New York City is home to some of the best museums in the world. From the Met’s ancient Egyptian galleries to MoMA’s iconic modern art collection, the city offers something for every kind of visitor. Whether you have one afternoon or a full week, this guide will help you plan your museum visits — and make the most of every hour.
Museum Mile: Where the Best Museums in New York City Begin
The stretch of Fifth Avenue from 82nd to 105th Street is known as Museum Mile. It runs along the eastern edge of Central Park. Here, you’ll find six world-class museums within walking distance of each other. It’s the best place to begin any serious museum visit in New York City.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art — simply called “the Met” — is one of the largest art museums in the world. Its collection spans 5,000 years of human creativity across dozens of galleries. Wandering through the Egyptian Wing feels like stepping back 3,000 years. The Temple of Dendur alone makes the visit worthwhile.
The Met sits at the top of the Upper East Side, one of Manhattan’s most elegant neighbourhoods. Allow a full day here. The arms and armour gallery, the European paintings, and the rooftop sculpture garden each reward a slow visit. There is no rushing the Met.
Opening times: Sunday–Thursday 10am–5pm; Friday–Saturday 10am–9pm
Admission: Suggested donation for adults; children under 12 enter free
Tip: Arrive at opening to beat the crowds in the Egyptian Wing.
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Guggenheim building, which opened in 1959. The spiral ramp is as much an attraction as the art inside. The permanent collection includes Kandinsky, Picasso, and Klee, while the rotating exhibitions tend to be among the most talked-about in New York.
Don’t miss the view from the ground floor, looking straight up the spiral as visitors drift through the galleries. It’s one of the most striking architectural sights in the city.
Opening times: Sunday–Friday 11am–6pm; Saturday 11am–8pm
Admission: Adults around $25; children under 12 free
The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
The Cooper Hewitt is unlike every other museum on Museum Mile. It’s the only museum in the United States dedicated entirely to design. The collection covers wallpaper, product design, textiles, and digital media. Interactive exhibits let you use a digital pen to draw directly onto the galleries and save your designs.
The immersion room is the highlight — a fully interactive space where you can project your own designs onto the walls. It’s completely free once you’re inside.
Opening times: Sunday–Friday 10am–5pm; Saturday 10am–6pm; closed Tuesday
Admission: Adults around $20; under-18s free
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The best museums in New York are not limited to Fifth Avenue. Manhattan’s other boroughs have world-class collections that most visitors completely overlook.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
MoMA sits in Midtown Manhattan, a short walk from Times Square. It holds one of the finest collections of modern and contemporary art anywhere in the world. Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans, and a Picasso collection that takes an afternoon to absorb are all here.
MoMA also has a wonderful outdoor sculpture garden — on warm days, it’s one of the most pleasant spots in Midtown. Book tickets online in advance. The main galleries get very busy on weekends.
Opening times: Thursday–Monday 10:30am–5:30pm; closed Tuesday–Wednesday
Admission: Adults around $30; under-16s free
The American Museum of Natural History
Few museums capture the imagination like the Natural History Museum. The dinosaur halls are legendary. The giant blue whale suspended from the ceiling of the Ocean Life hall is truly extraordinary — standing beneath it is one of those NYC moments you remember for years.
The museum borders Central Park. A morning at the museum followed by an afternoon walk through the park makes for a wonderful full day. The Rose Center for Earth and Space, which connects to the museum, is spectacular in its own right.
Opening times: Daily 10am–5:30pm
Admission: Adults around $28; children (3–12) around $16
Tip: Arrive early. This is one of New York’s most popular attractions.
The Brooklyn Museum
Don’t overlook Brooklyn for museums. The Brooklyn Museum is one of the largest art museums in the United States. The Egyptian collection here is second only to the Met’s in New York. The museum also holds an outstanding feminist art collection and regular free evenings that draw lively local crowds.
Pair a visit with a walk through Brooklyn’s best neighbourhoods. Prospect Park is right next door, and Park Slope is one of the most beautiful residential streets in the city.
