Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of museums in NYC? You’re not alone—and that’s a good thing! From iconic giants like The Met to hidden gems like the International Center for Photography, this city is a playground for curious minds. Whether you’re an art aficionado, film buff, history lover, or science nerd, there’s a museum here that will absolutely blow your mind.
Take a deep dive into the past at the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn, or explore the magic of cinema at the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens. The best museums in NYC aren’t just about dusty exhibits—they’re immersive, inspiring, and surprisingly fun. So if you’re crafting your cultural itinerary and want more than just the obvious, we’ve got you covered. Let us guide you through unforgettable stops across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens that showcase the rich tapestry of this city’s artistic and historical heart.
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1. The Cloisters
Tucked within the peaceful expanse of Fort Tryon Park in northern Manhattan, The Met Cloisters offers a truly unique museum experience. As a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it’s the only museum in America solely devoted to the art and architecture of the Middle Ages. Built into a modern structure that thoughtfully incorporates five medieval-inspired cloisters, the museum overlooks the Hudson River and transports visitors to another time. Beyond its priceless collection, the museum’s tranquil gardens and scenic surroundings make it a restful retreat from the city. For those looking to explore the best museums in NYC with historical depth and natural beauty, The Cloisters is an unforgettable stop.
2. American Museum of Natural History
Spanning four city blocks across from Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History is one of the most iconic museums in NYC. Known globally for its vast natural science collections, it showcases everything from lifelike taxidermy and Native American cultural displays to an entire marine life hall anchored by a massive blue whale model.
The dinosaur floor, dominated by a towering Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton, is a major highlight. Its newest addition, the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation, opened in 2023 and features a state-of-the-art insectarium and vivarium. Designed by architect Jeanne Gang, its futuristic, cave-like architecture invites endless exploration—mirroring the boundless pursuit of knowledge.
3. Jewish Museum
Situated on New York’s Museum Mile, the Jewish Museum stands as the largest institution of its kind outside Israel. With a collection of over 30,000 pieces, it offers a comprehensive look at Jewish ceremonial art, archaeological finds, sculpture, and painting. Notable works include those by Marc Chagall, Man Ray, and Eva Hesse. The atmosphere is often peaceful and reflective, making it ideal for an unhurried visit. Bonus: it’s home to an outpost of the legendary Russ & Daughters, offering a taste of traditional Jewish cuisine alongside a rich cultural experience.
4. Madame Tussauds
Located in the heart of Times Square, Madame Tussauds is the most iconic wax museum NYC has to offer. Featuring over 220 lifelike wax figures, visitors can pose with celebrities, presidents, athletes, and Marvel superheroes. The Opening Night Party section is a fan favorite, where guests mingle with stars like Taylor Swift and Michael Jordan. The journey continues through five themed rooms, including a replica of the White House’s Oval Room.
Thrill-seekers can brave the SCREAM attraction with live actors. The Marvel Super Heroes 4D Experience brings characters like Hulk and Thor to life with immersive effects. The Cinema 4D theatre combines 3D visuals with wind, snow, and scents. Exhibits rotate seasonally, so no two visits are the same. Whether you’re snapping selfies or experiencing the Spirit of New York exhibit, Madame Tussauds delivers excitement for all ages. It’s truly one of the best museums in NYC for entertainment and celebrity encounters.
5. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is one of the most architecturally distinct museums in NYC, designed by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright. Unlike traditional museums, it features a spiraling central ramp that guides visitors upward through a sunlit rotunda under a glass dome. This unique design mirrors the creativity of the modern art housed within, including masterpieces by Kandinsky, Picasso, Klee, and Miró. The museum’s layout enhances the experience of viewing art in motion. For a refined meal, visitors can stop by The Wright, the museum’s award-winning American bistro.
6. Museum of the City of New York
Nestled in a stately Colonial-style building near Central Park’s northern edge, the Museum of the City of New York showcases the vibrant history of NYC’s five boroughs. Its vast collection of over 1.5 million items includes photographs, manuscripts, paintings, furniture, and decorative arts. Despite its historical richness, it remains one of the lesser-known museums in NYC, giving passionate visitors a quieter, more focused experience.
7. Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Set inside a magnificent 1902 Georgian mansion on the Upper East Side, Cooper Hewitt is among the most interactive and fun museums in NYC. The museum is home to over 200,000 design-related artifacts, from textiles and pottery to musical instruments and digital innovations. As part of the Smithsonian Institution, it’s both educational and awe-inspiring, with fewer crowds than nearby giants like the Met, making for a relaxed yet inspiring visit.
