With 145 museums in New York City, it can be difficult to choose which one you want to go to. New York is an eclectic city full of history, culture, and art, and the various museums around are no different.
Our list of the best, must-see museums breaks down and covers the top most unique and spectacular museums in NYC that you won’t want to miss. This list of museums will be especially useful if you are just going to be in New York City for a short time and want to get the most out of your visit.
Must-See Museums in New York City that You Should Not Miss
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET)
Over on the east side of Central Park, you’ll find The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as the MET.
Not only is the MET the largest museum in New York City, but it’s also the largest in the entire country. The MET is world famous for its art collection featuring over 2 million pieces from a 5,000-year span in history which is broken down into seventeen different departments.
The permanent collection includes items from ancient Egypt, Europe, Africa, Islam, Asia, and Rome as well as Oceania, and Byzantine art.
There are paintings, sculptures, armor, costumes, instruments, and artifacts from many different areas of the world from many years ago. You will find Egyptian hand axes from 300,000 – 100,000 BC and also modern art from the present day.
Discover more about The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Read about the exhibition on Van Gogh’s Cypresses at The Met.
If you are planning a visit to The Met, you may also be interested in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s bag policy.
American Museum of Natural History
If you are fascinated by the natural world, the American Museum of Natural History is a must-see!
This is the largest natural history museum in the world, consisting of 25 interconnected buildings that span four city blocks. It is a favorite among tourists and locals alike who see it as one of the best museums in New York City.
The American Museum of Natural History museum showcases a vast collection of the different aspects of the natural world going back to the days the dinosaurs roamed the Earth. You will find depictions of Native American tribes, the largest meteorite found in the USA, a blue whale replica, and Lucy – one of the oldest skeletons of a hominid from 2-4 million years ago.
You can also pay a visit to the museum’s new Glider Center, which has exhibits such as Invisible World.
Find out more about visiting the American Museum of Natural History.
Museum of Modern Art
Famously known as MoMA, this six-floor museum is home to 200,000 pieces of modern and contemporary art.
The most famous piece in the entire museum is Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night painting. Other influential artists whose art is displayed at the MoMA are Monet, Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo, Picasso, and Edvard Munch.
This museum is filled to the brim with paintings, sculptures, photos, and films from the 20th and 21st centuries.
Visit the Museum of Modern Art website.
The Rubin Museum
One of the most unique museums in New York City is The Rubin Museum of Art located in Manhattan. The Rubin is dedicated to the art of India, Asia, and the Himalayas and features a dazzling array of colorful displays and pieces.
The stunning exhibits showcase the cultures through the murals, sculptures, and installations which will make you feel like you have been transported across the world.
Along with the permanent exhibits, the feature exhibitions that rotate through the museum are nothing short of incredible.
Get more details about The Rubin Museum of Art.
National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
New York will forever be associated with that horrific day in September 2001. Located where the Twin Towers once stood, the 9/11 Memorial Museum invites visitors to learn about the background of the 9/11 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.
The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a moving place to remember that the 2,983 who last their lives in the attacks. A visit to this museum is both moving and powerful.
Find out more about the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
Museum of the Moving Image
The Museum of the Moving Image is one of the coolest museums you will ever see. Movie fanatics and art lovers alike will be mesmerized as they move through a glimpse into the past of television, cinema, and film production.
You will see pictures, props, costumes, and textiles from various cinematic masterpieces. There are also eight animation stations and other interactive exhibits which make this one of the more hands-on museums in New York City.
Get more details about the Museum of the Moving Image.
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Anyone with an interest in military history and hardware will not want to miss the chance to visit the aircraft carrier Intrepid and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. There is a lot to take in as you tour the exhibits which include static displays of aircraft from different eras.
A visit to this NYC museum also includes a chance to visit the submarine Growler, a diesel-powered strategic missile submarine. There is also huge 18,000 square feet interactive hall.
Find out more about the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
Read about the aircraft carrier museums you can visit in the United States.
Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration
To understand the scale of migration to the United States, plan for a visit to Ellis Island part of your New York City itinerary.
You will get to tour the Great Hall, baggage room and restored dormitories. The “Through America’s Gate” exhibition on the second floor of the museum show the process that immigrants had to go through when they arrived on American shores. The exhibits also capture the emotions of those who came to America in search of a better life.
Get more details about the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.
Exploring Museums in New York City
Exploring the museums in New York City can be an overwhelming task if you’re not sure which one you want to go to. We hope our NYC museum guide has helped to make your choice easier and that you have fun exploring these great museums in the city.
Just make sure you make a reservation in advance and search for the free entry times that some of them offer!
