The 14 Most Exciting Museums In New York City
September 28, 2021·In: Best of NYC
Home to 83 museums , its safe to say theres no shortage of great museums in New York City to choose from.
Picking the right one to visit during your time in NYC can feel overwhelming, but thats where I come in.
I live in New York City and hold memberships to a handful of the museums I mention below. I love starting Sunday mornings at museums, so you can believe me when I tell you Ive seen so many great exhibits over the years.
But in a sea of options, its nice to have some advice so allow me to share the NYC museums you simply cant miss during your first visit. If helpful, Ill also add some museums you should check out if you have extra time.
Best Museums In New York City
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The sheer number of museums and cultural institutions in New York can boggle the mindit doesn’t have just world-class museums spanning neighborhoods from the Upper East Side all the way to the Lower East Side it has entire neighborhoods, like Chelsea, dedicated to smaller galleries. With specialties ranging from Chinese, Hispanic, and Jewish art to photography, natural history, and cutting-edge contemporary, theres truly something for any interestall you have to do is decide what that is. We’ve got you covered no matter what you’re interested in with our list of the best museums in New York City.
Central Park Summer Family Activities
When New Yorks summer temperatures surge, Central Park is a welcome retreat. Cool down with a popsicle purchase from a park vendor. For a more substantial meal, youll probably want to pack a lunch since there are very few spots to buy meals within Central Park.
Picnickers on Sheep Meadow in Central Park
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Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum
Home to an impressive collection of of military vessels of the sea and sky, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City is a must-see for any military enthusiast or history buff.
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is considered one of the 10 best aviation museums in the world, reason alone to visit!
More than 1 million annual visitors choose to visit this museum to explore the exciting collection of real WWII fighter planes, aircraft carriers, a submarine used during the Cold War, supersonic jet and the NASA space shuttle Enterprise.
Allow up to 2-3 hours for the plethora of interactive displays and exhibits, this is not a NYC museum experience youll want to rush.
Address: Pier 86, W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre
Another amusing indoor activity in Central Park for children is the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, which puts on amazing and affordable performances throughout the year.
Be sure to check out the Central Park event calendar, no matter what time of year you visit!
Statue of Liberty and New York City skyline
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New York City: Central Park 2 Hour Electric Scooter Tour
Meet your guide at the meeting point then head into the park for a scooter safety briefing. Once youre ready, hop onboard your electric scooter and explore the world-famous Central Park.The first stop of the tour is the iconic Bethesda Fountain, also known as the Heart of New York City. Admire this beautiful fountain, then visit the park’s other famous landmarks including Cleopatra’s Needle, the Jackie Kennedy Reservoir, and the North Woods.Along the way, stop to take photographs while learning about the park and its impressive history from your knowledgeable guide. At the end of the tour, enjoy time to ask your guide any questions you have about the park, or for tips to enhance your stay in the Big Apple.
Discover More About This Tour
New York boasts amazing art collections both outdoors and indoors, and this combo tour will blend the best of the Metropolitan Museum of Art with a stroll through iconic Central Park. On this 5 hour semi-private tour welcoming up to 8 people, your energetic guide will introduce you to the worlds most famous swatch of greenery visiting an equally renowned museum. Theres no better way to maximize your time uptown than with this unforgettable experience. Youll have a break between the two visits, of course.
After a break for lunch, we head to Central Park. Designed to give New Yorkers a breath of fresh air. More than just green space, its also a venue for memorials and artwork honoring figures like Bolivar and Marti, as well as Balto and Hans Christen Andersen. As your enthusiastic young guide shares the parks history, youll cross the famous Gapstow Bridge on your way to the Central Park Zoo. You will follow the tree-lined Mall and discuss the literary figures memorialized in statues on either side. You will discover the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, sight of countless Hollywood moments. Cross Bow Bridge on your way to Strawberry Fields towards the Dakota to learn about John Lennons assassination at his memorial. Youll discover the resplendent restaurant, Tavern on the Green, before joining the locals in Sheep Meadow, where New Yorkers of all walks of life can get away from city life for a moment.
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The Metropolitan Museum Of Art
When we moved to NYC becoming members was a no-brainer. Weve been members for a little more than a year yet still find ourselves gravitating towards the MET on a weekly basis because theres so much to explore.
