Explore the essential museums in New York and secure your tickets ahead of time at a reasonable price.
There are numerous museums in New York, providing ample time to explore them all. A list of the city’s top museums, including the Museum of Natural History, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, has been compiled for easy reference. CityPass allows access to some of these museums and can be purchased without IOF through Civitatis.
You will discover key details about each attraction, including admission fees, operating hours, location, and what you can explore. Enjoy reading and secure your ticket early!
In this article, you will find:
- Best Museums in New York
- New York CityPass
- Activities to enjoy in New York
- New York eateries
- Accommodations in New York City
- Explore additional suggestions from New York.
- Frequently Asked Queries
Best Museums in New York
We curated a list of the top museums in New York based on their popularity, facilities, and visitor reviews. Explore:
- American Museum of Natural History
- MoMA – Museum of Modern Art
- Metropolitan Museum of Art is also known as MET.
- Cloisters – a group of covered passageways typically surrounding a courtyard.
- Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is the name of a museum.
- Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
- September 11 National Museum
- New York Transit Museum is also known as the MTA Museum.
- The Morgan Library and Museum
- Whitney Museum of American Art
- Frick Collection
- The Manhattan Children’s Museum
- Brooklyn Museum
- Madame Tussauds is a famous wax museum.
See below for information on each one.
The American Museum of Natural History.
- Every day, the hours of operation are from 10:00 to 17:30.
- Adults cost $25, students cost $20, and children cost $14.
- 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024.
The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York is a popular attraction included in CityPass, featuring a vast collection of over 30 million species that showcases prehistory and the universe.
The museum is split into five sections and offers something for everyone, including exhibits on marine life, evolution, and biodiversity in addition to its impressive dinosaur fossil collection, featuring the T. Rex and the Titanosaur.
Due to its vast size, it is advisable to allocate a minimum of 4 hours for a visit to fully explore the museum, which is renowned for its appearance in the movie “A Night at the Museum” featuring Ben Stiller.
- Secure your admission to the American Museum of Natural History.
Museum of Modern Art – MoMA
- Saturday to Wednesday, the opening hours are from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM; on Fridays, it is from 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM.
- Adult tickets cost $30, student tickets are $17, and elderly tickets for those over 65 are $22.
- 11 West 53 Street, Manhattan New York, 10019 is the location of the address.
The Museum of Modern Art, or MoMA, houses the biggest collection of modern art in the world, featuring famous artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Frida Kahlo, alongside exhibitions that showcase emerging talents.
It’s a good idea to purchase your MoMA ticket online in advance to avoid long lines, particularly during peak tourist season in the city. 😊
- Secure your admission to MoMA.
Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as MET.
- Sunday to Tuesday and Thursday, the opening hours are from 10 AM to 5 PM, while on Friday and Saturday, they are from 10 AM to 9 PM. The establishment is closed on Wednesdays.
- Adults pay $30, students pay $17, and seniors aged 65 and over pay $22.
- The Met Fifth Avenue is located at 1000 Fifth Avenue in New York, NY 10028, while The Cloisters Met is situated at 99 Margaret Corbin Street in Fort Tryon Park, NY 10040.
The MET, also known as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is the biggest museum in New York. It features distinct sections for musical instruments, weapons, and a terrace, along with the largest assortment of Egyptian arts outside of Egypt.
The property also includes two additional museums: the Met Fifth Avenue and the Met Cloisters. Purchasing a ticket for the Metropolitan Museum of Art grants you access to the other museums on the premises. For an optimal experience, it is recommended to allocate a full day for the visit and participate in a guided tour, given the vast collection of over 2 million artifacts to explore.
- Secure your admission to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
4 – Cloisters
- Thursday to Tuesday, from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Adult tickets cost $30, student tickets cost $17, and tickets for the elderly (65+) cost $22.
- Address: 99 Margaret Corbin Drive, Fort Tryon Park, New York, NY, 10040.
The Cloisters, an extension of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, focuses on medieval art and culture. Its architecture, reminiscent of the Middle Ages, captivates visitors with a tranquil atmosphere away from the city’s hustle and bustle. The site showcases over 5,000 artifacts such as tapestries, sculptures, stained glass windows, and books for visitors to appreciate.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Text 5
- Every day we are open from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
- Adult tickets cost $30, while student and senior tickets are priced at $19.
- 1071 Fifth Avenue can be found in New York, NY 10128, situated between 88th and 89th streets.
When visiting Central Park, be sure to visit the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, included in CityPass and named after its founder. The museum’s stunning architecture, both inside and out, is sure to leave a lasting impression. With its collection of modern art, including works by famous artists like Picasso, visitors are treated to a unique and diverse experience.
- Secure your admission to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum – Text 6
- October to March: open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. April to September: open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
- Adults pay $38, while students, seniors (65+ years), and children (5-12 years) pay $36 and $28 respectively.
