a tour right into the head of the statue and look at New York from the windows of its crown. Also there are two beautiful museums on the island about the statue, plan a half day visit for sure.

Accessible by boat from Battery Park in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey

The Brant Foundation

Alphabet City, Manhattan

An amazing gallery in a very beautiful space that was the studio of a great artist Walter De Maria

The Brant Foundation Art Study Center is a private gallery in a former studio of Walter De Maria

The FRIENDS Experience

Hudson Square, Manhattan

The FRIENDS™ Experience New York is an interactive pop-up exhibit dedicated to the iconic TV show FRIENDS™, featuring recreated sets, authentic props, and memorable moments, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the beloved sitcom's universe.

Best thing you can see if you like The Friends TV show. For non-fans, moderately good.

The Met Cloisters

Fort George, Manhattan

Cool view to the Hudson River and George, Perfect for fans of the Middle Ages

Art and architecture of the European Middle Ages, including sculptures, paintings, and religious artifacts, in a serene and contemplative setting.

El Museo del Barrio

Manhattan

A beautiful and vibrant museum that exposes you to Latin American and Caribbean artists. You also get free admission to the New York Museum, which is in the next building.

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.

Ellis Island Immigration Museum

Manhattan

The museum is a good chance to see and learn about the place through which 80% of U.S. immigration in their day passed.

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.

Fraunces Tavern Museum

Whitehall, Manhattan

Reconstruction of a tavern with a prominent role in pre-Revolution and American Revolution history

MoMA PS1

Queens

One of New York's most fashionable and avant-garde museums, located in a 19th century school building

Contemporary art museum, part of Museum of Modern Art

Museum of Broadway

Manhattan

An absolute must see if you've enjoyed at least one Broadway musical. The theme is covered to a 10 out of 10;

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.

Museum of Jewish Heritage

Whitehall, Manhattan

A beautifully done museum telling the story of one of the biggest tragedies of the 20th century. Recommended. The museum has a wonderful Jewish cafe with Eastern European cuisine with access to the garden and a view of the Statue of Liberty.

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.

New Museum

Manhattan

Awesome building by Sanaa architectural firm, bold and innovative exhibit. A museum that challenges. A beautiful observation deck on the seventh floor of the museum.

Contemporary art from around the world

New York Botanical Garden

Bronx

One of the best reasons to take a day trip to the Bronx

Includes Mertz Library with exhibitions relating to botanical themes and the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory

New York Historical

Manhattan

New York's first museum

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.

New York Public Library – Main Branch

Manhattan

a must visit place. Pay attention to the foundation of the building, which will be specially expoused to visitors at some places. The library was built on the site of a former water reservoir.

Exhibitions about art, history, culture, photography from its collections

Spyscape

Manhattan

It's hard to find another museum in New York that approaches the museum-going experience with such quality and magnificence. It's a pity that, despite the fascinating subject matter, the experience didn't captivate me as much

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.

The Shed

Chelsea District, Manhattan

The new exhibition building, where every month is a must see event

Hosts activities in a wide range of cultural areas including art, performance, film, design, food, fashion, and new combinations of cultural content

American Museum of Natural History

Manhattan

👀 a must-see museum

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

Drawing Center

Little Italy, Manhattan

Don't let the names confuse you, you'll find drawings by prominent artists there. The small size makes this museum more friendly.

Contemporary and historical drawings

International Center of Photography

Lower East Side, Manhattan

The permanent display is inferior to the magnificent exhibitions.

Photography exhibits – moving to Lower Manhattan in 2016

Italian American Museum

Little Italy, Manhattan

Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art

Little Italy, Manhattan

More of a gallery than a museum. The absolute flagship of the LGBTQ+ subject.

Contemporary and historical gay-related art

Mercer Labs

Financial District, Manhattan

Mercer Labs (Museum of Art and Technology), as claimed by its creators, is the first fully immersive museum in the city, situated in a iconic and prestigious location, right across from the Oculus and the World Trade Center tower. The museum is the brainc

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.

Museum at Eldridge Street

Two Bridges, Manhattan

Inside the synagogue, you'll find exquisite beauty, and you have the option to take a guided tour with a docent.

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

Museum of Arts and Design

Columbus Circle, Manhattan

a beautiful museum with a gorgeous restaurant overlooking the central park on the top floor.

Features contemporary hand-made objects in a variety of media, including clay, glass, metal, fiber, and wood, located at Columbus Circle

Museum of Chinese in America

Little Italy, Manhattan

A small and atmospheric museum that is perfectly in line with its name.

History of North America's Chinatowns and the cultural contributions of Chinese immigrants

Museum of the Moving Image

Queens

Exhibitions and programs dedicated to the art, history, technique, and technology of film, television, digital media, video games, the internet, and more.

SculptureCenter

Queens

A great gallery that will give great content for your instagram. Nearby Moma PS1, a chance to make the perfect combo.

Dedicated to experimental and innovative developments in contemporary sculpture

Skyscraper Museum

Whitehall, Manhattan

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.