Founded in 1870, the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art is often considered the best museum in New York City and its not hard to see why.
With more than 2 million pieces of art spanning 5,000+ years, the Met is the largest museum in the country and the fifth largest museum in the world.
In fact, the MET is the most visited museum in New York City .
If you only have time to visit one museum in NYC, this is the one. Plus, its conveniently located within Central Park, so you dont have to go far out of your way to visit.
Swing by the museums rooftop, the Cantor Roof Garden, during your visit for sweeping views of Central Park.
Must see at the MET: Washington Crossing the Delaware, The Temple of Dendur, Vincent van Goghs Self Portrait with a Straw Hat and Monets Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies.
Address: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
/11 Memorial & Museum
Sometimes Im hesitant to mention a visit to the 9/11 Museum because its such an emotional experience . However, it truly is one of the best museums in New York City and definitely worth the visit, as long as you emotionally brace yourself.
The museum is located right next to the 9/11 memorial. Youll need to descend down an escalator to reach this NYC museum because its located beneath ground level.
The 9/11 Museum is thoughtfully made. They layout is clean so that your focus instantly latches on to the exhibits which are all so moving. The pace of the visit always feels rightfully slow, as visitors contemplate the gravity of the situation.
This experience is heartbreaking but important, I think everyone should see the 9/11 Museum as least once in their life. Its something you wont be able to forget.
Address: 180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007
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The Museum Of Modern Art
Home to world-renowned paintings like The Starry Night and Water Lilies in addition to works by Warhol, Basquiat and Dali, its no wonder the MoMA is constantly crowded with museum-goers.
You dont have to be an avid art connoisseur to appreciate the real-life paintings you grew up studying in school. The painting are well curated and displayed in a modern and airy environment for an experience anyone can enjoy.
Must see at MoMA: The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh, Andy Warhols Campbell Soup Cans, Frida Kahlos Self-Portrait with Cropped Hair, Monets Water Lilies, The Persistence of Memory by Dali, and Picassos work.
Address: 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
Victorian Gardens Amusement Park
If youre exploring Central Park with young children, then plan to spend time at Victorian Gardens. This adorable small theme park features sweet old-fashioned amusements. This spot is perfect for kids aged 2 to 12, with rides like the Mini Mouse Coaster and the Rainbowheel Ferris Wheel. Older siblings will appreciate a few carnival games onsite. Victorian Gardens typically opens on Memorial Day each year.
Row boats in Central Park
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Thomas J Watson Library
The Thomas J. Watson Library is the central library of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and supports the activities of staff and researchers. Watson Library’s collection contains approximately 900,000 volumes, including monographs and exhibition catalogs over 11,000 periodical titles and more than 125,000 auction and sale catalogs. The Library includes a reference collection, auction and sale catalogs, a rare book collection, manuscript items, and vertical file collections. The Library is accessible to anyone 18 years of age or older simply by registering online and providing a valid photo ID.
Medieval Museums And Archives In Nyc
The CloistersThe Cloisters LibraryColumbia University Rare Book and Manuscript LibraryDigital ScriptoriumMetropolitan Museum of ArtThomas J. Watson LibraryThe Onassis Library for Hellenic and Roman ArtAntonio Ratti Textile Center and Reference LibraryNew York Public LibraryArchives and Manuscripts DivisionRenaissance and medieval manuscripts collectionArabic manuscripts collectionArmenian manuscripts collectionOld Irish manuscripts undatedRegistration The Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal Map Division
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Here Are Two Of Our Favorite Fifth Avenue Art Museums:
This very popular museum, located on an aircraft carrier is very engaging. Things to do near central park on tripadvisor: Many of the best museums in new york city stand on manhattan’s fifth avenue, across the street from central park. Part of penn state university, collection includes american and european art, contemporary european and japanese studio ceramics, asian art, objects from ancient european, african, and near eastern cultures palmerton area heritage center: This is one of the top museums in the world and its collection of over two million works includes pieces from several different periods in human history. 27 things to do in central park. While we offer many different guided central park tours, we know that many travelers prefer to explore on their own at their own pace. Located on the 9th floor of the museum of arts and design in columbus circle, robert restaurant offers spectacular views of central park. Restaurants near central bank museum: Museum of the city of new york The tree lined walk down the side of central park is also a nice treat. With the life quality index, or lqi, we make it a lot easier to decide which place is better to live. With the life quality index, or lqi, we make it a lot easier to decide which place is better to live.
