When you’re visiting The Big Apple, you’ll want to make time to visit some of the best museums in New York. From ancient artefacts to the wonders of the world, there’s a range of museums that tick all the boxes. You can buy a New York City Pass, which includes free entry to many of the museums we’ve listed. You can even visit some museums for free on certain days; see our recommendations below. Read on to find out all you need to know before your trip to New York.
Best museums in New York: Art
From modern art galleries to museums housing ancient relics, New York’s got the lot. Make space in your itinerary to visit two popular art museums in the city and get your trip off to a flying start.
The Museum of Modern Art
One of the most well-known museums in the world, The Museum of Modern Art always has a place on our list of the best museums in New York. Located on West 53rd Street, it’s open during the week from 10:30 am until 5:30 pm, except for Saturdays when it’s open until 7 pm. Inside the museum, you can enjoy a range of modern art and spectacular exhibitions. The collection of art is ever-evolving, currently containing more than 200,000 works.
It’s the ideal place to visit in The Big Apple if you’re with children, as audio and activity guides are available for the kids. There are also lots of interactive spaces to keep their curious minds busy. During your trip to The Museum of Modern Art, you can use the facilities, which include The Modern Bar Room; here, you can grab a bite to eat and a drink before you continue your exploration of fascinating art.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Another of the best museums in New York is The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which opened in 1880 right next to the iconic Central Park. Inside, you can take a step back in time and admire t art and artefacts dating back over 5000 years. With over 2 million objects on view, including the Ancient Egyptian Temple of Dendur, you’ll want to block off a few hours for your visit. The museum is open during the week from 10 am to 5 pm.
If you’re with kids, you can make use of all the learning resources the museum has to offer to ensure that their visit is as educational as it is fun. With workshop and audio guides available, the museum offers a great family day out. The Eatery allows you to take a breather from the riveting art collection; fuel up here before heading back into the museum to take in more great pieces of art.
Best museums in New York: History
If you want to immerse yourself in times gone by, New York has some awesome history museums that will make for a memorable occasion. From natural history to cultural history, there’s something for everyone.
American Museum of Natural History
One of the best museums in New York to visit if you’re into history is the American Museum of Natural History. Discover the wide range of species that have existed (and exist) on our planet. From a range of extinct and endangered species to the world of sharks, you can peruse intriguing exhibitions to learn more about our fascinating planet. Located close to Central Park, it’s easy to get to this enthralling museum. It’s open between 10 am and 5:30 pm from Wednesday to Sunday, so if you want to take a trip to this museum, it’ll have to be later in the week.
There are lots of family programmes that you can take advantage of when travelling with kids. From adventure classes to science camps, the museum values the importance of making natural history accessible to the younger generation. There is also a food court where you can sit down to break up the day. A wide selection of food is available for all dietary requirements.
New York Historical Society
If it’s thought-provoking history you’re after, then a trip to the New York Historical Society is a must. One of the best museums in New York, it’s located between 76th and 77th Streets near Central Park. The first museum in New York where you can experience 400 years of history in the form of exhibits, immersive films and outstanding collections. It is open between 11 am and 5 pm from Wednesday to Sunday, except for Friday when the doors stay open until 8 pm; you need to prepare your trip in advance and purchase timed-entry tickets to ensure you can fit this museum into your itinerary.
A great educational experience for all, there are special programmes, like ‘Little New-Yorkers’, that your children will love. You can also enjoy a coffee or a bite to eat inside the museum at Storico Restaurant, a seasonally inspired food establishment. Between 6 pm and 8 pm on Fridays, you can pay an entry fee of your choosing.
Best museums in New York: Science
Get your thinking hats on at the best museums in New York for science. Get answers to your questions, or take an immersive trip through planet earth at our two favourite interactive museums.
New York Hall of Science
If it’s science you’re interested in, you won’t want to miss out on a visit to the New York Hall of Science; it’s a great place for you to go if you want to question the status quo. With a selection of science exhibits, 3D movies, and programmes, you’ll be able to explore some answers, change your way of thinking and come up with new questions. It’s also the perfect place to inspire the younger generation, as there are lots of interactive events for your kids to enjoy.
Located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, the museum is open between 2 pm and 5 pm on Fridays and 10 am to 5 pm on weekends. Inside the museum, you can take advantage of the café facilities to keep you refreshed before you continue your quest for answers.
Arcadia Earth
Immerse yourself in one of the most technologically advanced museums in New York, Arcadia Earth. It provides an augmented reality experience that takes you through the history of planet earth. With striking exhibitions that look into climate change and sustainability, it’s a museum that is sure to leave its mark. Located in the Noho district of New York, you’ll be able to visit this inspiring museum between the hours of 2 pm and 8 pm on weekdays, except on Tuesdays when it’s closed. Weekend opening hours are from 10 am to 8 pm.
Best museums in New York: Best of the rest
Apart from art, history and science, there’s a variety of other museums that you will want to add to your itinerary. From the tragic events of 9/11 to the history of the New York subway, you can easily find out plenty about the history of this city.
The National September 11 Memorial Museum
A museum that looks back at the tragic September 11 attacks on the Twin Towers in New York, The National September 11 Memorial Museum documents the impact of the day itself and those that followed. With an exhibition that honours those that were killed during the attack, it’s a great place to go to show your respects and to learn more about how the events unfolded. Located at the World Trade Centre, you can visit the museum during the hours of 10 am to 5 pm from Thursday to Monday, with free entry via the website on Mondays.
The New York Transit Museum
Last but not least is the New York Transit Museum, which is devoted to the growth, development and impact of public transport in the city. Located in a decommissioned subway station at 99 Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn, you can visit it on Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 11 am and 4 pm. Inside you’ll find a great collection of subway-related artefacts, as well as restored historic subway cars.
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