New York best museums: 15 most famous & must visit museums in New York

Have you visited America’s cultural center yet? Want to experience American art and history in a different way? Discover these 15 New York best museums & top museums in New York, most famous & must visit museums in New York in this article!

New York has long been known as the world’s “museum paradise,” a melting pot of art, history, and human culture. From classic masterpieces at The Metropolitan Museum of Art to unique experiences at Intrepid Sea, each museum offers a distinct perspective, captivating anyone who visits.

Below is a list of 15 museums in New York worth visiting once in a lifetime, suitable for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a unique cultural experience.

Must visit museums in New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) – A World Art Icon

The Met is not just a museum, but a true journey through time. The moment you step through the grand entrance on Fifth Avenue, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a miniature city of art, where over 2 million works tell the story of humanity over millennia.

From exquisitely beautiful Greek and Roman statues, European art galleries showcasing masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, and Rembrandt, to the American Wing with its nearly perfectly restored antique interiors, everything is enough to make you linger in each room for a long time.

New York CityPASS®

The Met is so vast that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, so allocate at least half a day and make a list of the rooms you want to see to avoid getting lost. After a few hours of walking, a coffee in the museum or a stroll around the gift shop with art books, posters, and exquisite souvenirs would be a pleasant break.

New York The Metropolitan Museum of Art Guided and Self-Guided Tour

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)

• Address: 1000 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10028, intersection of 82nd St
• Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday 10:00 – 17:00; Friday, Saturday 10:00 – 21:00; Wednesday closed

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – Contemporary Art

MoMA is famous for its collection of modern and contemporary art, from Picasso, Van Gogh, Pollock to female artists and artists of color. The gallery area is divided by period, making it easy for visitors to follow the development of art. Many people choose to visit MoMA on Friday evenings to get free admission and avoid peak hours. The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden and the architecture and design rooms are usually less crowded, offering a quiet space to admire the art.

The Museum of Modern Art Ticket in New York

Museum of Modern Art (Moma)

• Address: 11 West 53rd Street, New York, NY 10019, USA.
• Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday, Saturday, Sunday 10:30 – 17:30; Friday 10:30 – 20:30

American Museum of Natural History – Biology & Space

The American Museum of Natural History is a treasure trove of knowledge, displaying over 33 million artifacts on animals, plants, minerals, fossils, and human culture. Highlights include the Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil, the 94-foot-long blue whale, and the Hayden Planetarium.

American Museum of Natural History Ticket

Visitors often spend the morning exploring the main halls such as the North American Mammals, the Cullman Cosmos, and the deep-sea microbial world. Virtual reality experiences and temporary exhibits offer a vivid viewing experience. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a map, as the vast space requires hours of walking.

American Museum of Natural History

• Address: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024
• Opening Hours: Monday – Wednesday 10:00 – 17:30, Friday – Sunday 9:00 – 17:30, Thursday closed

Madame Tussauds New York

Madame Tussauds offers a unique entertainment experience with wax figures of Hollywood stars, musicians, politicians, and Marvel superheroes. Choose the All Inclusive package to enjoy Marvel 4D, Clown Chaos 7D, wax photo creation, and Fast Track, saving you time in line. The five-story museum is always bustling, giving you the feeling of stepping into a vibrant entertainment world. Don’t forget to stop by the interactive areas to experience taking photos with “celebrities.”

Madame Tussauds New York

Madame Tussauds New York

• Address: 234 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036, USA
• Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday 10:00 – 19:00, Friday – Saturday 10:00 – 21:00

Explore Contemporary Art at Arte Museum

Arte Museum is not like a museum in the way you usually imagine, but rather a space to “enter” art. From the moment you step inside, you will clearly feel the changes in light, sound, and even scent, all intentionally arranged to awaken the senses. Here, you don’t stand and look at the artwork from afar, but become a part of it.

The Eternal Nature exhibition is a highlight not to be missed. You’ll wander through illusory cascading waterfalls, constantly shifting flower gardens, and expansive oceanscapes, where light reflects off the walls, floors, and even your body.

Each space offers a different sensation, sometimes overwhelming, sometimes calming, as if stepping from one world to another. Arte Museum’s combination of slow-motion imagery, soothing background music, and subtle scents makes you almost forget the time.

Discover Contemporary Art at Arte Museum

• Address: 61 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011
• Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday 10:00 – 19:00; Friday – Sunday & Holidays 10:00 – 21:00

RiseNY Museum in New York – A Vivid Experience of Technology and Images

RiseNY Admission in New York

RISE NY, located right in the middle of Times Square, is a technology museum combining films, exhibitions, and a vivid 4D flying ride. Introduced through a video narrated by Jeff Goldblum, visitors then travel through 7 exhibition rooms on finance, music, Broadway… with exhibits such as a Beyoncé dress and a Springsteen piano.

The climax is the “flying theater”: suspended high above, an 8K 180° screen projects scenes of New York – the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park – accompanied by wind, mist, and the scents of the four seasons. The experience lasts approximately 45-90 minutes and is well worth a try.

