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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to New York

Contemporary art museums

You want to engage with the ideas and movements defining the current art world.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
The Metropolitan Museum of Art image 1
The Metropolitan Museum of Art image 2
The Metropolitan Museum of Art image 3
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Grand architecture hosts expansive art collections including an Egyptian temple and classical sculptures. Modern and Contemporary Art wing features bold, vibrant works by Rothko and Warhol. Spacious galleries offer calm, with rooftop views of the city skyline.

Exhibits feature elaborate and spectacular art collections. Recognized as one of the finest art museums in the world, it offers a top-tier experience among global art institutions.

Bold, vibrant, and unpredictable works fill the Modern and Contemporary Art wing, featuring artists like Rothko and Warhol. The rooms balance light and temperature to enhance the art experience.

People are saying

"You can spend an entire day exploring this huge museum."

"This art museum has an extensive collection with works from all over the world."

"The collection here is simply magnificent and a must-visit."

Good to know

1

Buy tickets online to skip the long lines at the entrance.

2

Members get early entry on weekends, so consider joining for quicker access.

3

Virtual queues are required during busy weekends, with wait times around 100 minutes.

02
Brooklyn Museum image 1
Art museum

Imposing neoclassical building with a modern glass entrance welcomes visitors to a relaxed space filled with natural light. Bold contemporary installations contrast with a 19th-century European Realist Art collection. African music adds a distinctive cultural layer to the art experience.

One of the largest and oldest art museums in the country, it offers wonderful art exhibitions spanning many styles and periods. The collection includes a notable 19th-century European Realist Art section with detailed plaques.

Bold and fearless contemporary art installations stand out against traditional exhibits. The collection spans from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern artworks, offering a wide cultural range.

People are saying

"The museum's exhibits are amazing and surprisingly huge."

"The contemporary art here is bold and fearless."

"The Art Museum staff were so kind and helpful with the wheelchair."

Good to know

1

First Saturday events occur monthly with live music and pop-up activities.

2

The Thierry Mugler exhibit is available until May 2023.

3

Admission is pay-what-you-wish, but online reservations are recommended.

03
Whitney Museum of American Art image 1

Modern art museum shines with stunning architecture and bold contemporary art. Galleries highlight modern American artists and rotating exhibits mix political themes with global trends. Rooftop cafe offers panoramic city views and a calm spot on weekdays.

Exhibits focus on contemporary art with a strong emphasis on modern American artists. Galleries showcase innovative and thought-provoking works that engage deeply with current themes.

Bold and thought-provoking contemporary art fills the galleries. Rotating exhibits balance political art with global trends, offering a well-curated experience.

People are saying

"The galleries here have amazing and thought-provoking art."

"The Art Museum's terraces offer unforgettable city and river views."

"You have to see the Amy Sherald exhibit; her portraits are stunning."

Good to know

1

Every Friday, the museum has free tickets, and you just have to book ahead.

2

Friday night is free entry from 5 PM to 10 PM.

3

Second Sundays are free to enter.

04
The Museum at FIT image 1

Small museum with dim lighting and minimalist design creates a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Exhibits focus on fashion and hip-hop culture, displayed with care in a compact, cleverly used space. Free admission encourages a steady flow of visitors who appreciate thoughtful, artistic presentations.

People are saying

"The exhibits here are really interesting and thoughtfully done."

"You should check out the galleries; admission is free!"

"I loved the fashion and creativity at this historical site."

Good to know

1

Admission to the museum is free of charge.

2

The 'Fresh, Fly and Fabulous: 50 Years of Hip Hop Fashion' exhibition is on until April 23.

3

No food or beverage is allowed in the museum, not even water.

05
The Jewish Museum image 1

Museum occupies a historic mansion with beautiful architecture and large rooms. Atmosphere stays peaceful and quiet, with a small, manageable size that allows quick visits. Exhibits focus on Jewish culture and art, though some floors and collections may be closed for renovation.

