Top 18 Must-Visit Museums in NYC for 2025

Planning to visit museums in NYC on your next trip? It’s no secret that the city is crammed with exciting things to do, but it also has a lot of history and culture to explore. The museums in New York are some of the most interesting places to visit in NYC.

New York City is iconic, and its museum scene is too. It has the famous Met and MoMa to lesser-known gems like the Jewish Museum, the Tenement Museum, and New York Transit Museum. Therefore, before you get any further, take our advice and add some of these best museums in NYC to your New York itinerary.

Top Museums in NYC

You might have a love for contemporary artists, want to glimpse New York’s maritime history, or travel back in time to the Middle Ages. In this guide, we’ll give you the lowdown on where to visit for your museum fix. These top 18 museums are the best in New York City.

1. 9/11 Memorial & Museum

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is the most famous of all the museums in New York and arguably, the most somber too. The museum stands next to where the Twin Towers fell, with two massive pools marking their foundations. Undoubtedly, the 2001 (and earlier 1993) terrorist attack is one of history’s most catastrophic events. The complex story is already familiar to many. After the hijacking of two planes in a nationwide attack, the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center were targeted in a terrorist attack.

Flying the planes directly through the towers, the 2001 attackers caused an estimated death toll of 2,977 people. A massive group of firefighters, paramedics, and office workers lost their lives, and midway through the rescue proceedings, the towers tragically collapsed, causing unprecedented further loss of life.

• Opening times: 8 am until 8 pm
• Cost: $30. Get your tickets here.
• Address: 180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007
• www.911memorial.org

The museum serves as a harrowing but beautiful ode to the individuals who lost their lives and survived the ordeal. Some highly impactful accounts of the tragedy include Michael Hingson, who was led from the tower and saved by his guide dog, Roselle. Moreover, it covers the other attacks orchestrated across the US on the same day.

Walk amongst the exhibits and allow at least 3 hours to process and thoroughly explore the museum. There is such great attention to detail, so expect lots of little exhibits, individual stories, and some videos.

2. Metropolitan Museum of Art

Get ready for a big statement; the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a big deal. It’s one of the grandest art galleries in the world. Of all the art museums in New York, the Metropolitan Museum is the most revered. Its mix of ancient modern, and contemporary art is astounding. The museum covers over 5,000 years of artwork and art history, showcasing everything from old master paintings to Egyptian statues. ‘The Met,’ as it is affectionately called by local New Yorkers, is the largest art museum in the city and the third largest museum in the world.

• Opening times: Closed Wednesdays, open 10 am until 5 pm Sunday to Thursday, and 10 am until 9 pm Fridays and Saturdays
• Cost: $30. Get Your Tickets Here.
• 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
• www.metmuseum.org

Alongside its extensive permanent collection, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has a range of temporary exhibits, including notable showcases like Van Gogh’s Cypresses and the African Origin of Civilization. This makes the Metropolitan Museum of Art extremely exciting for serious artists and a helpful stop for those who aren’t typical art enthusiasts.

3. American Museum of Natural History

Every major city has a museum dedicated to the natural world. The American Museum of Natural History is located in New York City and dedicated to doing precisely that. The museum features everything from dinosaurs to space history. If you want a full day out, it is the perfect solution.

• Opening times: 10 am until 5:30 pm
• Cost: Suggested $25.
• 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024
• www.amnh.org

It takes around 3 hours just to walk through the exhibits. Additionally, the museum has special shows and exhibitions, each requiring upwards of an hour. Consequently, it’s best to allocate an entire day for this museum experience. The American Museum of Natural History has been accumulating exhibits and the latest research developments since opening in 1869.

4. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is one of the most exciting museums in New York City. It covers three major topics: sea, air, and space, featuring famous exhibits from each category, including the aircraft carrier Intrepid and the space shuttle Enterprise. This museum offers a unique ‘show and tell’ approach to education, especially engaging for young children.

