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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in the US

History museums

You want to immerse yourself in the past by visiting a history museum and seeing the local sites.

Based on 505 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
9/11 Memorial & Museum image 1
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Historical place museum

Two large reflecting pools with cascading waterfalls mark the footprints of the destroyed towers, creating a serene atmosphere for quiet contemplation. The museum interior feels somber and poignant, with exhibits that evoke the emotions of that time and a design that balances immense loss with symbolic resilience.

The site features a smartly designed monument with two square black pools where the Twin Towers once stood, symbolizing loss and resilience. The museum organizes historical facts about the attacks, the Twin Towers, and their aftermath clearly, making it a place full of history and poignancy.

People are saying

"These historical sites are a dignified, serene, and powerful place."

"The History Museum is incredibly moving and beautifully done."

"It's a quiet place for reflection and remembrance."

Good to know

1

Visitors should buy tickets in advance to avoid queuing.

2

The museum charges an entrance fee of 33 USD per adult.

3

The museum is closed on Tuesdays.

02
Martial Arts History Museum image 1

Museum showcases martial arts history through unique exhibits and real artifacts with video references enhancing understanding. Layout supports smooth flow, creating an engaging and informative atmosphere. Space feels like a hidden gem packed with rich culture and connections to the movie industry.

A treasure trove of stories, artifacts, and heritage fills this small museum, focusing on martial arts history. Exhibits include a detailed history of anime, offering rich insights into culture and tradition.

Extensive exhibits showcase the evolution and impact of martial arts. Visitors gain deep insights into its history and culture through well-curated displays.

People are saying

"I found the martial arts exhibits filled with rich history and culture."

"I learned so much at the Martial Arts History Museum."

"I learned so much about martial arts history and culture here."

Good to know

1

The museum is located underground next to a bakery; enter on Wilson and go downstairs.

2

Parking is available nearby with free 90 minutes and $1 for every additional 30 minutes.

3

Admission is by donation, so bring cash for the donation jar.

03
Museum of the City of New York image 1
Local history museum

Museum combines Georgian Colonial-Revival architecture with modern interactive exhibits and immersive film experiences. Atmosphere blends sophisticated NYC vibe with technology-enhanced displays and occasional live performances. Visitors find spacious, accessible design with breathtaking park views and relaxing outdoor areas.

Focuses deeply on city history with extensive exhibits. Offers a rich learning experience about urban development and culture.

Exhibits focus on local history with a mix of permanent and temporary displays. The museum offers a solid look at the city's past, standing out among other historical museums.

People are saying

"The exhibits here are really interesting and informative about the city's history."

"It's a great place to discover the city's history."

"This history museum offers extensive coverage of the city's past."

Good to know

1

Through July 2024, there is an interesting exhibit about New York in art and pop culture.

2

Wednesday has free entrance to the Movie in the Basement.

3

Tickets are $20 for adults, and CUNY college students have free admission.

04
The Metropolitan Museum of Art image 1

Grand architecture houses expansive art collections including an Egyptian temple and classical sculptures. Spacious galleries offer a calm, impressive atmosphere with accessible features like elevators and guided tours. Rooftop views provide a unique perspective of the city skyline.

A treasure chest of culture and history, this museum offers extensive collections that draw anyone interested in art and history. It stands as a must-see landmark for those exploring historical sites.

Largest history museum in New York offers extensive exhibits covering various eras. Visitors often spend several hours exploring its vast collections.

People are saying

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

"It's a treasure with 5,000 years of history to see."

"I considered this history museum the best museum I had been to."

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.

05
Tenement Museum image 1
History museum

Five-story tenement buildings from the 1800s showcase preserved architecture and authentic interiors with well-researched props. Tours feel like immersive guided discussions that bring immigrant family stories to life in cramped, atmospheric spaces.

Focuses on history, identity, and wealth inequity through immersive exhibits. Offers deep insight into what it means to belong in a changing city.

Offers a living history experience focused on immigrant families in the Lower East Side during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Provides an immersive look into daily life rather than a typical history museum setup.

People are saying

"These historical sites bring immigrant families' stories to life."

"The museum tours here are so engaging and informative."

"The History Museum tour guides are so enthusiastic and knowledgeable."

Good to know

1

A guided tour is required to visit the museum.

2

Tours can sell out quickly, so itโ€™s recommended to book in advance.

3

The tour lasts almost two hours and provides extensive information about tenement living.

06
National Museum of the American Indian image 1

Historic Beaux-Arts building houses galleries with intricate architecture and a grand rotunda. Exhibits feel dark and cramped, often crowded with interactive areas for children. Gift shop offers many unique cultural items.

Exhibits focus on Delaware/Lenape and Haudenosaunee history with detailed displays of Native American culture. Tours provide insightful perspectives on aspects of New York history often overlooked.

People are saying

"It's a Smithsonian museum, and admission is free."

"The historical sites here are in a stunning, beautiful building."

"It's amazing, the contemporary indigenous art here is incredible."

Good to know

1

The museum is free to enter, making it accessible to everyone.

2

Wearing a mask is compulsory in the museum as of 12/18/2022.

3

Free admission is offered during special events like Aloha Day.

07
American Museum of Natural History image 1

Natural history museum showcases magnificent architecture and iconic taxidermy displays that create a majestic atmosphere. Crowds and noise from school groups often fill the large, well-organized spaces. Interactive exhibits and a planetarium with space simulations add engaging elements to the experience.

Majestic displays showcase the richness of human history and the natural world. Extensive exhibits offer priceless information about our existence and the universe.

Spanning four floors, this museum ranks among the largest and most complete natural history museums worldwide. Its beautiful architecture and extensive exhibits make it a standout destination for history enthusiasts.

People are saying

"The dinosaur exhibits at the Museums are breathtaking, especially the T. rex."

"It's like walking through eras at these historical sites."

"This History Museum is a journey through time and the universe."

Good to know

1

Buying tickets ahead of time saves a lot of time.

2

You have to reserve a time to enter the museum.

3

Entry to the museum is free during the last hour.

08
The New York Historical image 1

Museum showcases Tiffany lamps and a replica Oval Office with interactive photo opportunities. Atmosphere shifts from quiet and peaceful to noisy during school visits. Layout features exquisite stained glass rooms and a well-designed gallery with minimal reflections.

Incredible collection of historical artifacts brings American history to life with engaging displays. The interactive children's section offers fun, hands-on learning about the city's rich past.

Historic building hosts an interesting collection with some nice touches. Admission matches the nearby Natural History Museum, which offers a more extensive experience and draws larger crowds.

People are saying

"The Tiffany lamps display is amazing and a must-see."

"The basement has interactive exhibits and a fun kids' area."

"The Tiffany lamps at this historical site are beautiful and impressive."

Good to know

1

The museum offers free entry every Friday evening.

2

On Fridays from 18:00 to 20:00, the museum operates a pay-what-you-wish policy.

3

Jazz and cocktails are available in the lobby on Friday evenings until the end of June.

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