Opening times: Wednesday–Sunday 11am–6pm; closed Monday–Tuesday
Admission: Suggested donation around $20; first Saturdays include free late-night entry
Free and Low-Cost Museum Options
New York’s museums can be expensive. The good news is that several world-class options are free or pay-what-you-wish on specific days. Check each museum’s website before you visit — free evenings fill up quickly and some require timed entry tickets even when free.
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Pay-what-you-wish for New York State residents and students from the tri-state area
- The Museum of Arts and Design: Free Thursday evenings from 6pm
- The Noguchi Museum (Queens): Free on the first Friday of every month
- The Museum of the City of New York: Suggested donation; children under 12 always free
- The Whitney Museum of American Art: Free Friday evenings
For a full list of free activities across the city — including parks, viewpoints, and free neighbourhood walks — take a look at our complete guide to free things in New York City.
Planning Your Museum Visits: Practical Tips
How Much Time Do You Need?
The Met and the Natural History Museum each deserve a full day on their own. MoMA and the Guggenheim can each be covered well in two to three hours. The Brooklyn Museum works as a half-day trip combined with exploring the surrounding neighbourhood.
If your schedule is tight, choose based on your interests:
- Art lovers: The Met + MoMA + Guggenheim
- Families with children: Natural History Museum + Central Park
- Design and architecture fans: Cooper Hewitt + MoMA
- Off-the-beaten-path visitors: Brooklyn Museum + Noguchi Museum in Queens
Getting to the Museums
Most Manhattan museums are easy to reach by subway. The Met, Guggenheim, and Cooper Hewitt are all a short walk from the 4, 5, or 6 train at 86th Street. MoMA is best reached from the E or M train at Fifth Avenue–53rd Street. The Brooklyn Museum is served by the 2 or 3 train at Eastern Parkway.
If you’re new to the subway, our complete NYC transport guide covers every major line in plain English.
Museum Passes
The New York City Explorer Pass and the New York Pass both cover multiple museums for a single fee. If you plan to visit three or more paid museums within a week, a pass can save you a significant amount. Compare the included museums against your planned itinerary before you buy — the value varies depending on which museums you intend to visit.
If you’re working out your overall budget for the trip, our New York City travel budget guide breaks down typical costs for accommodation, food, and attractions.
Museums as a Rainy Day Plan
New York’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in spring and autumn. Museums are one of the best rainy-day activities in the city. Even a damp afternoon feels worthwhile when you’re standing in front of a Van Gogh. If you’re building a 3-day New York itinerary, it’s worth keeping a museum as a flexible option on each day — one that can absorb a few extra hours if outdoor plans get rained off.
FAQ: Best Museums in New York City
What is the best museum to visit in New York City?
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is widely considered the best museum in New York City. It holds an extraordinary collection spanning thousands of years of art and history. For modern art specifically, MoMA is the standout choice among the best museums in New York City.
How much does it cost to visit museums in New York City?
Admission at most major New York City museums ranges from around $20 to $30 for adults. The Met operates on a pay-what-you-wish model for New York State residents. Several museums offer free entry on specific evenings each month — check the official website before you visit.
Is the Guggenheim worth visiting in New York?
Yes — the Guggenheim is worth visiting for the building alone. Frank Lloyd Wright’s spiral design is one of the most distinctive pieces of architecture in the United States. The permanent collection of modern art and the regularly changing exhibitions add further depth to the visit.
How do I get to Museum Mile in New York City?
Museum Mile runs along Fifth Avenue on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Take the 4, 5, or 6 subway to 86th Street to reach the Met and Guggenheim. The entire mile is walkable — the stretch along Central Park is a pleasant walk even between museums.
Are there free museums in New York City?
Yes. Several of New York’s best museums offer free entry on specific days or at specific times. The Met offers pay-what-you-wish entry for New York State residents. MoMA, the Guggenheim, the Whitney, and the Brooklyn Museum all have regular free evenings throughout the year.
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