Small but interesting art exhibits fill the space. The focus leans heavily on art themes connected to the museum's identity.

People are saying

"I saw a unique exhibition of Anish Kapoor's work at the museum."

"The galleries offer a beautiful, profound look into art and culture."

"I found the museum's exposition on 16th-century Amsterdam really interesting."

Good to know

1

Admission is free on Saturdays, but visitors must go through security and ask for a ticket at the front desk.

2

The museum offers free entry every Saturday due to Shabbat.

3

You must reserve tickets online for special exhibits.

06
The Bronx Museum of the Arts image 1

Building features glass and steel facade with high ceilings and bright, spacious galleries. Atmosphere stays peaceful and welcoming, with low crowd levels allowing quiet contemplation. Exhibits focus on contemporary and 20th-century art, often including social justice themes and interactive elements.

Small modern art museum with a focus on contemporary and 20th-century art. Exhibitions change weekly, offering fresh displays regularly.

Showcases contemporary art reflecting the diverse cultural tapestry of the community. Features various types of art from different backgrounds and highlights new artists and expressive forms.

People are saying

"You should visit this museum; it's completely free to enter."

"The galleries here are free to enter."

"This Local Spot is free to enter, making it accessible."

Good to know

1

The museum is free to enter.

2

The venue hosts free events that are worth checking out.

3

The Bronx Museum of the Arts hosts Family Day events on Saturdays.

07
Museum of Arts and Design image 1

Museum offers avant-garde exhibits across multiple floors with innovative design and creative art stations. Spaces feel spacious and uncrowded, featuring a top-floor restaurant with panoramic city views. Activities for children and a well-regarded gift shop add to the diverse experience.

Smaller than major NYC museums, this art museum features Funk art and exhibits like hair as art that bring a unique and often humorous perspective.

Space highlights innovative materials and craftsmanship in exhibits. It presents a fresh take on modern and contemporary art across various mediums.

People are saying

"I found the museum's exhibitions to be varied and interesting."

"I found the Barbie exhibit really interesting and colorful."

"This art museum is smaller and less crowded than others."

Good to know

1

The museum is free to enter on Thursdays.

2

Admission is $18, with discounted rates available on Thursdays.

3

Restrooms are located on the lower ground level.

08
Mercer Labs image 1
Art museum

Immersive rooms combine LED light displays, sound and vibration experiences, and interactive digital art to engage multiple senses. Visitors encounter large-scale projections and mirrored environments that create surreal, kaleidoscopic effects. The space feels futuristic and sensory-rich, with distinct areas designed for different moods and interactions.

Interactive exhibits use state-of-the-art light technology to create a deeply immersive experience that engages multiple senses. The collection blends classic and contemporary art with a strong visual and interactive focus.

Offers a fresh, engaging take on contemporary art with a passionate program. Similar art exists elsewhere at a lower cost.

People are saying

"The museums here are visually stunning and immersive."

"It's a breathtaking, kid-friendly place that disconnects you from the city."

"This art museum is an immersive, high-tech wonderland."

Good to know

1

Tickets for children under 5 cost $50 each.

2

Mercer Labs is not suitable for young kids due to intimidating imagery.

3

I recommend buying tickets in advance for Mercer Labs.

09
ARTECHOUSE NYC image 1
Art museum

Massive room with immersive digital art and spectacular visuals creates a compelling sensory experience. Bar upstairs offers expertly crafted cocktails with unique flavors, enhancing the visit. Space feels lively with jovial atmosphere but can be crowded and lacks comfortable seating.

Immersive digital art exhibits include interactive bits and sensory elements like smell. Visitors often spend about 30 minutes exploring these multi-sensory experiences.

People are saying

"The immersive art exhibits here are visually stunning and creative."

"The bartender Sebastian made our visit so welcoming and special."

"This art museum is an immersive digital art experience."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available Monday to Friday from 4-7pm.

2

The experience lasts for 20 minutes and starts to loop afterward.

3

Kids under 5 years old get in for free.

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