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The 10 Best Museums in New York City

Steve Jennifer
Updated: May 22, 2024

New York City boasts perhaps the richest array of world-class museums on the globe. With iconic institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the whimsical Children's Museum of Manhattan, the Big Apple caters to all interests. With over 100 museums to explore, visitors can enjoy more bang for their buck with the City Pass, which grants access to six premier museums at a single, discounted rate.

01. New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art

Situated on the east side of Central Park in the distinguished Upper East Side, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most illustrious art museums worldwide. With a collection exceeding two million works, it spans the breadth of human history. Notable for its French Impressionist exhibit, the reconstructed Egyptian Temple of Dendur, and a comprehensive collection of Mediaeval arms and armour, the museum attracts over seven million visitors annually.

02. The National Museum of Natural History

Established in 1869, the American Museum of Natural History lies on the west side of Central Park. This colossal institution is among the largest museums globally, featuring 45 permanent exhibit halls, a vast library, and a modern planetarium. Its celebrated dinosaur exhibit and realistic animal dioramas draw millions each year, making it a favourite for both education and entertainment.

03. Museum of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space

Strategically located on Pier 86 along the Hudson River, the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum showcases extensive war and maritime exhibits. This museum houses historical vessels and aircraft including the USS Intrepid, the space shuttle Enterprise, the Concorde SST, and the USS Growler submarine. Its rich collection of memorabilia and significant military hardware attracts numerous history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

04. The Frick Collection

Occupying the former residence of Henry Clay Frick, the Frick Collection resides in a quintessentially late-18th century New York townhouse. It is renowned for its distinguished collection of Old Masters paintings, sculptures, European porcelain, and Oriental rugs. The building’s architectural elegance and its tranquil courtyard garden offer a unique, serene experience in the dynamic city landscape.

05. Modern Art Museum

Located in Midtown Manhattan, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is pivotal in the modern art world with its collection of over 150,000 works. Celebrated for iconic pieces by Andy Warhol, Marc Chagall, Paul Cezanne, and more, MoMA also hosts an extensive collection of film stills, attracting scholars and art lovers globally.

06. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

Designed by the famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright and opened in 1959, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is as famous for its iconic spiral structure as for its impressive modern art collection. Housing masterpieces from the likes of Picasso and Kandinsky, the museum offers a unique art-viewing experience that complements its innovative architectural design.

07. The Whitney Museum of American Art

Established in 1930, the Whitney Museum primarily focuses on 20th and 21st-century American art. With over 23,000 works by approximately 3,000 artists, it hosts comprehensive collections of contemporary American art, including pieces by Edward Hopper and Georgia O’Keeffe. Located in the trendy Meatpacking District, it’s a hub for art lovers and cultural aficionados.

08. The National 9/11 Memorial and Museum

The National 9/11 Memorial and Museum stands as one of New York City's most poignant landmarks, honoring the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Located at Ground Zero, the original site of the Twin Towers, this museum weaves together a moving narrative through its collection of images, artifacts, and personal stories. It serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and remembrance, offering visitors a deeply reflective experience as they walk through the space where history unfolded.

09. The New York Historical Society Museum

Founded in 1804, the New York Historical Society Museum is New York’s oldest museum. It offers a vast array of American history, art, and artifacts. The museum's collection includes over 1.6 million works that encapsulate the rich tapestry of New York and American history, making it an essential visit for history buffs.

10. The Brooklyn Museum

Located in the heart of Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Museum is one of the oldest and largest museums in the United States. Established in 1895, it houses a comprehensive collection spanning various cultures and time periods, with nearly half a million objects. It's particularly known for its Egyptian collection and American decorative arts.

TAGS: museum new york city

The 10 Best Museums in New York City

01. New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art

02. The National Museum of Natural History