List Of Museums In New York
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This list of museums in New York is a list of museums, defined for this context as institutions that collect and care for objects of cultural, artistic, scientific, or historical interest and make their collections or related exhibits available for public viewing. Museums that exist only in cyberspace are not included. Also included are non-profit art centers and galleries.
The following museums are in New York but their lists are maintained separately:
Museums in New York State besides those in NYC, Long Island, or universities are:
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New York City: Central Park Bicycle Rental
Explore New York City by bike with this rental package. Rent a bike from NYC’s largest bike rental and bike touring company. Located in Central Manhattan, right next to Central Park, it is easy to explore one of New York’s most popular attractions and premier biking area. All bikes are a late model for the current year. Your rental includes the bicycle, a helmet, a bike lock and optional front and rear lights if you will be riding at night. You can also add bike baskets and water at the rental store. The bike shop is located near Central Park, in a location which makes it very easy and convenient for you to pick-up and drop off your bike.
Loeb Boathouse Row Boats And Lakeside Restaurant
Rent a row boat from the Loeb Boathouse and paddle about while taking in the Central Park scenery from the water. Boats are available for rent April through November, weather permitting.
Also located at the Loeb Boathouse, the Lakeside Restaurant features indoor and al fresco fine-dining April through late October. Its one of the only places to eat in Central Park and even offers a childrens menu. Reservations are recommended.
Miniature boats on Conservatory Water
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The Morgan Library & Museum
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a multimillionaire? Lets take it a step further, are you also a bookworm who knows how to appreciate rare books? If yes, then I have the spot for you.
The Morgan Library & Museum allows visitors to step inside the private library of J.P. Morgan, equipped with three floors of metal-enclosed walnut bookshelves, the fact that Morgan made this public after his death bewilders and excites me immensely.
Inside the confines of this breathtaking library is one of the original copies of the Declaration of Independence, handwritten score from Bach, and a plethora of books worth more than some of us will make in a lifetime.
Must see: Henry David Thoreau, Frederick Douglass letter to his former master Hugh Auld, Johann Sebastian Bachs Prelude and Fugue in B Minor and Morgans vault.
Address: 225 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016
Image courtesy: Graham Haber
Museums Near Central Park
Museums Near Central Park. Things to do near the museum of modern art on tripadvisor: The businesses listed also serve surrounding cities and neighborhoods including new york ny, brooklyn ny, and long island.
Hotels near central park hotels near the national 9/11 memorial & museum hotels near empire state building hotels near top of the rock hotels near the high line hotels near times square hotels near the metropolitan museum of art hotels near grand central terminal hotels near statue of liberty hotels near broadway While we offer many different guided central park tours, we know that many travelers prefer to explore on their own at their own pace. Welcome to the morse museum. 27 things to do in central park. The businesses listed also serve surrounding cities and neighborhoods including new york ny, brooklyn ny, and long island.
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The Rink At Rockefeller Center Things To Do In New York
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Life Quality Index You Want To Know What Is The Best Place To Live
Located on the 9th floor of the museum of arts and design in columbus circle, robert restaurant offers spectacular views of central park. Many of the best museums in new york city stand on manhattan’s fifth avenue, across the street from central park. Art museum · central park · 55 tips and reviews. They also appear in other related business categories including tourist information & attractions, places of interest, and art galleries, dealers & consultants. The museum offers a mix of rotating exhibits, ranging from the spicy and fun, to the political and motivating. American museum of natural history Museum of the city of new york With the life quality index, or lqi, we make it a lot easier to decide which place is better to live. If you are in new york for a short stay and need to cram in lots of sightseeing, museum mile is a must. Main courses run from $29 to $39. See 1,028,193 reviews and 92,724 candid photos of things to do near the museum of modern art in new york city, new york. You’ll leave either wanting to dance the salsa or change the world. Restaurants near central bank museum:
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Fairytales With Hans Christian Andersen
Families will also want to visit the Hans Christian Andersen statue. On Saturdays during summer, gather around the sculpture at 11 am to hear Andersens beloved stories like Ugly Duckling, The Princess and the Pea, Thumbelina and more. Check the story time schedule before you go.
Discover Kits for kids in Central Park