8. Neue Galerie New York
Housed in a luxurious 1914 Beaux-Arts mansion, the Neue Galerie is a hidden gem devoted to 19th- and 20th-century German and Austrian art. The museum’s collection includes paintings, sculpture, photography, and furniture, but its crown jewel is Gustav Klimt’s famed Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I. With rotating exhibits offering fresh perspectives on European modernism, the museum delivers a deep, culturally rich experience on every visit.
9. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Standing proudly along Fifth Avenue next to Central Park, The Metropolitan Museum of Art—often called “The Met”—has been a cultural anchor for nearly 150 years. With its iconic tiered steps, Gothic-Revival architecture, and vast interiors, the Met is a visual marvel before you even step inside. Once through the grand Great Hall, visitors can explore thousands of years of global history through art. Its expansive collection includes ancient artifacts, Renaissance paintings, and modern masterpieces. A must-see highlight is the Temple of Dendur, an awe-inspiring 2,000-year-old Egyptian temple displayed in its entirety. As one of the most enriching yet fun museums in NYC, The Met offers an unforgettable journey through human creativity and history.
10. El Museo del Barrio
El Museo del Barrio, located on the city’s famed Museum Mile, was established in the late 1960s by artist Raphael Montañez Ortiz and fellow Puerto Rican artists in response to the lack of Latinx representation in mainstream institutions. Today, it proudly celebrates Latin American and Caribbean culture through a powerful collection of over 6,500 works—ranging from Taino artifacts to contemporary sculpture, photography, and painting. This deeply personal yet globally resonant space stands out among museums in NYC for its cultural authenticity, vibrant exhibitions, and ongoing mission to uplift underrepresented voices.
11. Rubin Museum of Art
Located in Chelsea, the Rubin Museum of Art is one of the best museums in NYC for exploring Himalayan and Indian art. Housed in a 25,000-square-foot former Barneys building, the museum showcases a permanent collection of over 38,000 pieces spanning 1,500 years. Highlights include Buddhist sculptures, Nepalese wax metal casting displays, and mural reproductions from Tibet’s Lukhang Temple.
Temporary exhibits often feature photography and cultural festivals from Nepal and India. The museum offers guided tours twice daily, and its calm, uncrowded atmosphere makes it ideal for focused exploration. The spiral staircase adds visual drama, but elevators connect all seven floors. Don’t miss the gift shop featuring handmade Himalayan crafts, and definitely stop by Café Serai for authentic dishes like braised Biryani-style lamb shank or the Bay of Bengal cocktail. For those short on time, the “Gateway to Himalayan Art” exhibit provides an excellent starting point and overview of the museum’s rich cultural depth.
12. The Morgan Library & Museum
The Morgan Library & Museum is one of the most unique cultural spaces in New York, blending the roles of museum, library, landmark, and concert venue. Originally the personal library of financier J.P. Morgan, this architectural gem now houses priceless artifacts and rare literary treasures dating as far back as 4000 B.C.
Its remarkable collection includes one of only 23 original copies of the Declaration of Independence, Mozart’s handwritten Haffner Symphony score, and the only known manuscript of Milton’s Paradise Lost. You’ll also find Charles Dickens’s original A Christmas Carol and the collected works of Phillis Wheatley, a pioneering African American poet. With its breathtaking interiors, rotating exhibitions, and historic charm, the Morgan is a haven for literature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
13. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Located in Midtown Manhattan, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is one of the most iconic museums in NYC, known for its vast and thought-provoking collection of modern and contemporary art. Spanning 630,000 square feet, MoMA features masterpieces like Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Monet’s Water Lilies, and bold pieces by Duchamp and Warhol. Its newly expanded galleries host innovative temporary exhibits that spark dialogue on art, fashion, and culture.
With excellent accessibility, serene lounges, and top-tier dining—like the Michelin-starred restaurant The Modern—MoMA sets a high bar for museum experiences. Don’t miss the MoMA Design Store for curated, design-forward goods. For locals, free entry is available with an IDNYC card. If you’re looking for fun museums in NYC that offer intellectual stimulation, stunning visual art, and a globally respected collection, MoMA is an essential stop. Pro tip: Arrive early to enjoy crowd-free views of iconic artworks on the fifth floor.
14. New Museum
The New Museum, founded in 1977 and relocated to its striking Bowery site in 2007, is one of the most innovative and fun museums in NYC. Its unique seven-story structure resembles stacked boxes and mirrors the contemporary and experimental nature of the art inside. The museum focuses on modern works across all mediums, often spotlighting emerging and underrepresented artists. Past exhibitions have featured creators like Helen Johnson, Kahlil Joseph, and Alex Da Corte. While the displays can be polarizing and highly subjective, that unpredictability adds to the New Museum’s dynamic and ever-evolving atmosphere.
