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New Yorkers 1st Choice
New York's best

Interesting art museums

Every corner turned reveals something unexpected that demands a closer look and a longer pause.

Based on 678 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 houses expansive art collections including an Egyptian temple and classical sculptures. Spacious galleries create a calm, impressive atmosphere with free guided tours that make the visit engaging and fun. Rooftop views offer a unique city skyline perspective.

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.

Exhibits feature interesting and varied pieces with beautiful art and mind-opening history. Free tours add fun and make the visit more engaging.

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 exhibits here are really interesting and full of stories."

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.

Interesting collections include The Little Prince and works by Langston Hughes. The Morgan family residence stands out with its beautiful bookstores and thematic exhibitions.

People are saying

"The architecture of these historical sites is breathtaking."

"The library itself is gorgeous and really ornate."

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

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.

Exhibits include ancient Egypt, Islamic and Asian religious art, and a Picasso exhibit. The museum balances classic and new displays with interesting, well-organized presentations and features like a visitor-accessible storage room and historic apartment recreations.

People are saying

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

"The Monet in Venice exhibit was attractively arranged and well laid out."

"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
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.

Exhibitions feature main works by O'Keefe, Hopper, and Warhol alongside old black and white videos. Collections focus on American art and are well curated and interesting.

People are saying

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

"I found it to be very interesting."

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

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.

05
American Folk Art Museum image 1

Small art museum offers a cozy atmosphere with thought-provoking folk art exhibits. Space includes one large exhibition area and a library display, creating an intimate and well-designed setting. Admission is free, and a complimentary curator tour enhances the experience.

Admission costs nothing, making it accessible to all. The museum is small but offers a well-curated selection of American folk art that stands out for its cultural depth.

Exhibits feature detailed explanations and cover topics like art and mental health and quilts. The space is small but well curated, making it interesting for all visits.

People are saying

"This museum is a wonderful free gem with a rich sense of history."

"The exhibitions here are really interesting and well thought-out."

"This art museum is a wonderful gem and totally free to visit."

Good to know

1

Entry to the venue is free and does not require a ticket.

2

Admission is pay what you wish.

3

The current visiting exhibition occupies most of the museum.

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.

Rotating exhibits feature a mix of world famous and local artists with conceptual, mostly mixed media works. The old building's recycling process and the colorful ideas in Pacita Abad's art add to the thought-provoking experience.

People are saying

"You can visit this museum for free!"

"The exhibitions here are always interesting and thought-provoking."

"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
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt image 1

Observation deck offers 360ยฐ 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.

Fun and interactive illusions create a lively experience. The floating cloud screen adds a unique visual element that keeps things interesting.

People are saying

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

"The 360-degree panorama of Manhattan from above is interesting."

"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.

08
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.

Exhibits showcase 60s paper dresses and a unique goblet collection in a stairwell. Art and design displays offer a wide range of interesting pieces to explore.

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.

09
Neue Galerie New York image 1

Building features exquisite restoration and an interior with a 5-star hotel feel. Atmosphere ranges from chic and pleasant to stiff and uninviting, with occasional crowded galleries around key artworks. Cafรฉ offers traditional Viennese coffee and desserts, enhancing the overall experience.

Strict security workers stand out in this art museum, making the atmosphere notably tense. Hospitality feels limited compared to other major art museums in Germany and Austria.

Small size holds interesting collections of German and Austrian art, including a Klimt room. Exhibits like the Max Beckmann show and the museum shop also offer original and engaging pieces.

People are saying

"This museum's German and Austrian art collection is exceptional."

"I found the Austrian art collection, especially Klimt, really interesting."

"You can't take pictures in the Art Museum, which is a bummer."

Good to know

1

The admission cost for one adult is $28.00.

2

You must book online to gain entry.

3

Entry is free on the first Friday of the month.

10
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.

Psychedelic art experience combines with an amazing sound and projection system to create a fun and immersive atmosphere. An interesting cocktail bar adds to the unique vibe.

People are saying

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

"The immersive digital art and projections here are really interesting."

"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.

11
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.

Rooms feature immersive forest sounds, fog, and a robotic arm that add to the experience. Exhibits use lighting, music, and glass to create unique, interactive, and thought-provoking displays.

People are saying

"The museums here are visually stunning and immersive."

"I found the experience here really interesting and fun."

"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.

12
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.

Colorful exhibits create an engaging sensory experience with sights, smells, and flavors. Interactive activities like the pastry ball play add a fun and original touch for both kids and adults.

People are saying

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

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

"It's designed for kids, and my son found it interesting."

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.

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