Curious about which top art museums in New York City you should visit on your initial trip?
A tour of New York City isn’t considered comprehensive unless you’ve visited at least one art museum. Whether this is your maiden voyage or you’re a seasoned traveler to the Big Apple, exploring these cultural hubs is essential. Renowned globally as a premier arts destination, New York boasts what I consider to be among the finest collections of visual art in both domestic and international cities.
Indeed, while the city boasts impressive history and science museums, the art museums ought to be prioritized atop your visitation list!
As such, choosing an appropriate art museum according to your availability, preferences, and particularly ensuring satisfaction among all members of your travel group could prove quite challenging!
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Tap on the map to find all the art museums in NYC!
The Top Ten Art Museums in NYC for First Timers
This guide provides an overview of the top art museums in Manhattan. Having visited each one multiple times, I’m a big admirer of all these institutions—so whichever option you choose, you’re bound to enjoy yourself. Additionally, I’ve included some suggestions for families visiting with children.
#1
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, often referred to as The Met,
Location:
1000 Fifth Avenue at 81st Street (Museum Mile)
Hours:
Sunday through Tuesday and Thursday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Closed on Wednesdays
Cost:
For adults: $30, seniors (65+): $22, students: $17, children under 12 years old get in free.
Pay-what-you-wish for New York State residents and students from NY, NJ, and CT with valid ID.
Nighttime Hours:
The evening hours for Friday and Saturday date nights run from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) ranks among my top picks for art museums globally—I’ve visited many such institutions! With more than 1.5 million artworks spanning over 5,000 years of history, The Met stands as one of the biggest and most inclusive art museums worldwide. It houses an extensive collection ranging from artifacts dating back thousands of years to modern creations. When visiting, try picking just a few highlights; otherwise, the sheer volume could be overwhelming.
Met suggestions for family outings:
- For treasure hunt guides and arts and crafts activities suitable for kids, check with the front desk about the child-friendly materials and any impromptu art sessions happening that day.
- The Egyptian Gallery – Explore the Temple of Dendur exhibit, admire the reflecting pool, towering sphinx statues, and mummy displays.
- The American Wing Courtyard – This expansive area inside the museum features a café, numerous sculptures, and ample room for exploration.
- Explore European Arms and Armor – Discover full sets of armor, shields, swords, and every item related to medieval knights and castles.
- The Roof Top Garden offers visitors the chance to enjoy whichever sculpture exhibition is currently displayed, all while taking in views of Central Park. It’s an ideal spot for children to breathe in some fresh air and have room to move about without needing to remain overly silent!
#2
The Met Cloisters
Location:
99 Margaret Corbin Drive, within Fort Tryon Park
Hours:
Thursday through Tuesday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Closed on Wednesdays
Cost:
For adults, the cost is $30; for seniors aged 65+, it’s $22; students will pay $17; children under 12 enter free of charge.
New York State residents and students from NY, NJ, and CT with a valid ID can enjoy pay-what-you-wish pricing.
The Cloisters stands as a genuine concealed gem within New York City—secretly nestled inside Fort Tryon Park in the neighborhood of Washington Heights, offering views across the Hudson River. Initially established through the acquisitions of George Barnard and John D. Rockefeller, this institution was constructed alongside the park using materials sourced from various European medieval monasteries. Stepping into it feels akin to entering an ancient fortress. Be sure not to overlook the renowned Unicorn Tapestries dating back to the fourteenth century.
Suggestions from The Met Cloisters for family visits:
- The inner courtyards of the museum are quite enchanting.
- Each of the various chambers and corridors within the museum exudes an aura of secrecy and mystery.
- The gardens, staircases, and pathways with views of the river provide excellent areas for children to discover.
#3
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Location:
1071 Fifth Avenue at 88th Street (Museum Mile)
Hours:
Every day from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM; special members-only sessions on chosen Mondays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Cost:
For adults, the cost is $30; for students and seniors aged 65+, it’s $19; children under 12 enter free of charge; and members also get in for free.
On Mondays and Saturdays, Pay-What-You-Wish admission is offered between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM, with a recommended donation of $10 and a minimum payment of $1.
Nighttime Hours:
Saturdays open until 8:PM
The Guggenheim is truly an ideal museum! The structure, crafted by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, stands as artwork on its own. Inside, you’ll find a selection of modern and contemporary pieces exhibited along the striking spiral ramp, where natural light filters through from above, illuminating the entire space. There’s no reason to feel intimidated since the exhibit size allows for a pleasant exploration during a single trip.
The Guggenheim suggestions for family outings:
- Inquire with the receptionist about children-friendly brochures and learn about the spontaneous art activities accessible that day.
- The winding ramp is enjoyable for kids to go up and down.
- Inquire at the reception for child-friendly, engaging brochures.