• Opening times: 10 am until 5 pm
• Cost: $26. Get Your Tickets Here.
• Pier 86, W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
• www.intrepidmuseum.org

Visitors can experience a real submarine and learn about its role in ocean observation and military operations. Exploring up close with the world’s fastest jets adds to the museum’s appeal.

5. Ellis Island National Museum

Ellis Island National Museum is among New York City’s most renowned museums, and for excellent reason. Situated in the Upper Bay region of the Hudson River, this museum was once the first port of call for immigrants arriving in New York. Today, it offers a chance to retrace their footsteps.

• Opening times: 9:45 am until 4:45 pm
• Cost: $25
• Ellis Island Bridge, Jersey City, NJ 10280
• libertyellisfoundation.org

This museum is highly individual-focused and offers an invaluable look into social history, making it one of the best museums in NYC. It also provides a unique opportunity to pass by the Statue of Liberty for free.

6. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is a haven for contemporary artists. The collection is displayed in one of the city’s most beautiful exhibition spaces, making it a must-visit for aesthetics alone. Its famous ramp layout, widely shared on social media, provides a unique experience as you ascend from the floor to the skylight.

• Opening times: 11 am until 6 pm Sunday to Monday, 11 am until 8 pm on Saturdays
• Cost: $25. Get Your Tickets Here.
• 1071 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128
• www.guggenheim.org

Visiting the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is essential for anyone seeking iconic and diverse architecture in New York City.

7. Brooklyn Museum

The Brooklyn Museum is one of the best things to do in Brooklyn. This imposing Beaux-Arts landmark is the second-largest museum in the city, attracting visitors for its architecture and impressive exhibits. The museum contains around 500,000 objects revolving around world cultures and colonial legacies, including African art and Egyptian treasures.

• Opening times: 11 am until 6 pm Wednesday to Sunday
• Cost: $16 general admission, $25 for ticketed exhibitions, free entry on the first Saturdays of the month from February to August
• 200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11238
• www.brooklynmuseum.org

With its mix of a substantial permanent collection and a constant lineup of temporary exhibitions, the Brooklyn Museum presents a captivating and thought-provoking experience.

8. New York Transit Museum

Located in a former 1936 subway station, the New York Transit Museum allows visitors to immerse themselves in transit history. Featuring vintage subway cars and immersive exhibits, the museum caters to those interested in New York’s unique transit history.

The New York Transit Museum is ideal for a half-day activity. It typically requires around two hours, making it easy to fit into a busy New York itinerary.

• Opening times: 10 am until 4 pm Thursday to Sunday
• Cost: $10
• 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10001
• www.nytransitmuseum.org

9. Rubin Museum of Art

The Rubin Museum of Art offers a niche experience focused on Himalayan art, featuring exhibits from Tibet and Bhutan. This museum serves as a beautiful ode to the artistic history of this region.

Moreover, the Rubin Museum runs various events, including mindfulness classes and Buddhist exhibitions. Allocate a two-hour block in your schedule to enjoy this museum.

• Opening times: 11 am until 5 pm from Thursday to Sunday, with 11 am until 10 pm on Fridays.
• Cost: $20
• 150 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011
• rubinmuseum.org

10. Tenement Museum

The Tenement Museum offers guests a unique experience centered on working-class history through a series of 19th to 20th-century recreated tenement apartments. The museum’s authenticity captures the diverse stories of each family that lived there.

• Opening times: 10 am until 6 pm
• Cost: $30
• 103 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
• www.tenement.org

11. Whitney Museum of American Art

The Whitney Museum of American Art stands out among the many art galleries in New York City. It exclusively features American artwork from the 20th and 21st centuries. Many artists represented are still living, giving it a unique modern atmosphere.

Located in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, the museum has both permanent and rotating exhibitions, ensuring there’s always something fresh to see. Visitors will appreciate its corporate yet bizarre design.

