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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of New York

Cool art museums

You want an art museum that feels as current as the work on the walls. You prefer institutions that prioritize a sharp, contemporary perspective.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated April 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 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.

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.

Many unexpected exhibits catch attention throughout the museum. The Ancient Egypt section stands out as especially cool.

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."

"There's so much to see, you'll need days to explore it all."

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
The Morgan Library & Museum image 1

Italian Renaissance-style rooms and rare manuscripts create a rich, historical atmosphere. Ornate older sections contrast with modern glass elements, blending classic and contemporary architecture. Intimate spaces host live jazz and orchestra performances, adding a cinematic vibe to the experience.

Holds some of the world's rarest books and manuscripts including a Gutenberg Bible. Combines contemporary art exhibits with a rich, ornate library full of book artifacts.

Library with many manuscripts offers a cool glimpse into history. Luther Bible and portrait add unique character, while cool jazz bands create a lively vibe.

People are saying

"The architecture of these historical sites is breathtaking."

"I found the art museum stunning, with rare books and manuscripts."

"I found the museum to be a beautiful and cool visit."

Good to know

1

On Fridays after 5 PM, admission is free.

2

I would recommend booking free tickets on Friday nights.

3

It is better to visit during the free Fridays between 5-7 pm.

03
Brooklyn Museum image 1
Art museum

Imposing neoclassical building with a modern glass entrance creates a grand and welcoming space filled with natural light. Atmosphere stays relaxed and intimate, inviting quiet art appreciation amid spacious galleries and visible storage showcasing behind-the-scenes art. African music and live bands add a distinctive cultural layer to the 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.

Recreation of historic apartment rooms stands out as extremely cool and interesting. Exhibits stay wonderfully organized and add to the cool vibe.

People are saying

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

"The exhibits here are so cool and thought-provoking."

"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.

04
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt image 1

Observation deck offers 360° panoramic views of the city skyline, including close-up sights of iconic buildings. Interactive features like a balloon room and mirrored installations create a unique, immersive atmosphere. A small cafe and cocktail bar provide refreshments while guests enjoy the spectacular cityscape.

Floating silver bubbles create a chaotic and entertaining exhibit on the second floor. Different rooms showcase varied art, including a cloud-themed display with helpful guides explaining the pieces.

The summit offers cool activities that stand out. The overall experience feels very cool and engaging.

People are saying

"The city views here are spectacular, especially with the mirror effects."

"The city views and mirror effects here are really cool."

"I took incredible photos from the observation deck."

Good to know

1

Tickets should be booked in advance as the attraction is very crowded.

2

If you want to see the sunset, book your timeslot at least an hour earlier.

3

You must make a reservation and arrive at least 15 minutes before your check-in time.

05
Whitney Museum of American Art image 1

Modern art museum features stunning architecture and accessible terraces with panoramic city and river views. The atmosphere is generally calm with low crowd levels on weekdays, though weekends bring significant congestion. Rooftop cafe offers a relaxed spot to enjoy the vistas and drinks.

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.

Exhibits feature modern American art with a cool, creative vibe. The museum offers a variety of great exhibitions showcasing unique artistic styles.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the museum's modern art curation really cool."

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.

06
MoMA PS1 image 1
Modern art museum

Old school building offers spacious, beautiful layout with graffiti-adorned bricks and a large, empty courtyard. Atmosphere feels energetic and unexpected, engaging multiple senses including smell. Interactive features include a recording studio and ping pong table, alongside a cafe and bookstore for relaxation.

Exhibition space focuses on new artists with constantly changing shows. Entry is free for residents, making it accessible for the local community.

Exhibitions feel very experimental and showcase many different styles of art. The old school building and the historic boiler room add a unique, non-traditional vibe.

People are saying

"You can visit this museum for free!"

"I found the space and the art installations here to be super cool."

"I loved that this art museum offered free entry for residents."

Good to know

1

The entrance is free for NYC residents.

2

Tickets are free of charge for locals.

3

The exhibition of Pacita Abad's textile pieces is available until 9/2.

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.

A rooftop cafe offers a cool view overlooking Columbus Circle. Exhibits include unique art pins of Madeline Albright and a crowded Barbie display that draws attention.

People are saying

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

"It's cool and unique to see different things people made."

"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
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.

Visuals feature interactive displays and hypnotic imagery that create a cool, immersive vibe. The space offers a relaxing atmosphere ideal for unwinding or socializing with friends or a date.

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.

09
Color Factory NYC image 1

Interactive rooms filled with vibrant colors and creative photo opportunities create an immersive experience that appeals to all ages. Spaces like the deep ball pit and sensory-rich installations invite playful exploration and capture joyful moments. The atmosphere buzzes with energy, offering a lively and engaging environment throughout.

Interactive exhibits create a genuinely engaging experience that invites participation. The art displays are consistently interesting and fun, encouraging visitors to explore actively.

Bright colors and interactive exhibits create a vibrant atmosphere. The space feels lively and engaging, making it a fun museum experience.

People are saying

"I had a blast with all the fun activities here."

"This place is so cool with colorful rooms and fun photo ops."

"This interactive art museum is surprisingly fun for all ages."

Good to know

1

Advance booking is required to secure your spot for the event.

2

Expect long lines even with pre-purchased tickets; arrive early.

3

The experience is designed to be completed in about 1-1.5 hours.

10
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.

Every room offers a unique immersive experience with different themes. The LED dragon projection in the infinity room stands out as a particularly cool exhibit.

People are saying

"The museums here are visually stunning and immersive."

"The exhibits here are really cool and visually impressive."

"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.

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