8 Must-See Art Museums in New York City
With over 90 art museums, New York City is considered a cultural mecca and a heaven for art lovers. Within the busy streets of the Big Apple, there are some of the world’s most renowned art museums.
From the breathtaking Metropolitan Museum of Art to the intimate New Museum, each museum on our list has its distinct beauty and charm.
Whether you like classical masterpieces or contemporary installations these museums offer something special for everyone.
When we visit New York City, we are intentional about visiting an art museum. We try to explore a different museum each time, but sometimes we can’t resist revisiting The MET.
Once you’ve learned about these 8 must-see art museums in New York City, you’ll want to book a flight to the city and explore at least one of them yourself.
1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (THE MET)
The first museum on our list is the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art, often referred to simply as The MET. The museum is located on the eastern edge of Central Park in the Upper East Side (1000 5th Ave).
The MET has one of the world’s largest art collections with 1.5 million artworks from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary masterpieces including artists like Picasso, Van Gogh, Caravaggio, and many more.
As you walk up the famous steps of The Met and step into the Great Hall with its tall ceilings and iconic columns, you feel like you’re about to enter a magical place.
Before you start exploring don’t forget to grab a map of the museum and decide what type of art you’re most interested in visiting. Trust us, this museum is huge, and attempting to see everything in a single day is quite challenging.
You can see the entire museum in one day if you’re willing to power walk through the halls without pausing to admire the artworks. Take your time, soak in the beauty, and prioritize the pieces that resonate with you the most.
The museum has a permanent collection, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and decorative arts. But make sure to check the museum’s website to see if they have any temporary exhibitions when you visit.
Among our favorite sections is the European Wing, featuring paintings from artists like Degas, Manet, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Cezanne.
2. The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
The next museum on our list is the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), located in Midtown Manhattan. MoMA is known for its contemporary art which attracts visitors from around the world.
As you step inside, you’re greeted by paintings, sculptures, photography, film, and multimedia installations, each pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
One of the highlights of MoMA is its extensive collection of works by modern artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh, Warhol, and Pollock.
Additionally, MoMA also has temporary exhibitions that showcase emerging artists, ensuring that there’s always something new and exciting to see.
Important, MoMA can get pretty busy at times, so make sure you grab your ticket on the museum’s website before you arrive to skip the lines.
A visit to MoMA promises to inspire, challenge, and ignite your imagination.
3. New Museum
Next up is a museum that might not be as familiar as some of the others, but it’s worth a visit. The New Museum is located in Bowery and is known for its contemporary art and innovation.
If you’re a fan of modern architecture, you’re in for a treat. The cutting-edge modern structure of this museum’s building alone is worth the visit.
As you step inside the New Museum, you’re greeted by a diverse range of exhibitions that reflect the ever-changing landscape of contemporary art.
From immersive installations to thought-provoking multimedia projects, each gallery space offers a glimpse into the dynamic and often provocative world of contemporary artists.
In addition to its exhibitions, the New Museum has a rooftop with beautiful views of the city. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a wraparound terrace, you have panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline.
4. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
The fourth museum, an architectural marvel is the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, known as the Guggenheim. The modern and contemporary art museum is located on the Upper East Side on Fifth Avenue in New York City.
The museum’s distinctive spiral structure, designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, stands as a testament to both artistic vision and engineering brilliance.
You have the option to start your visit from the bottom up or vice versa moving through the museum’s iconic spiral ramp. Furthermore, the museum’s cylindrical layout allows you to experience art in a fluid and immersive way.
The Guggenheim’s permanent collection features works by Picasso, Kandinsky, and Chagall. As well as rotating exhibitions that highlight cutting-edge contemporary artists.
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5. Whitney Museum of American Art
Another inspiring museum to explore is the Whitney Museum of American Art located in the Meatpacking District.
Founded by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, the museum’s focus has been on celebrating artistic expression in the United States.
The museum’s impressive building, designed by architect Renzo Piano, offers stunning views overlooking the Hudson River.
At the Whitney, you’ll see a variety of artworks in different mediums, including painting, sculpture, video, performance, and more.
The museum’s collection features works by iconic American artists such as Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Andy Warhol.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Whitney has temporary exhibitions that showcase the latest in American art.
If you need a break during your visit to the Whitney we can recommend Studio Bar on Floor 8. It has typical cafe fare but the views from the terrace while still enjoying the art installations are worth it.
6. The MET Cloisters
The next museum is a hidden gem that transports you to the medieval world of Europe. What sets it apart is its location in Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan, which can be accessed via the Westside trains, taking approximately 1 hour to reach.
In addition, it’s a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This unique museum is dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe, featuring a stunning collection of artifacts spanning over 1,000 years.
The Cloisters gets its name from the architectural elements integrated into the museum’s structure, which were sourced from European monasteries and abbeys dating back to the Middle Ages.
The museum sits at the top of a hill, which gives you the opportunity to go on a nice short hike next to the Hudson River.
When you enter the MET Cloisters, you walk into a serene atmosphere that evokes the spirit of a medieval monastery.
The museum’s collection includes illuminated manuscripts, intricate tapestries, ornate metalwork, and religious sculptures.
Furthermore, the Cloisters is known for its series of gardens, which resemble the lush greenery of medieval European monastic gardens.
7. Asia Society Museum
The Asia Society Museum is located on Park Avenue in the Upper East Side and showcases the rich traditions of Asia.
The museum isn’t very big, so you can explore it in a couple of hours. Be sure to stop by the Leo Cafe either before or after your visit. We were surprised by the serene atmosphere and the delicious and healthy food they offered.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Asia Society Museum hosts rotating exhibitions that highlight emerging artists and explore timely themes relevant to the region and its global impact.
During our visit, we saw the Coal + Ice exhibition, an immersive photography and video exhibition. COAL + ICE shows the causes and consequences of the climate crisis and foregrounds creative solutions.
8. Museum of Art and Design
The last museum on this list is the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD). Located in Columbus Circle it offers a unique perspective on contemporary art and design.
Unlike traditional museums, MAD celebrates the intersection of art, craft, and design, showcasing works that blur the boundaries between these disciplines.
At MAD, you will see a diverse range of exhibitions, from avant-garde jewelry to experimental furniture and cutting-edge textiles.
During our museum visit, we had the chance to see the temporary exhibition “Taylor Swift: Storyteller.” This exhibit showcased Taylor’s journey as an artist and her evolution over the years. It included costumes worn during her concerts and music videos, along with props and jewelry.
In conclusion, don’t miss the chance to visit one of these inspiring art museums in New York City, even if just for a couple of hours. Taking in the art and breathtaking architecture will undoubtedly make your visit all the more memorable.
