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New Yorkers 1st Choice
the US' best

History museums

Made for those who dedicate their free time to deep-diving into the specific narratives of historical archives.

Based on 542 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Compton Art and History Museum image 1
Compton Art and History Museum image 2
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Intimate museum space showcases vibrant local art and community history with a welcoming atmosphere. Interactive features like a chalk wall invite visitor participation. The environment reflects authentic community pride and thoughtful curation.

Exhibits offer an immersive journey through local history, culture, and innovation with a strong focus on diversity and authentic community stories. The museum highlights achievements of notable individuals and everyday heroes, showcasing local art and history from black and brown communities.

Exhibits focus on local art and history highlighting black and brown communities. The museum holds a mix of energy and serenity and features exhibitions like We Want to be Free.

People are saying

"The museums here are powerful, informative, and emphasize our stories."

"The Galleries here feel so welcoming and full of love."

"The History Museum's exhibits highlight local art and Compton's rich history."

Good to know

1

The museum offers free entry with a suggested donation.

2

The next exhibition opens on September 14.

3

The museum showcases local art and history, focusing on Compton's communities.

02
9/11 Memorial & Museum image 1
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 museum offers a powerful and moving experience centered on the events of 9/11. Exhibits focus on remembrance and commemoration, making it a must-visit for understanding the tragedy's impact.

People are saying

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

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

"This museum is a moving and educational experience."

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.

03
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.

Exhibits showcase the history of martial arts and include a notable anime history section. The museum offers a rich collection of artifacts and movies that explain how martial arts evolved globally.

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 at the museum."

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.

04
Hidden History Museum image 1

Museum space combines tables and chairs with a central bar, creating a lively atmosphere that doubles as a comedy venue. Exhibits focus on Foundational Black American history, offering educational stories and photos backed by historical records. Visitors encounter a welcoming vibe with informative displays and merchandise supporting deeper learning.

Exhibits focus on Foundational Black American history with stories, inventions, and artifacts backed by historical facts. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, making it a very educational and informative museum experience.

Exhibits focus on hidden histories and lesser-known stories. Displays include artifacts and narratives that reveal overlooked aspects of the past.

People are saying

"I found the Black American history museums full of wonderful knowledge and stories."

"These historical sites offer amazing Foundational Black American history."

"I took a picture with Tariq Nasheed at the History Museum."

Good to know

1

Admission to the museum is free for all visitors.

2

The museum is open for only 5 hours a day, 6 days a week.

3

The museum features exhibits on Foundational Black American history.

05
The Metropolitan Museum of Art image 1

Grand architecture hosts expansive art collections and an Egyptian temple. Visitors explore vast history exhibits spanning many eras. Spacious galleries and pay-as-you-want entry create a calm, accessible experience.

Endless galleries showcase a vast range of art and history, creating a treasure chest of culture. The museum offers a pay-as-you-want donation policy for locals, making it accessible and inviting.

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.

06
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 on the history of one city with detailed exhibits. Offers a pay-as-you-wish entry and provides an immersive experience for those interested in urban history.

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."

"This museum offers an engaging overview of 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.

07
Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation image 1

Architecture blends cave-like forms with skylights, creating an immersive and visually stunning environment. Exhibits like the live butterfly farm and ant aquarium add dynamic, natural elements that engage curiosity. The space feels exciting and thoughtfully designed, though somewhat cramped and less suited for children.

The museum features the Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation with a vast range of exhibits. Highlights include the immersive butterfly exhibit, the live insect display with leaf cutter ants, and the Turtle Exhibition.

The entrance to the Natural History Museum is accessible without long waits. The Gilder Center connects directly to the museum, but the new exhibition space does not stand out.

People are saying

"The museum's exhibits, especially the dinosaur skeletons and butterfly room, were fascinating."

"It's a fun, interactive place that kids will love."

"The Gilder Center's architecture is fresh, modern, and captivating."

Good to know

1

Buying tickets in advance via the website is recommended to save time and avoid waiting in line.

2

The butterfly exhibit requires an extra ticket and was sold out.

3

Entering through the side entrance can help avoid the line.

08
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.

Extensive and educational exhibits fill the museum, making it a timeless treasure for all ages. It offers a fascinating experience that appeals to both adults and children.

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.

09
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.

Free admission welcomes visitors without lines. Exhibits offer great displays for kids and adults in a beautiful building that tells stories often ignored by other museums.

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.

10
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.

Tours focus on historic tenement apartments and offer a deep dive into immigrant life. The museum provides a unique New York experience with thought-provoking stories rarely found elsewhere.

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 it’s recommended to book in advance.

3

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

11
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.

Exhibits include a replica of the Oval Office, Tiffany lamps, and displays on presidents and photography. The museum offers a rich sense of the city’s past with well-presented galleries on American art, history, and culture.

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."

"You've got to see the Tiffany lamps at this museum."

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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