The 22 Best Art Museums in NYC: Your Ultimate New York City Art and Museum Guide
Written by Cedric Rutten and Giulia Daniele, June 2024
New York City is a global hub for art, design, and culture, making it a dream destination for art enthusiasts. Whether you're exploring modern art at MoMA, historic works at The Met, or cutting-edge exhibits in Chelsea's galleries, this NYC travel guide has the best art museums and galleries covered. Here’s where to find the best art in NYC and make the most of your New York City trip!
Read the full New York City Travel Guide here
FAQs
Which art museums should I visit in NYC?
Start with The Met, MoMA, and the Guggenheim for a comprehensive experience of NYC’s top museums.What’s the best time to visit NYC’s museums?
Weekday mornings are often the quietest, especially at major institutions. Consider visiting during winter for fewer crowds.Are there free art galleries in NYC?
Many galleries in Chelsea offer free entry, as well as rotating exhibitions. The first Saturday of each month also brings free or discounted admission to select museums across NYC.
Best Art Museums & Galleries New York City
1. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
© H.R. Tsua, via Wikimedia Commons
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City is a must-see for any art enthusiast. Designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the museum's spiral structure houses a vast collection of modern and contemporary art.
From iconic works by Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall to thought-provoking pieces by contemporary artists like Jenny Holzer and James Turrell, the Guggenheim's collection never fails to inspire and challenge visitors.
In addition to its impressive permanent collection, the museum hosts a variety of rotating exhibitions and events, making each visit a unique experience. A true masterpiece of architecture and art, the Guggenheim Museum is a destination not to be missed.
Opening Hours: Every day: 10:30 am–5:30 pm
Admission: $30
Address: 1071 5th Ave, New York
2. Brooklyn Museum
© ajay_suresh, via Wikimedia Commons
The Brooklyn Museum is a hidden gem of the New York art scene, with an impressive collection of over 1.5 million artworks from around the world. The museum's diverse exhibitions include everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary art installations, and highlight the contributions of underrepresented artists and cultures.
Visitors can also explore the museum's extensive collection of feminist art, which features iconic works by Judy Chicago and Miriam Schapiro. With regular special events, concerts, and educational programs, the Brooklyn Museum offers a vibrant cultural experience for all art lovers. A must-see destination in the heart of Brooklyn.
Opening Hours: Wednesday–Sunday: 11 am–6 pm
Admission: $20
Address: 200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn
3. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
© Hugo Schneider, via Wikimedia Commons
People from all over the world flock to New York to visit the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art, often just called the “Met." Boasting a collection of over 2 million works, the museum covers a vast range of art and artifacts from across human history and culture.
From old Egyptian artefacts to newer works, the Met has it all. In addition to its major collection, the Met has many temporary shows and events going on all the time, making every visit fun and unique.
Opening Hours: Sunday–Tuesday and Thursday: 10 am–5 pm, Friday and Saturday: 10 am–9 pm
Admission: $30, NY residents: Pay what you wish
Address: 1000 5th Ave, New York
© ajay_suresh, via Wikimedia Commons
If you don't have much time during your trip to New York and can only visit one museum, we recommend the MoMA. This is one of the most popular modern art museums in the world.
The museum opened in 1929 and got more than a million visitors a year. A visit to the MoMA takes you on a journey through the greatest artists that ever walked the earth, including Andy Warhol, Vincent Van Gogh, Picasso and Dalí. The MoMA is a joy for all the senses and an unforgettable experience.
Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday: 10:30 am–5:30 pm, Saturday: 10:30 am –7:00 pm
Admission: $30
Address: 11 W 53rd St, New York
5. Gagosian, Chelsea
© Paul Soulellis, via Wikimedia Commons
Gagosian shows cutting-edge art in many different forms. In the past, the store has displayed works by leading artists like Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, Cindy Sherman, Takashi Murakami, and Anselm Kiefer.
With their unique styles and ideas, these artists have made a long impression on the art world, establishing Gagosian as a must-visit venue.
Opening Hours: Monday–Friday 10 am–6 pm.
Admission: Free
Address: 555 W 24th St, New York
6. David Zwirner Gallery, Chelsea
© Mendeswood, via Wikimedia Commons
The German-born art dealer David Zwirner has always been an important figure in New York’s art scene. In 2002, he moved his store from SoHo to West 19th Street in Chelsea, making him an even bigger part of the city's heritage.
Famous artists like Alice Neel, Donald Judd, Thomas Ruff, and Gerhard Richter have shown their work in Zwirner's venues, which has helped establish him as one of the city’s most emerging talents.
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday: 10 am - 6 pm
Admission: Free
Address: 525 W 19th St, New York
7. Whitney Museum of American Art
© MusikAnimal, via Wikimedia Commons
The Chelsea-based Whitney Museum of American Art is famous for showing artistic works from the United States. The museum’s collection includes works from the 20th century to the 21st, offering visitors a wide perspective on American art.
The architecture is Renzo Piano’s brainchild – a delight in its own right. Works by Alexander Calder, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol, such as "One: Number 31," "Campbell's Soup Cans," and "Lobster Trap and Fish Tail," are some of the most famous in the museum.
Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday: 10:30 am–6 pm, Saturday: 10:30am–10pm, Tuesdays closed
Admission: $30, Free every Friday evening: 5–10pm
Address: 99 Gansevoort St, New York
8. The Frick Collection
© The Frick Collection, J. M. W. Turner, Cologne, the Arrival of a Packet Boat in the Evening, 1826
Once Henry Clay Frick’s home, the Frick Collection is a towering example of art. World-class paintings, sculptures, and furniture can be found in its permanent collections. These include works of art by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Renoir, and the famous French cabinetmaker Jean-Henri Riesener.
This prestigious museum gives tourists a glimpse into the luxurious life of the Gilded Age while showcasing worldwide-known masterpieces.
Opening Hours: Currently closed
Admission: Free
Address: 1 E 70th St, New York
9. New Museum of Contemporary Art
© Firebrace, via Wikimedia Commons
Marcia Tucker opened the New Museum of Contemporary Art in 1977. It is one of the most innovative cultural institutions in New York City at 235 Bowery on Manhattan's Lower East Side. It showcases modern art in a wide range of forms, encourages new ideas and gives new and upcoming artists a platform.
The museum also promotes critical discussion and pushes the limits of artistic expression. People are still drawn to the New Museum because of its ever-changing exhibits and dedication to showing the latest artistic experimentations.
Opening Hours: Currently closed
Admission: Free
Address: 235 Bowery, New York
10. MoMA PS1
© MoMA PS1
MoMA PS1, a new and experimental modern art museum in Queens' Court Square, adds to the cultural scene with its diverse schedule and open-minded approach to art.
As a part of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), PS1 gives emerging artists a platform while encouraging conversation and research. The MoMA PS1 is housed in a large building that used to be a public school. Its many halls and outdoor areas host shows, exhibitions, and events that question traditional artistic norms.
Opening Hours: Sunday, Monday, Thursday: 12–6 pm., Friday: 12–10 pm, Saturday: 12–8 pm
Admission: $10, NY residents: free
Address: 22-25 Jackson Ave, Queens
11. International Center of Photography Museum
© Photographers Gallery
The International Centre of Photography (ICP), located at 79 Essex Street in Manhattan's lively Lower East Side, serves as both a museum dedicated to photography and visual culture and a bustling school. Hosting a variety of classes and events, ICP offers a welcoming environment for experienced photographers and enthusiastic beginners alike.
The museum also organises various interesting shows that look at all the different aspects of photography. These are aimed at sparking conversation about how images are made and how they affect society.
Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday: 11 am-7 pm, Saturday: 11 am-9 pm, Tuesdays closed
Admission: $18
Address: 79 Essex St, New York
12. Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
© Ajay Suresh, via Wikimedia Commons
The Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum exemplifies innovative design within the iconic Andrew Carnegie Mansion on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
As part of the Smithsonian Institution, the museum showcases an extensive collection of design objects and artifacts from diverse cultures and eras, offering visitors insight into the evolution of design and its societal impact.
Through dynamic exhibitions and educational programs, Cooper Hewitt fosters a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of design.
Opening Hours: Everyday: 10 am-6 pm
Admission: $10
Address: 2 E 91st St, New York
13. Fotografiska New York
© Fotografiska
The building was initially supposed to be the Ana Delvey Foundation, but it changed to Fotografiska New York – a branch of the famous Swedish photography museum in Gramercy Park, Manhattan. The gallery opened in December 2019 in the beautiful six-story Renaissance Revival Church Missions House.
As a cultural hub for photography, the museum offers visitors a carefully chosen range of captivating shows and immersive experiences. With its ever-changing calendar and focus on visual stories, it takes New York City's rich cultural heritage to the next level.
Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 10:30 am–9 pm, Friday - Saturday 10:30 am–11 pm, Sunday 10:30 am–9 pm
Admission: $24
Address: 281 Park Ave S, New York
14. El Museo del Barrio
© El Museo del Barrio
El Museo del Barrio, or simply "El Museo," is a cultural landmark in Upper Manhattan, located at 1230 Fifth Avenue near the northern end of Museum Mile and close to the Museum of the City of New York.
El Museo is dedicated to celebrating and preserving Latin American and Caribbean art and culture, offering a diverse array of exhibitions, programs, and events that illuminate the community's rich heritage and history.
Opening Hours: Thursday - Sunday: 11 am-5 pm
Admission: $9
Address: 1230 5th Ave, New York
15. Queens Museum
© Queens Museum
The Queens Museum is a cultural landmark in the borough of Queens. It is located in the beautiful Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. It used to be the Queens Museum of Art and is both an art museum and a learning hub.
This New York museum is known for its wide range of shows and community-focused events. It celebrates Queens' rich cultural history and uses art to bring people together. With its strategic position and ever-changing exhibits, the Queens Museum continues to make the lives of both tourists and locals better.