- Much of the artwork will be very vibrant and thrilling for children!
#4
The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Location:
2 East 91st Street and Fifth Avenue (Museum Mile)
Hours:
Daily 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Cost:
For adults, the cost is $22; for seniors aged 62 and above, it’s $16; students presenting valid ID pay $10; visitors with disabilities also pay $10; children under 18 enter for free; and members enjoy complimentary entry.
Daily Pay-What-You-Wish entry is available from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
The Cooper Hewitt stands as the sole institution in the nation devoted solely to both historical and modern design. Situated within New York City’s iconic Carnegie Mansion from the Gilded Age, the museum offers an array of exhibitions that remain fascinating with each revisit. Whether you explore the craftsmanship of furnishings, examine pandemic-era signage, or delve into propagandistic artworks, the displays provide a distinctive viewpoint on design. Additionally, visitors have numerous interactive experiences at their disposal.
The Cooper Hewitt suggestions for family activities:
- Inquire with the receptionist about children-friendly brochures and discover which walk-in art activities are accessible that day.
- Digital pens are provided for drawing and designing purposes.
- Tables designed interactively for crafting your custom furniture or wallpaper.
#5
Neue Galerie New York
Location:
1048 Fifth Avenue at 86th Street (Museum Mile)
Hours:
Monday, Wednesday through Sunday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Closed on Tuesdays
It is highly recommended to book tickets and reservations in advance for both the museum and the café!
Cost:
For adults, the cost is $28; for seniors aged 65 and above, it’s $18; and for students, educators, as well as individuals with disabilities, the price is $15.
Evening Access – Each month, on the initial Friday, entry is complimentary between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
The Neue Galerie is a uniquely specialized venue as it houses solely early 20th-century Austrian and German artworks and boasts one of the world’s most renowned pieces by Gustav Klimt.
Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer,
Also Known As “The Lady in Gold”
.
The Neue is located within an exquisite Gilded Age mansion previously belonging to William Starr Miller. This tranquil spot gives off the vibe of exploring someone’s personal residence while admiring artwork displayed on the walls. Although it may not be ideal for highly energetic young kids, I rank this museum quite high due to its stunning and captivating exhibits. Additionally, there’s a wonderful Viennese café called Café Sabarsky downstairs where one can enjoy some delicious strudel!
#6
The Whitney Museum of American Art
Location:
99 Gansevoort Street & The High Line
Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 10:30 AM–6:00 PM; Friday: 10:30 AM–10:00 PM; Closed on Tuesdays
Cost:
For adults, the cost is $30; for seniors and students, it’s $24; visitors aged 25 and younger can enter for free; and members also get in for free.
Admission is complimentary for all guests on Friday evenings between 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM, as well as on the second Sunday of each month.
Nighttime Hours:
On Fridays, admission is pay-as-you-like from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
The Whitney Museum focuses exclusively on American art. It’s my go-to spot when visiting Chelsea since it’s compact enough to enjoy during brief visits. You can explore either the permanent exhibits or temporary displays without feeling swamped. The museum features lovely terraces offering vistas of the Hudson River, Little Island, and the High Line. Plus, it’s situated in bustling Chelsea near attractions like the Chelsea Market, Pier 57 Food Hall, and the popular High Line.
Whitney’s suggestions for family outings:
- Inquire at the reception about children-friendly guides and learn which walk-in art activities are accessible that day.
- Discover the open-air terraces and sculptural parks.
- Discover the Calder mobiles in suspension along with other vibrantly colored contemporary artworks designed to ignite children’s creativity.
#7
The Morgan Library & Museum
Location:
225 Madison Avenue at 36th Street
Hours:
Tuesday through Thursday, as well as Saturday and Sunday: 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM; Friday: 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM;
Closed Monday
Cost:
For adults: $22, for seniors aged 65+: $14, for students with valid ID: $13, children under 12 years old: free of charge, members: complimentary admission.
Available every Friday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Reservations are needed for these free evening sessions.
The Morgan Library is one of those hidden treasures in New York City that I stumbled upon relatively recently. This renowned institution was established by J.P. Morgan, another iconic figure from NYC, who gathered an impressive array of books and artworks before founding this spectacular library in 1906. The collection houses around 350,000 items including ancient and significant manuscripts and volumes. It’s truly breathtaking, featuring spaces reminiscent of the enchanting halls of Hogwarts. However, it might not be ideal for highly energetic young kids unless they have a keen interest in history and literature.
#8
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Location:
11 West 53rd Street & Fifth Avenue
Hours:
Every day from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM; Fridays until 8:30 PM
Cost:
For adults: $30, for seniors aged 65 and above: $22, for students with valid ID: $17, children under 16 years old get in free.
Members: Free, Online tickets receive a discount of $2.
Nighttime Hours:
Complimentary for residents of New York State every Friday between 5:30 PM and 8:33 PM.