• Opening times: 10:30 am until 6 pm Wednesday to Monday, 10:30 am until 10:00 pm on Fridays.
• Cost: $25. Get Your Skip-the-Line Tickets Here.
• 99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014
• whitney.org

12. Jewish Museum

The Jewish Museum is one of the best museums in New York City for experiencing Jewish culture. It offers a documentation of Jewish history and traditions through various exhibits. Its creative approach to showcasing art represents personal experiences and narratives.

• Opening times: 11 am until 8 pm on Thursdays, 11 am until 6 pm Friday to Monday
• Cost: $18 but free on Saturdays
• 1109 5th Ave &, E 92nd St, New York, NY 10128
• thejewishmuseum.org

13. American Folk Art Museum

This museum is a celebration of self-taught artists and American folk art. Exhibits range from powerful watercolors to intricate tapestries, offering a candid look at artistic processes and authentic creativity.

• Opening times: 11:30 am until 6 pm
• Cost: Free
• 2 Lincoln Square, New York, NY 10023
• www.folkartmuseum.org

14. Museum of Broadway

The Museum of Broadway offers an immersive experience focused on Broadway’s past, present, and future. Visitors can explore galleries filled with costumes and memorabilia while enjoying the ambiance of theatrical history.

• Opening times: 9:30 am until 6:30 pm from Sunday to Friday, and 9:30 am until 8 pm on Saturdays
• Cost: $25. Get Your Tickets here.
• 145 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
• www.themuseumofbroadway.com

15. Morgan Library & Museum

Welcome to Morgan Library & Museum, a stunning haven for bibliophiles. Featuring walnut bookshelves and extravagant interiors, wandering through its reading rooms is a serene way to spend hours in New York.

• Opening times: 11 am to 5 pm Wednesday to Sunday
• Cost: $22
• 225 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016
• www.themorgan.org

16. New York Historical Society

The New York Historical Society is renowned for documenting American history comprehensively. As New York’s first museum since its founding in 1804, it offers a vast array of exhibits and an extensive research library.

• Opening times: 9am until 5 pm Monday to Friday
• Cost: $22
• 170 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024
• www.nyhistory.org

17. New Museum

The New Museum is a contemporary art gallery known for its striking architecture. Designed like stacked building blocks, its three levels of exhibits are ideal for art enthusiasts seeking a relaxed atmosphere.

• Opening times: Closed Mondays, 11 am until 6 pm Tuesday until Wednesday, and 11 am until 9 pm on Thursdays
• Cost: $20
• 235 Bowery, New York, NY 10002
• www.newmuseum.org

18. The Skyscraper Museum

The Skyscraper Museum, unique in its focus, documents New York’s journey to becoming the world’s foremost vertical metropolis. With free admission and a prime location in Battery Park, it’s a great way to learn about New York’s iconic skyline.

• Opening times: 12 pm until 6 pm Wednesday to Saturday
• Cost: Free timed entry
• 39 Battery Pl, New York, NY 10280
• skyscraper.org

These best museums in NYC should keep you engaged for at least four days. New York City is truly a museum city, and you do not want to miss out on its rich exhibitions during your stay. Gaining knowledge about New York through its museums provides a deeper understanding of what makes the city so iconic.

Planning Your Trip To NYC Right Now?

Don’t forget to plan ahead when visiting New York City!

Top Museum Tickets And Tours in NYC:

• 9/11 Memorial Museum Admission Ticket (Most Popular in NYC)
• American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket (Our Favorite)
• The Museum of Modern Art Admission Ticket (Likely to Sell Out)
• Go City: New York Explorer Pass (Best Deal)

Whether you visit the Smithsonian museums or the Morgan Library, these best museums will keep you entertained and challenge you intellectually. Looking for more adventures for your stay in New York City? Here is our ultimate five-day itinerary.

Plan Your Next Trip to NYC With These Resources

• Where to Stay in New York City – Top Places and Hotels For All Budgets
• 3 Perfect hotels in Times Square
• 6 Tips to Make the Most of Your New York City Photography
• Tips for Visiting The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
• Things to do in Lake Placid, New York
• 15 Fun Facts about New York City
• New York City Itinerary – 5 Days in New York