- Pier 86 is located at W 46th St in New York, NY 10036.
One of the New York museums that provides entertainment for families is the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, located on a World War II aircraft carrier. The museum features American Air Force planes, helicopters, a war submarine, a Concorde, and a spacecraft.
To fully enjoy all the site has to offer, we recommend allocating 3 hours for the visit and avoiding rainy days due to most aircraft being exposed outdoors.
- Make sure you have your ticket for the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
National September 11 Memorial Museum
- Opening times are from 9 am to 5 pm, Wednesday through Monday.
- Adults pay $36, while students and seniors over the age of 65 pay $30.
- 180 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10007 is the location.
The National September 11 Memorial Museum, featured in CityPass, pays tribute to the victims of the September 11 attacks through its extensive collection of photos, artifacts, and recordings spanning 30,000 square meters.
We suggest setting aside 3 hours for the visit to explore the entire site. Taking photos is permitted in outdoor areas, but photography is prohibited inside the exhibition out of respect for the victims’ families.
- Make sure to keep your ticket for the National Museum on September 11th.
The MTA Museum is also known as the New York Transit Museum.
- Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 4 PM.
- Adults pay $10, while seniors (aged 62 and over) and children (aged 2-17) pay $5 each.
- Address: 99 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201, United States.
The Traffic Museum in New York City is not widely recognized but is recommended for inclusion in your itinerary. Visitors can view and compare old train and subway models, tracking the development of transportation over time. The museum also offers the opportunity to learn about the mechanisms and energy sources that power the transportation system, making it a great family outing.
Morgan Library & Museum – Text 9
- Tuesday to Sunday, the establishment is open from 10:30 to 17h; on Fridays, the hours are from 10:30 to 20h.
- Adults cost $25, students cost $13, and the elderly (65 years and older) cost $17.
- 225 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016 is the location.
Book enthusiasts should be familiar with the Morgan Library & Museum, which was initially the personal library of collector J. Pierpont Morgan. Following his passing, the site was made accessible to the public by his son. The venue boasts stunning architecture featuring four cozy spaces, where visitors can marvel at rare manuscripts, antique books, and exhibited artworks.
The Whitney Museum of American Art – Number 10
- Opening times are from 10:30 to 18:00 on Saturday to Wednesday and from 10:30 to 22:00 on Friday.
- Adult tickets cost $30, while students and seniors can purchase tickets for $24.
- Whitney Museum of American Art is located at 99 Gansevoort Street, New York, NY 10014.
There are numerous museums in New York, making it difficult to decide which one to visit. The Whitney Museum of American Art is conveniently situated near the cultural and culinary hub, allowing you to explore the area fully following your visit. It features stunning pieces by lesser-known American artists, with the building’s architecture being a standout feature in itself.
- Secure your admission to the Whitney Museum of American Art.
11 – Frick Collection
- The establishment is open from 10am to 6pm on Thursday through Sunday.
- Adult tickets cost $22, student tickets cost $12, and senior tickets for those over 65 years old are priced at $17.
- 1 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021 is the location.
If you liked exploring the MoMA and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, you will definitely appreciate a visit to the Frick Collection. Formerly the residence of art collector Henry Clay Frick, this museum features works by El Greco, Piero della Francesca, Rembrandt, and antique French furniture in its elegant rooms.
Children’s Museum of Manhattan – Text 12
- Opening hours are from 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
- Adults cost $17, seniors over 65 cost $14, and children aged 1 to 18 cost $17.
- Tisch Building is located at 212 West 83rd Street in New York, NY 10024.
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is ideal for families visiting New York, providing a range of activities and events in a lively and interactive setting. Prior to your visit, it is recommended to check the museum’s website for information on their special programs.
Brooklyn Museum – Text 13
- The establishment is open every day from 11:00 to 18:00, and on the first Saturday of the month from 11:00 to 11:00.
- Adult tickets cost $20, while student and senior tickets are priced at $14 for those aged 65 and older.
- 200 Eastern Parkway is the location in Brooklyn, NY with the zip code 11238-6052.
The Brooklyn Museum offers a diverse collection of artworks across five floors, ranging from contemporary to Egyptian art, featuring pieces by famous artists like Picasso and Judy Chicago, as well as a lovely garden with sculptures.
The museum features a substantial collection along with rotating exhibits. A notable attraction is the Visible Storage, which stores more than 2,000 artworks not currently on display in the main galleries. Visiting this storage area to explore the complete art collection is recommended if you have the opportunity.
Madame Tussauds – Text 14
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- Every day, the hours of operation are from 10 am to 7 pm.
- Price: Depends on age and can be found on the official website.
- 234 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036, United States is the location.
Madame Tussauds exhibits lifelike wax figures of celebrities like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Anne Hathaway, offering a chance to capture beautiful photos with these famous personalities. Each museum setting provides a distinct and memorable visit. Visitors are advised to review the schedule and available packages on the official website before planning their visit.