Reservations for tickets should be made ahead of time, and you’ll need to show evidence of your place of residence.
Visiting the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) in New York City is always an excellent experience! The museum showcases modern and contemporary artworks gathered globally, often featuring engaging special exhibitions. Here you will encounter iconic pieces such as Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies,” and Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans. It’s recommended to begin your tour from the upper floors and make your way downward. Additionally, take some time to relax amidst the sculptures in their beautiful outdoor garden.
The Museum of Modern Art’s suggestions for family activities:
- Inquire at the reception about children-friendly guides and find out which drop-in art activities are offered that day.
-
Obtain the family audio guide.
Stop by the Heyman Family art studio for an engaging experience.
#9
The Frick Collection
Location:
1 East 70th Street and Fifth Avenue (Museum Mile)
Hours:
Wednesday through Sunday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Fridays until 9:00 PM; closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Cost:
For adults, the cost is $30; for seniors aged 65+, it’s $22; students with valid ID pay $17; youths between ages 10-18 get in free; and members also receive complimentary entry.
On Wednesdays, pay what you like between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
Nighttime Hours:
Available for free every first Friday of the month between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
The Frick Collection stands as a cherished gem in New York City, having undergone recent renovations and reopening during the spring of 2025. Located within the opulent Gilded Age residence once belonging to Henry Clay Frick, this museum boasts an impressive array of Old Master artworks alongside exquisite examples of European decorative arts. It’s a sought-after attraction both for those eager to view its renowned collections and visitors who wish to see the magnificent transformation up close.
I’ll arrive in a few weeks and will update this post at that time!
#10 The Museum of the City of New York (MCNY)
Location:
1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street (Museum Mile)
Hours: Monday–Friday:
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday–Sunday:
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost:
New York State residents pay according to your ability. The admission prices are: Adults $23, Seniors $18, Students $14, Members as well as those under 18 free of charge, and every Wednesday is also free for everyone.
The Museum of the City of New York is an under-the-radar gem located uptown, housing more than 1.5 million artifacts that narrate the tale of New York City’s past. Established in 1923 by Henry Collins Brown, this museum aims to share the distinctive narrative of NYC along with its five boroughs. Inside, you can explore items like photos, artworks, documents, pieces of furniture, and much more.
The Museum of the City of New York’s suggestions for families:
- Inquire at the reception about children-friendly guides and learn about the drop-in art activities available that day.
- Narrative Hour for kids aged 3-5 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM occurring each second Saturday and third Sunday monthly.
- Story Hour for toddlers aged 18 months to 3 years from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM takes place every third Thursday of the month.
NYC Museums Bonus Info
Art museums are among the top destinations
top motives for exploring New York City
.
Every time I visit New York City, this town offers some of the globe’s most renowned museums, which never fail to captivate me.
Below is a list featuring several intriguing museums around town. I’m gradually making my way through them all with plans to provide further updates as I progress!
-
American Folk Art Museum
: 2 Lincoln Square -
The American Museum of Natural History
: 200 Central Park West -
Asia Society Museum
: 725 Park Avenue at 70th Street -
Brooklyn Museum
: 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn -
El Museo del Barrio
: 1230 Fifth Avenue at 104th Street (Museum Mile) -
International Center of Photography (ICP)
: 84 Ludlow Street -
Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art
: 26 Wooster Street -
MoMA PS1
: 22-25 Jackson Avenue -
The museum located within the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
: 227 West 27th Street -
The Museum for African Art (which is now called The Africa Center)
: 1280 Fifth Avenue at 110th Street -
The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD)
: 2 Columbus Circle -
New Museum
: 235 Bowery -
Poster House
: 119 West 23rd Street -
Rubin Museum of Art
: 140 West 17th Street -
The Bronx Museum of Art
: 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx -
The Drawing Center
: 35 Wooster Street -
The Hispanic Society Museum & Library
: 613 West 155th Street -
The Jewish Museum
: 1109 Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street
What is the ideal location for lodging in New York City?
One of the greatest aspects of New York City is its distinctive neighborhoods, each offering their own unique appeal. Below are some of these areas:
safer and ideal locations to stay
y
with excellent feedback in prime locations.
Top Affordable Pick – Arlo SoHo
o
Located in the center of Greenwich Village, Arlo SoHo features a rooftop bar and offers river views. The price here starts at $292 and goes higher.
Arlo SoHo
The Best Mid-Range Option – The Hotel Beacon
The Hotel Beacon is a historically significant structure located on the Upper West Side featuring residential-style accommodations close to Central Park. The price at this establishment starts from $479 onwards.
The Hotel Beacon
Top Luxurious Destination – Lotte New York Palace
The Lotte New York Palace was previously known as the historic Villard Mansion on Madison Avenue. This luxurious, five-star hotel has room rates starting at $595 and above.