Opening Hours: Wednesday - Friday: 12 pm-5 pm, Saturday - Sunday: 11 am-5pm
Admission: Pay-What-You-Wish Admission ($8 advised)
Address: Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Building, Queens
16. Bronx Museum of the Arts
© Bronx Museum of the Arts - Argenis Apolinario
The Bronx Museum of the Arts, a prominent cultural center in the Concourse neighborhood of the Bronx, has played a vital role in the community since its founding by Irma Fleck in 1971. Featuring a wide range of exhibitions and programs, the museum celebrates the rich artistic heritage of the Bronx and beyond.
Led by Director Klaudio Rodriguez, the museum captivates visitors with compelling narratives from its collection, such as "José Martí in History and Art." The Bronx Museum serves as a vibrant hub where local talent shines and diverse cultures are explored, enriching both the Bronx community and its many visitors.
Opening Hours: Wednesday - Sunday: 11 am-6 pm
Admission: Free
Address: 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10456 / Open in Google Maps
17. The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD)
© MAD NYC
The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) in New York City has been around since 1956 and is a hub for well-established talents and emerging artists. MAD collects, presents, and analyses objects that show how craft, art, and design are connected. These objects reflect both new trends and important historical successes in these areas.
With its wide range of shows and events, the museum gives guests a unique chance to see how artistic expression is always changing. It celebrates the power of creativity to inspire, challenge, and improve our lives through everything from traditional craftsmanship to cutting-edge design.
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 10 am-6 pm
Admission: $20
Address: 2 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019 / Open in Google Maps
18. Paula Cooper Gallery
© Eric N. Mack, “Landlord,” 2021. umbrella, wood flagpoles, metal brackets, fabric collage, thread - Paule Cooper Gallery
Paula Cooper opened the Paula Cooper Gallery in 1968, which shows a wide range of modern works through different media. Paula Cooper Gallery has been very important in making the city's art scene what it is today by promoting new and thought-provoking art practices.
Visitors and fans come from all over the world because it is dedicated to showing new artists and pushing the limits of art.
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday, 10 am–5 pm
Admission: Free
Address: 521 W 21st St, New York
19. Neue Galerie New York
© Neue Galerie New York
The Neue Galerie New York is a tribute to German and Austrian art and design from the early 20th century, founded by Ronald Lauder on November 16, 2001, and housed in the historic William Starr Miller House. The elegant museum space, crafted by renowned architect Annabelle Selldorf, provides a fitting backdrop for its carefully curated collection.
Under the leadership of Director Renée Price, the Neue Galerie presents exhibitions that celebrate the richness and diversity of this era, guiding visitors on a captivating journey through the cultural history of early 1900s Germany and Austria.
Opening Hours: Monday: 11 am-6 pm, Wednesday–Sunday: 11 am-6 pm
Admission: $28
Address: 1048 5th Ave, New York
20. Gladstone Gallery, Chelsea
© Gladstone Gallery, Chelsea
Gladstone Gallery, with locations in New York, Brussels, and Seoul, is a major force in the contemporary art world. Founded by Barbara Gladstone, the gallery has become a premier destination for artists showcasing innovative and boundary-pushing work.
Gladstone Gallery’s New York location fosters new ideas and cultural dialogues, featuring a diverse roster of artists committed to challenging artistic norms. Through Barbara Gladstone's vision and dedication to groundbreaking art, the gallery has earned international acclaim and a loyal following.
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 10 am-6 pm
Admission: Free
Address: 515 W 24th St, New York
21. PERROTIN, Lower East Side
© PERROTIN, Lower East Side
Perrotin, a contemporary art gallery founded by Emmanuel Perrotin, is nestled in New York City's vibrant Lower East Side. Originally located on Madison Avenue from 2013 to 2016, the gallery moved in April 2017 to a spacious 25,000-square-foot venue at 130 Orchard Street.
This strategic relocation strengthened Perrotin's connection with the dynamic Lower East Side arts scene, allowing it to showcase innovative and cutting-edge works in an even more engaging environment.
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 10 am-6pm
Admission: Free
Address: 130 Orchard St, New York
22. Pace Gallery, Chelsea
© Pace Gallery, Chelsea
The Chelsea location of Pace Gallery is a vibrant hub for contemporary art, showcasing international works in an inviting and intimate space. Situated in the heart of Chelsea, one of New York City's most dynamic art districts, the gallery offers visitors an immersive experience with innovative exhibitions by a diverse array of artists.
With a commitment to fostering dialogue and appreciation for modern art, Pace Gallery remains a beloved destination for art enthusiasts and collectors eager to explore the latest trends and ideas in the art world
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday: 10 am-6pm
Admission: Free
Address: 540 W 25th St, New York
Best Architecture and Design in NYC
For those who love art and design, New York City offers architectural masterpieces beyond just museums. Explore our guide on the Best Architecture and Design in NYC to discover more incredible structures and designs around the city.
Best Boutique Design Hotels in NYC
Make your art tour even more memorable by staying at one of NYC’s unique accommodations. Check out our Best Boutique Hotels in New York City for places that reflect the city’s vibrant art and design culture.
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