15. Fotografiska
Fotografiska New York, housed in a beautifully restored Renaissance Revival building in Gramercy Park, brings Swedish design flair and cutting-edge photography to Manhattan. As a for-profit gallery, it hosts rotating exhibitions that range from celebrity portraits to powerful thematic showcases, like the “Fire” series by emerging artists. More than just a gallery, Fotografiska is also one of the most stylish and fun museums in NYC, thanks to its all-day appeal—complete with a cozy café, the elegant Verōnika restaurant, and the intimate Chapel Bar. It’s a cultural experience that blends art, design, and nightlife in one unforgettable visit.
16. Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration
Though technically located in Jersey City, the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration offers a truly iconic museums in NYC experience. Accessible via ferry from Battery Park in Manhattan, your $25 ticket includes breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and access to both the monument and museum.
Housed in the original immigration station, the museum features beautifully restored halls, compelling photography, and emotional artifacts chronicling the stories of millions who arrived between 1892 and 1954. Hourly guided tours by enthusiastic park rangers enrich the visit, shedding light on the rigorous immigration process. As one of the most powerful and fun museums in NYC for history buffs and families alike, Ellis Island offers a moving journey into America’s past, set against the stunning backdrop of New York Harbor.
17. Whitney Museum of American Art
Relocated in 2015 to the vibrant Meatpacking District, the Whitney Museum of American Art is now a standout among the best museums in NYC. Its expansive 50,000 square feet of gallery space features iconic works from artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Richard Avedon, and Alexander Calder. The building also boasts four outdoor exhibition terraces offering open-air sculpture displays and panoramic views of the Hudson River and downtown skyline.
While the elevators are artist-designed, the exterior staircases provide a scenic route through the museum’s upper floors. Culinary highlights include a ground-floor restaurant and a rooftop bar, both curated by renowned chef Danny Meyer. With its architectural beauty and cutting-edge exhibitions, the Whitney seamlessly blends modern American art with immersive, atmospheric experiences, making it a cultural must-visit in Manhattan.
18. International Center of Photography Museum
Located just below Delancey on the Lower East Side, the International Center of Photography Museum (ICP) sits within a sleek 40,000-square-foot modernist building. Part of a larger facility that includes a school, darkrooms, and archives, the museum stands out as one of the best museums in NYC for contemporary photography. Its luminous gallery is flooded with natural light from skylights and large windows, creating an inviting atmosphere for thoughtful engagement with visual storytelling.
Exhibitions like Love Songs: Photography and Intimacy feature powerful works by Nan Goldin and Nobuyoshi Araki, offering raw, emotional insights into human connection. The space allows for free-flowing movement, with carefully curated sequences and juxtapositions that enhance the viewer’s experience. Clean, quiet, and spacious, ICP excels in presenting photography not only as art but as a medium for cultural reflection. For those passionate about visual narratives, this museum offers both intimacy and inspiration in equal measure.
19. National Museum of the American Indian New York
Housed in the historic U.S. Custom House at the southern tip of Manhattan, the National Museum of the American Indian is one of the most culturally rich museums in NYC. It preserves the heritage of over 1,200 indigenous cultures across the Americas. The permanent collection showcases intricate beadwork, ceremonial objects, carved wood, bone art, baskets, pottery, and detailed garments—mostly organized by tribe.
Archival materials and historical photographs enhance the experience. Rotating exhibitions highlight modern Native artists like T.C. Cannon and Jeffrey Veregge, providing a compelling contrast to traditional works. The atmosphere is calm, often filled with solo visitors or school groups, and the museum is fully accessible. The gift shop is a highlight, offering Native-made jewelry, apparel, books, and limited-edition art. Compact yet impactful, this gem among museums in NYC can be thoroughly enjoyed in 90 minutes—ideal for visitors short on time but eager for meaningful insight.
20. New-York Historical Society
Founded in 1804, the New-York Historical Society is the city’s first museum and remains a standout among museums in NYC. Housed in a Beaux-Arts building on the Upper West Side, it boasts a collection of 1.6 million pieces, including Hudson River School paintings, rare watercolors, sculptures, textiles, and even George Washington’s bed from Valley Forge. Exhibitions explore diverse themes in American history—past highlights include American Visionary: John F. Kennedy’s Life and Times and The First Jewish Americans.
The museum also serves as a research library, attracting both scholars and curious tourists. Informative docent-led tours run daily, and the museum is fully accessible. Caffè Storico, the in-house eatery, is a local favorite for dishes like lobster linguine. The gift shop offers thoughtful books and creative children’s items. As one of the most intellectually engaging yet fun museums in NYC, it’s perfect for a 90-minute visit filled with learning, art, and history.
