The streets of NYC are lined with incredible galleries and museums, fully reflecting its status as a hub of culture and artistic expression. No matter your taste, New York City will have something to suit it.
From hallowed halls that provide a thorough overview of the history of art to niche museums devoted to specific centuries, regions, or genres, the Big Apple has you covered. Discover your joy in art as we showcase the best museums in the city that never sleeps.
1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Best for all-day entertainment
With a permanent collection of more than two million objects spanning 5000 years of art history, this museum is a treasure trove worth exploring. It offers a variety of visiting exhibitions that showcase works from around the globe, making it a perfect spot to immerse yourself in art for an entire day.
The museum opens early and has late evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays, allowing visitors to maximize their browsing time. Amenities such as comfy benches, phone charging outlets, information booths, and a delightful café ensure that you can enjoy an art marathon without needing to leave until closing time.
2. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Best indoor-outdoor experience
Recognized as one of the most significant modern art museums globally, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is an essential experience. Galleries spread across multiple levels, with a central atrium offering a unique view from every floor. Sound installations enhance the immersive experience, and the outdoor sculpture garden showcases rotating works from renowned artists.
3. The Rubin Museum of Art
Best for Asian and Eurasian art
Located in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, this museum focuses exclusively on the art of Eurasia, Central Asia, India, and the Himalayas. The extensive Himalayan collection emphasizes Tibetan culture and features thangkas (cloth paintings), votive objects, statues, and more.
The museum offers free entry every Friday evening, creating a vibrant atmosphere with live music and drinks, making it a great kickoff to your weekend plans. Frequent new installations provide reasons to return and engage with the art.
4. The Whitney Museum of American Art
Best for a downtown adventure
This museum is perfectly situated for a cultural fix while exploring the West Village, Meatpacking District, High Line, and Hudson River Park neighborhoods. Known for its phenomenal permanent art collection, the Whitney covers American creativity from the late 19th century to the present day.
The diverse range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and video art, is enhanced by a focus on residing artists, providing a fresh and dynamic atmosphere. Admission is complimentary on Friday evenings and the second Sunday of every month, making it an affordable outing.
5. The Met Cloisters
Best for medieval art
For those who appreciate medieval history, The Met Cloisters is a unique gem. With an assortment of ancient objects like hand-carved wooden panels and exquisitely woven tapestries, there’s much to marvel at. This museum offers a tranquil space for contemplation and admiration of historical art.
6. The Leslie Lohman Museum of Art
Best LGBTIQ+ art museum
This neighborhood gallery in Manhattan’s Soho is lesser-known but undeniably impactful. Housing over 22,000 works by historical and contemporary LGBTIQ+ artists, its collection boasts iconic contributions from artists like Andy Warhol and Robert Mapplethorpe.
Situated on a quaint cobblestone street, this museum serves as an essential community hub, displaying significant and varied cultural narratives.
7. The American Museum of Natural History
Best for families
This engaging museum caters to anyone interested in the natural world, making it particularly enjoyable for families. With exhibitions that captivate children and adults alike, this vast space includes a planetarium and an extensive library, all supported by a dedicated team of scientists.
Its mission to educate about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe resonates throughout the museum. Notably, admission is “pay as you wish” for local residents, making it an accessible family outing.
8. Nicola Vassel Gallery
Best new gallery
This contemporary gallery, opened in early 2021, features an enticing collection of works by talented contemporary artists. Curators strive to spark imaginative conversations about both art history and its future through innovative exhibits.
As a respected art dealer and curator, Nicola Vassell ensures that this gallery stands at the forefront of the New York art scene.
Explore more cultural gems in NYC:
Plan your visit to discover unique experiences throughout New York City, where each museum reveals new artistic perspectives and cultural insights.
This article was first published on Oct 30, 2021, and updated on Apr 11, 2024.