RiseNY Museum in New York – A Vivid Experience of Technology and Images

• Address: 160 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, USA
• Opening Hours: Weekdays from 10:00–18:00 (depending on the exhibition, check beforehand)

9/11 Memorial Museum – A Place to Remember America’s Painful Memories

The 9/11 Memorial Museum is a place that naturally makes you slow down and listen, instead of just watching. Two reflecting pools are located exactly where the Twin Towers once stood, with water flowing into the deep void, evoking a very clear sense of loss. Inside the museum, rescue stories, last calls, personal artifacts, and documentary films are not displayed to shock, but to remind us that behind the tragedy were people with very real lives.

The National 9/11 Memorial Museum Ticket in New York

The memorial space outside provides the necessary tranquility. The Survivor Tree remains lush and green amidst the oak-shaded plaza, a silent symbol of rebirth. Leaving this place, you will not only gain a deeper understanding of the historical impact of 9/11, but also feel the strength, resilience, and enduring hope of New York.

9/11 Memorial Museum

• Address: 180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007
• Opening Hours: Weekdays (except Tuesdays) from 9:00–19:00, last entry 18:00

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum – Admire the Real Aircraft Carrier

The Intrepid Museum is not simply a museum, but an opportunity to step directly into American military and aviation history. The USS Intrepid aircraft carrier, which survived many fierce battles in World War II, now serves as a giant exhibition space in the middle of the Hudson River. Walking on the deck, looking at the array of fighter jets, helicopters, and even the NASA Enterprise space shuttle, you easily feel like you’re standing in the middle of a real air base.

The Intrepid Museum

The most captivating aspect is the “touch” of history: step into the cockpit, stand close to the Concorde, A-12, or Huey helicopters, and try a 4D flight simulator to feel the sensation of controlling an aircraft. The museum is large and has many levels of content, so you should buy tickets in advance and allocate about 3-4 hours to explore everything without rushing.

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

• Address: Pier 86, W46th St & 12th Ave, New York, NY 10036
• Opening Hours: Daily 10:00–17:00

Ellis Island Museum – History of American Immigration

The Ellis Island Museum is a living monument telling the story of American immigration through photographs, memorabilia, and historical records. Upon entering the Great Hall, the restored baggage handling and dormitory, visitors can clearly feel the hope and effort of millions who sought opportunity.

Interactive exhibits help you understand the migration process – from medical checks to waiting for paperwork. The museum also expands its theme to include periods before and after the Ellis era, showcasing the lasting impact of immigration. Each visitor feels a deeper respect for the arduous journey of previous generations and the diverse meaning of American identity.

Ellis Island Museum – History of American Immigration

• Address: Ellis Island, Jersey City, NJ 07305, USA (accessible by ferry from Battery Park, Manhattan)
• Opening Hours: Usually according to ferry schedule (check the Statue City Cruises website before you go)

Museum of Ice Cream in New York

The Museum of Ice Cream is a famous multi-sensory experience museum that combines colors, lights, sounds, and ice cream flavors to create a fun, selfie-friendly space for all ages. First opened in New York in 2016, MoIC quickly expanded with other locations in the US and Singapore.

Museum of Ice Cream Admission in New York

The exhibition includes unique interactive rooms such as the Sprinkle Pool and Chocolate Pool, along with personalized ice cream tasting experiences. In addition to on-site experiences, MoIC also develops its own ice cream brand and lifestyle products.

Museum of Ice Cream in New York

• Address: 558 Broadway, New York, NY10012
• Opening Hours: Monday – Wednesday, Sunday 10:00 – 19:00; Friday & Saturday 10:00 – 20:00; Thursday Closed

Brooklyn Museum – Multicultural Art

The Brooklyn Museum is one of the largest museums in New York with over 1.5 million works of art from Europe, Africa, the Americas, Japan, and the Near East. Opened in 1897, the museum is notable for its permanent exhibitions on ancient Egyptian art, American art, Asian art, and thematic galleries. Visitors can explore unique exhibitions such as Monet and Venice, Christian Marclay: Doors, along with interactive collections and diverse educational programs.

Brooklyn Museum – Multicultural Arts

• Address: 200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11238
• Opening Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Broadway Museum in New York – Discover Behind the Scenes of Famous Plays

Museum of Broadway Ticket in New York

The Broadway Museum, open on November 15, 2022, is an ideal destination to learn about the history and culture of New York’s famous musical theater. Through four exhibition rooms, visitors will experience from the first play in 1732 to the history of modern Broadway theater, with costumes, props, posters, and artifacts from classic musicals such as Hair, Oklahoma! or The Phantom of the Opera.

The backstage area recreates the preparation and performance scenes, allowing visitors to see the work of artists and technicians. The museum helps visitors gain a deeper understanding of the development and influence of Broadway – the heart of New York’s entertainment culture.