Lotte New York Palace
What are some of the top dining spots in New York City?
My go-to activity whenever I head to New York is exploring new dining spots! I make sure to jot down details about the top places so I can recommend them to you. You won’t find anything less than amazing on this list since I only included eateries I truly enjoyed.
Check out all of my recs for the best dining in NYC
.
Here are just a few of my top places to eat in NYC. (They all have Gluten Free options.
)
-
Dante
– Italian – 79 MacDougal Street -
Jack’s Wife Freida
— American/Mediterranean — 226 Lafayette Street -
La Pecora Bianca
— Italian — 1133 Broadway -
Lola Taverna
— Greek — 210 Sixth Avenue -
Lure Fishbar – Sushi
– 142 Mercer Street -
The Waverly Inn
— U.S. — 16 Bank Street -
Via Carota
– Italian – 51 Grove St
If you’re seeking an unforgettable experience and aren’t bothered by higher tourist prices, consider visiting:
-
The Russian Tea Room close to Carnegie Hall
– 150 West 57th Street -
The Tavern on the Green within Central Park
Central Park located at West 66th Street -
Katz’s Delicatessen in the Lower East Side
– 205 East Houston Street
Ways to Navigate Around New York City
Walking Around NYC
Strolling through New York City is the ideal method for getting about. It’s secure, straightforward to accomplish, and this way you manage to take in much more of the urban landscape.
NYC By Subway
The New York City subway can take you anywhere you need to be. It’s the most utilized and practical public transportation option in town.
PRO TIP:
Get the MY MTA app on your device. It’s the official Metropolitan Transportation Authority application designed for New York City subway and bus networks.
PRO TIP:
If you’re utilizing your Maps/GPS app on your smartphone, switch to “transit” mode, and it will provide precise information about the nearest subway stop as well as the specific train you should board to reach your destination.
PRO TIP:
Several methods can be used to cover expenses related to the public transit system. The simplest approach involves linking your credit card with an app on your smartphone within what’s known as your “digital wallet.” Once this setup is complete, all you need to do is tap the OMNY display at the entrance of a subway station, and voila—it will automatically charge your linked payment method.
-
Each ride costs $2.90. The simplest approach is to
TAP TO PAY
Using your smartphone, credit card, or OMNY (One Metro New York) card. - If you use the same device again within 7 days, your total will cap at $34 and all subsequent rides during those 7 days will be complimentary! Should your expenses fall below $34, you’ll be billed solely based on the individual trips taken.
- You can add up to four individuals from your same device or card.
- If this is your initial attempt at tapping, it may take several minutes for your bank to authorize a new user, so you could find yourself unable to tap into accounts belonging to others during your first try.
-
The cost of subway and bus rides is $1.45 for individuals who are 65 years old or above, as well as those with disabilities—provided they have enrolled in the discounted fare program.
More info here
.
New York City via Uber, Lyft, Revel, or Taxi
Riding-share applications are consistently a fantastic, secure, and easy method for navigating NYC, though they come with a hefty price tag!
PRO TIP:
Download all the rideshare applications onto your phone beforehand. Before placing an order, review the costs for Uber, Lyft, and Revel to make comparisons. Traditional taxis can be found throughout, though they must be flagged down from the street. A taxi with a illuminated rooftop sign indicates that it’s ready for passengers. Additionally, there is a particular application called
Curb
that you can download; however, based on local feedback from those who have used it, the taxis aren’t as prompt as with other ridesharing services.
Score Excellent Discounts for Visiting NYC Attractions Using the New York CityPass
Which one would you prefer among the art museums in New York City?
In a nutshell…
No matter whether you’re exploring New York City for the inaugural time or you frequent its galleries as an experienced aficionado such as myself, the city’s art museums provide an unparalleled experience for all visitors. Renowned establishments like The Metropolitan Museum of Art alongside more obscure jewels including the Morgan Library and the Cloisters present their distinct atmospheres, priceless collections, and secluded spaces bound to captivate your heart.
Here’s my suggestion: avoid trying to cram everything into your itinerary—select one or two places that align with what you find intriguing (as well as the patience level of those traveling with you)—and make sure to allocate enough time to truly appreciate them. The art scene in New York City is ubiquitous, and this list only scratches the surface.
Start exploring
! You never know what treasures you’ll find in these museums. You’ll love playing art critic on a fun
mother daughter getawa
y
to the city!
Check out these
New York City posts
For additional spots to visit whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning customer!
I’ve made itineraries for
1
day in NYC
,
2
days in NYC
,
3
days in NYC
,
4 days in NYC
, and
5 days in NYC
to ensure your planning is stress-free!
xx,
Carrie
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The Best Art Museums In New York City – Perfect for First Timers
appeared first on
Carrie Green-Zinn
.
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