Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

History museums in New York

Made for those who treat the past as a living, breathing subject and prefer to spend their weekends deep in the archives.

Based on 530 Opinions
+527
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
9/11 Memorial & Museum image 1
9/11 Memorial & Museum image 2
9/11 Memorial & Museum image 3
View all
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.

02
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site image 1

Restored Georgian manor showcases period furniture and historical artifacts with a focus on balanced storytelling of Dutch settlers, Indigenous peoples, and enslaved individuals. The atmosphere is peaceful and educational, supported by interactive exhibits and guided tours that explore local colonial history and Revolutionary War connections.

Interactive exhibits bring history to life with engaging displays for all ages. Stories of the founding family, enslaved people, and First Peoples share an equal measure in a well-rounded education without bias.

People are saying

"I learned so much about the colonial era and the Revolution at these historical sites."

"This museum tells the intertwined stories of Dutch settlers, enslaved people, and First Peoples."

"The History Museum tells intertwined stories of Dutch, African, and First Peoples."

Good to know

1

Admission is $10 for adults, with discounts available for children and seniors.

2

The museum offers guided tours that are highly recommended for a full experience.

3

The site features clean restrooms and elevators for accessibility.

03
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.

04
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.

05
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.

06
Rose Center for Earth and Space image 1
Natural history museum

Gigantic museum spans themes from paleontology to astronomy with formidable skeletons and stunning gems. Crowds gather daily, creating a lively atmosphere suitable for all ages and whole-day visits. Interactive exhibits and an app guide enhance accessibility and engagement throughout the space.

Exhibits cover a wide range and keep visitors engaged for hours. The museum offers a planetarium exhibit, an interactive app map, and is very accessible for all ages.

Natural history exhibits include shocking dinosaur displays and a strong focus on earth and space science. The museum offers a fantastic collection that stands out among similar institutions.

People are saying

"It's really kid friendly; my son loved the exhibits."

"I found this natural history museum to be a large place, hard to see in one visit."

"I considered the Rose Center for Earth and Space the best museum."

Good to know

1

The entry fee is over $20 per person for non-residents.

2

Visitors should book some of the amazing timed exhibits before going to the museum.

3

Even with reservations, visitors still need to wait in a long line.

07
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 itโ€™s recommended to book in advance.

3

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

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.

Exhibits include a replica of the Oval Office, Tiffany lamps, and displays on presidents and photography. The museum offers a rich sense of the cityโ€™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.

Discover more

New York

Area guide
Loading Map...