One of the main attractions at Madame Tussauds in New York is the Marvel Universe 4D Movie experience, where fans can get up close with popular superheroes like Thor and the Black Panther while also enjoying creative photo opportunities.
- Secure your admission to Madame Tussauds.
Explore additional transportation choices in New York for an essential itinerary.
New York CityPass
New York CityPass provides great savings for travelers, with savings of up to 40% on ticket prices. It remains valid for nine days from the first use and includes access to express queues at most attractions, particularly beneficial during peak season.
After purchasing your CityPass from the official website or Civitatis, you receive a card containing eight attractions, from which you can select five to explore. The Empire State Building and the American Museum of Natural History are included as mandatory attractions, and you can choose three more attractions to visit.
- Intrepid Museum
- Guggenheim Museum
- September 11 Memorial and Museum
- Observation Deck at the Top of the Rock
- Statue of Liberty visit (including a visit to Ellis Island)
- Circle Line Cruises offers boat tours around Manhattan.
It is beneficial to purchase CityPass for your trip to New York as it provides discounted access to museums and other attractions. 😉
Activities to experience in New York
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Some of the key must-see attractions in New York include Central Park, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and the Empire State Building for stunning city views.
If you want to capture postcard-worthy photos, you must visit the Brooklyn Bridge. It links Manhattan to the DUMBO and Heights neighborhoods in the Civic Center area, providing a picturesque day of exploration. To help with your itinerary, we have compiled a selection of tours that should be included in your New York travel plans.
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Central Park is a public park located in the heart of New York City.
- Statue of Liberty
- Empire – a vast and powerful domain.
- Elevated Line
New York eateries
In New York, there is a wide variety of dining options available, including street vendors, restaurants, bars, and cafeterias conveniently located throughout the city. Additionally, the museums are also conveniently situated near good dining spots, allowing visitors to easily combine their sightseeing with a delicious meal, like visiting the American Museum of Natural History and dining at the Shake Shack Upper West Side.
We have compiled a list of restaurants near the main museums in New York to assist you with your programming. Check out the top-rated recommendations from travelers on TripAdvisor.
- Shake Shack Upper West Side close to the American Museum of Natural History
- Brazilian Floor Fire Steakhouse located close to MoMA – Museum of Modern Art.
- Shake Shack in Downtown Brooklyn close to the New York Transit Museum
- The cafeteria near the Metropolitan Museum of Art is located at the Metropolitan Museum.
- Bluestone Lane close to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Accommodation options in New York City
Looking for accommodations in New York but don’t have the time to search? Check out our top-rated options in different categories to find the perfect place for you.
| Cheaper: Pod 39 in Murray Hill | Note: 8.2 | $229 / day |
| Honeymoon: Hotel Lucerne Overland transport in Upper West Side | Note: 8.5 | $449 / day |
| Families: Hilton Club The Central at 5th in Midtown East | Note: 9.0 | $486 / day |
| Airbnb: Spectacular Times Square In Manhattan | Note: 9.0 | US$ 2.700 / day |
| Near the Times Square: New York Marriott Marquis | Note: 8.3 | $498 per day |
| Near the Central Park: Carnegie Hotel | Note: 8.6 | $524 / day |
Find the top deals on all lodging options in New York.
Explore additional advice provided by New York.
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- New York City
- Activities to experience in New York
- Screenplay taking place in New York
- Activities to enjoy in New York City after dark
- Broadway’s production of Aladdin
- The Lion King Broadway show
- New York eateries
- Activities to enjoy in Brooklyn
- New Year’s Eve celebration in New York
- Empire State Building
- Hotels close to JFK Airport in New York
- Accommodations close to LaGuardia Airport in New York
- Accommodations close to Newark Airport
- Accommodations close to Times Square
- Accommodations in New York City
- Affordable accommodations in New York City
- Luxurious accommodations in New York City
Often Asked Questions
Do you have more inquiries about New York museums? Explore additional specific questions and answers on the topic.
Most museums in New York offer free admission, including the American Folk Art Museum, the Bronx Museum of the Arts, and the Queens County Farm Museum.
The primary museums in New York include the American Museum of Natural History, the MoMA (Museum of Modern Art), the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
There are numerous museums in New York, making it difficult to count them all. The city boasts over 30 museums, with the American Museum of Natural History and the MoMA being among the most prominent.
The biggest museum in New York is the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
You shouldn’t overlook the MoMa and the Natural History Museum, wander around Central Park, admire the Empire State Building, and go by the Empire State Building.
It depends on your interests. If you enjoy art, the ideal choice is to visit MoMA. However, if you are more interested in history, we recommend exploring the MET.
Residents of New York can enter the MoMA for free on Friday evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The American Museum of Natural History was involved in the movie “Night at the Museum.”