Socrates Sculpture Park

Queens

I can't say that this place can be the reason for a trip to Queens, but would be a great addition to a walk along the East River waterfront and Noguchi Museum

Outdoor museum and public park where artists can create and exhibit sculptures and multi-media installations

The Ukrainian Museum

East Village, Manhattan

the beautiful art of a beautiful country

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

Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace

Flatiron District, Manhattan

a free and relatively short tour in which you learn at least a few cool stories

Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site is a replica of the birthplace and childhood home of 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt.

Times Square Hum

Manhattan

Maybe not the most scholarly endeavor, but definitely a quirky and unforgettable blend of culture and auditory amusement!

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.

Wallach Art Gallery

Manhattan

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.

American Folk Art Museum

Lincoln Square, Manhattan

The American Folk Art Museum in NYC showcases a diverse collection of traditional American art, crafts, and self-taught artists' works, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and unique expressions of the nation's people.

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

Art at Americas Society

Manhattan

a small and nice gallery

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.

Asia Society

Lenox Hill, Manhattan

the museum has a great gift shop

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.

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

Carnegie Hill, Manhattan

The expectations were much higher than what I saw

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.

Hamilton Grange National Memorial

Hamilton Heights, Manhattan

A great place to go if you've visited all the places on the list, or if you decide to explore the personality of Alexander Hamelton in more depth than the many times you've read the wikipedia article.

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.

Museum at FIT

Chelsea District, Manhattan

a small exhibit at the institute. It's worth going there for themed exhibitions, such as hip-hop culture costumes for the 50th anniversary of hip-hop music

Fashion museum, part of Fashion Institute of Technology

Museum of Sex

Rose Hill, Manhattan

More of an attraction than a museum, you'll meet all the tourists you saw in Times Square today there. But it's sure to be fun.

History, evolution, and cultural significance of human sexuality

Queens Museum

Queens

A chance to see the largest panorama of New York City of 66,000 buildings in the very first UN building, which now serves as a 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.

South Street Seaport Museum

Seaport, Manhattan

The museum consists of three parts, of which you will be interested in two tours of two different ships.

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.

The Africa Center

Manhattan

In addition to art, you can visit an incredibly cool cafe with authentic cuisine. Warning: the cafe is not such a fancy, but it is very good.

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.

Bernard Museum of Judaica

Lenox Hill, Manhattan

The small multi-room gallery has items made by Tiffany among others. But I was most impressed with the interior of one of the largest synagogues in the world.

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.

Center for Jewish History

Union Square, Manhattan

Jewish history and culture around the world

Japan Society

Turtle Bay, Manhattan

The permanent display is inferior to the magnificent exhibitions.

Features exhibit gallery for Japanese art

Museum of Street Art (MoSA)

Brooklyn

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.

New York City Fire Museum

Hudson Square, Manhattan

The museum is very good if you or a relative of yours is a firefighter. I can highlight the part about 911.

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.

Society of Illustrators

Lenox Hill, Manhattan

A working artists' club since 1901, with a museum-grade collection of American illustration art open to the public.

Home of the Museum of American Illustration, showcasing original illustration art from advertising, editorial, and children's books, with a rotating exhibition program.

Vander Ende-Onderdonk House

Queens

A good museum both about the Vybhaya Farm itself and especially about New York's Danish heritage

The Vander Ende–Onderdonk House is the oldest Dutch Colonial stone house in New York City

Center for Brooklyn History

Brooklyn

A micro gallery, the experience of which can be completed with a visit to the beautiful library on the second floor.

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.

City Island Nautical Museum

Bronx

General Grant National Memorial

Morningside Heights, Manhattan

Such a Taj Mahal, but in honor of a Civil War general. I recommend you to visit it virtually remotely.

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.

Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space

Alphabet City, Manhattan

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.

National Museum of the American Indian

Whitehall, Manhattan

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.

Poster House

Chelsea District, Manhattan

selected works of selected advertising and art projects.

website, first museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to posters

Rose Museum at Carnegie Hall

Midtown East, Manhattan

Salmagundi Club

Greenwich Village, Manhattan

The atmosphere of a somewhat old-fashioned countryside library may not be ideal for those who consider art as a weekend entertainment in New York.

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.

The City Reliquary

Brooklyn

The museum reminded me more of a junk dealer's backyard, which in no way negates the value of the items inside.

The City Reliquary is a not-for-profit community museum and civic organization located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Williamsburg Art & Historical Center

Brooklyn

The museum is more like a commission store inside the stunning interior of an old bank.

The Williamsburg Art & Historical Center is a multicultural, multidisciplinary arts center in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY, founded in 1996 by Yuko Nii.

Center for Architecture

University Village, Manhattan

Exhibits of architecture, urban planning, urban design, and environmental planning

Paley Center for Media

Midtown East, Manhattan

my impressions fell off a huge wall of expectation.

Cultural, creative and social significance of television, radio, the Internet, and emerging media platforms

Salvator Mundi Museum of Art

Brooklyn

The museum is a performance by a local artist playing on the theme of a famous painting. The museum is so small, so expensive is the painting it is named after. Perhaps the smallest museum in New York City.

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

American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog

Midtown South, Manhattan

Museum of Ice Cream

SoHo, Manhattan