Broadway Museum in New York

• Address: 145 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, USA
• Opening Hours: Daily except Thursdays 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM; subject to event schedule

Spyscape Museum in New York

SPYSCOPE is a 60,000 ft² interactive museum where visitors experience the world of espionage and cybersecurity through 7 exhibition areas: Codes, Deception, Surveillance, Hacking, Cyber ​​Warfare, Special Operations, and Intelligence. Here, you can challenge your intellect, skills, and personality through SPYGAMES designed by CIA & Special Ops experts.

Additionally, there are special exhibits such as Driven: 007 x Spyscape, featuring Pierce Brosnan’s Aston Martin DB5 in GoldenEye. At the end of the tour, you receive your personal profile and unique spy role, making the visit a fascinating intellectual challenge and adventure.

Spyscape Spy Museum Ticket in New York

Spyscape Museum in New York

• Address: 928 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019
• Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Friday & Saturday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Museum of the City of New York – Explore the City’s History and Culture

The Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) is a history and art museum established in 1923, displaying over 1.5 million artifacts, from paintings, photographs, decorations, antique toys, to Broadway documents, reflecting the development of New York and its inhabitants.

Visitors can explore outstanding collections such as Timescapes, New York at Its Core, Songs of New York, or exhibitions on social activism with Activist New York. Some upcoming exhibitions include Chelsea Hotel depicted by Gingerbread, The Stettheimer Dollhouse in a New Light, Urban Stomp, and RR New York.

Museum of the City of New York Ticket

Museum of the City of New York

• Address: 1220 5th Ave, New York, NY 10029 (East corner of 103rd St)
• Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 – 17:00; Saturday & Sunday 10:00 – 18:00

Artechouse NYC: Beyond The Light in New York

ARTECHOUSE NYC transforms the space beneath Chelsea Market into a vibrant digital art center. SUBMERGE: Beyond the Render showcases 12 surreal 3D artworks by renowned artists such as Maciej Kuciara, Emily Yang, and FVCKRENDER, set to Zedd music. Interactive experiences, from meditative landscapes to anime mecha battles, are rendered using 18K distributed GPU technology. Visitors can explore more through the ARTECHOUSE XR app.

Artechouse NYC: Beyond the Light in New York

• Address: 439 W. 15th Street, Chelsea Market, New York, NY 10011
• Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday 12:00 – 19:00; Friday 12:00 – 20:00; Saturday 10:00 – 22:00.

Tip for Visiting Museums in New York

Here are a few tips to make your museum visit in New York complete and economical:

• Buy a New York CityPASS or New York museum combo ticket on Klook to save money when visiting multiple museums.
• Plan to visit 2–3 museums/day to avoid rushing.
• Some museums offer free admission on Friday afternoons, take advantage of this opportunity.
• Go early or late in the day to avoid crowds and dedicate at least half a day to major museums like The Met.
• Check temporary exhibition schedules in advance; many shows only run for a few months.
• Wear comfortable shoes as the tour often lasts for several hours.
• Pay attention to photography regulations; some areas prohibit or do not allow flash photography.
• Prepare a list of galleries you want to see beforehand to avoid overcrowding in the large space.

Frequently Asked Questions When Visiting Museums in New York

1. If I only have one day, which museum should I visit first?

I recommend starting with The Met to see its classic collection, then visiting MoMA if you enjoy modern art.

2. Do I need to book museum tickets in advance?

Absolutely. Some large museums like MoMA or the Met have limited admission, so booking online saves time and prevents tickets from selling out.

3. Are there any free or “pay-what-you-wish” museums?

Yes. For example, the American Folk Art Museum and The Bronx Museum are always free. Some museums, like MoMA, have “Free Fridays” on the first day of each month for NYC residents.

4. When is the best time to visit a museum to avoid crowds?

It’s best to go early in the morning or late in the day. Many museums are less crowded then, and the experience will be more comfortable. 5. Is there a way to save money when visiting multiple museums at once?

Yes, you can use the New York Pass or combo packages to save money when visiting multiple museums.

New York truly is the world’s “museum paradise,” a melting pot of classical art, diverse history, and contemporary culture. From the magnificent Met and the modern MoMA to unique museums like The Tenement Museum or the American Folk Art Museum, each offers a distinct experience, allowing you to explore the depth of culture and art in this vibrant city.

Save this list of museums in New York to enjoy the unique culture, art, and history of the “Big Apple.”

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to New York you can refer to

• Klook Pass New York City
• Aladdin Broadway Show Ticket in New York
• Summit One Vanderbilt Ticket
• LEGOLAND® New York Ticket
• The Lion King Broadway Show Ticket in New York
• 60 Minute Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Cruise in New York
• Empire State Building Ticket in New York
• New York Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours (Open-Top)
• The Edge Observation Deck Ticket in New York
• Top of the Rock Ticket in New York
• The Museum of Modern Art Ticket in New York
• One World Observatory Ticket in New York
• The National 9/11 Memorial Museum Ticket in New York
• Go City – New York Explorer Pass
• American Museum of Natural History Ticket in New York
• Spyscape Spy Museum Ticket in New York

Check out more US guide here.