Museums in New York

The Museums in New York are hundreds along with art galleries, exhibitions in all five boroughs, which can satisfy any discerning visitor. In this list you will find the most popular museums of New York, but also some that deserve your attention.

American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), located in New York City, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned museums. Founded in 1869, it features over 34 million specimens and artifacts spanning anthropology, paleontology, biology, and astronomy. Iconic exhibits include the massive Blue Whale model, the T-Rex fossil, and the Hall of Human Origins. The museum is also famous for its Rose Center for Earth and Space, which houses the Hayden Planetarium. With its extensive research programs, AMNH plays a vital role in scientific discovery and education. Visitors can explore dinosaur skeletons, cultural artifacts, and immersive dioramas. The museum also hosts special exhibitions, educational programs, and interactive displays. Its grand architecture, including the striking Roosevelt Rotunda, adds to its grandeur. A must-visit for science enthusiasts, AMNH inspires curiosity about the natural world. It remains a landmark of knowledge, culture, and exploration for all ages.

Address: 200 Central Prk W, New York
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Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is a unique museum in New York City, located aboard the historic USS Intrepid, an aircraft carrier from World War II. Opened in 1982, it showcases military and maritime history, aviation, and space exploration. Visitors can explore the flight deck, featuring iconic aircraft like the A-12 Blackbird and the Concorde. The museum also houses the space shuttle Enterprise, offering a glimpse into NASA’s early missions. Interactive exhibits, simulators, and guided tours provide an engaging experience. The submarine USS Growler, the only American nuclear missile submarine open to the public, is another highlight. The museum honors veterans and educates visitors on technological advancements in sea, air, and space. With its waterfront location on the Hudson River, it offers stunning views of Manhattan. A popular attraction for families and history buffs, the Intrepid Museum inspires curiosity about innovation and bravery. It remains a tribute to American military and scientific achievements.

Address: Pier 86, W 46th St, New York
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Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City is one of the world’s most influential museums dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Founded in 1929, it houses a vast collection of over 200,000 works, including iconic pieces like Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, and Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans. MoMA showcases painting, sculpture, photography, film, design, and multimedia installations, reflecting groundbreaking artistic movements. Its sleek, modern building in Midtown Manhattan features rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and film screenings. The museum also highlights works by pioneering artists such as Frida Kahlo, Jackson Pollock, and Salvador Dalí. With its innovative curation and global influence, MoMA shapes contemporary art discourse. Visitors can explore its expansive galleries, rooftop garden, and design store. A hub for creativity, it attracts art lovers, scholars, and tourists from around the world. MoMA continues to push boundaries, celebrating both established and emerging artists. It remains a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about modern art.

Address: 11 W 53rd St, New York
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Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) in New York City is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious art museums, founded in 1870. Its vast collection spans over 5,000 years of art, from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. Visitors can explore iconic galleries like the Egyptian Temple of Dendur, European paintings by Van Gogh and Rembrandt, and the stunning American Wing. The museum also features armor, musical instruments, and fashion exhibits at the Costume Institute. Located on Fifth Avenue along Museum Mile, The Met’s grand Beaux-Arts architecture is as impressive as its treasures. With over two million works, it offers something for every art lover, from classical sculptures to modern photography. The Met Cloisters, a branch in Upper Manhattan, specializes in medieval art and architecture. Educational programs, guided tours, and special exhibitions make it a cultural hub. A symbol of artistic excellence, The Met attracts millions of visitors each year. It remains a must-see destination for anyone seeking inspiration from humanity’s greatest creative achievements.

Address: 1000 5th Ave, New York
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Madame Tussauds New York

Madame Tussauds New York is a world-famous wax museum located in the heart of Times Square, offering visitors the chance to get up close with incredibly lifelike figures of celebrities, historical icons, and pop culture stars. Since opening in 2000, it has become a must-visit attraction, featuring wax replicas of figures like Beyoncé, Barack Obama, Lady Gaga, and Spider-Man. The museum’s interactive exhibits allow guests to pose with their favorite stars, step into movie scenes, and even “meet” Marvel superheroes in 4D. With themed zones such as Music, Sports, and Broadway, Madame Tussauds blends entertainment with artistry. The attention to detail in each wax figure—crafted by skilled sculptors—creates an uncanny realism. Special experiences, like the Chamber of Horrors, add a thrilling twist. Perfect for selfies and family fun, the museum immerses visitors in glamour, history, and fantasy. Whether you’re a film buff, sports fan, or music lover, there’s something for everyone. A visit here feels like walking through fame itself, making it a standout attraction in New York City.

Address: 234 W 42nd St, New York
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National September 11 Museum

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is a solemn tribute to the victims and heroes of the 9/11 attacks, located at the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan. Opened in 2014, the museum preserves the history of that tragic day through powerful artifacts, including wrecked steel beams, first responders’ gear, and personal stories of loss and resilience. The Memorial’s twin reflecting pools, set in the footprints of the original Twin Towers, bear the names of the nearly 3,000 lives lost. Inside, immersive exhibits like “In Memoriam” and “Historical Exhibition” document the events, aftermath, and global impact of 9/11. The museum also honors the 1993 WTC bombing victims. Thoughtful design elements, such as the “Survivors’ Stairs” and the “Last Column,” evoke deep emotion. Educational programs and audio tours provide context, while the Foundation Hall reveals the site’s bedrock and remnants of the towers. A place of reflection and education, it ensures future generations never forget. Visiting is a moving experience, blending grief with hope and unity.

Address: 180 Greenwich St, New York
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Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, an architectural masterpiece on New York’s Fifth Avenue, is as celebrated for its radical design as for its world-class modern art collection. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and opened in 1959, the museum’s iconic spiral ramp and cylindrical shape revolutionized museum architecture, creating a continuous, flowing viewing experience. Inside, the Guggenheim showcases groundbreaking works by artists like Kandinsky, Picasso, Monet, and contemporary innovators, with a focus on Impressionism, Surrealism, and avant-garde movements. Temporary exhibitions highlight cutting-edge contemporary artists, while the permanent collection spans the late 19th century to today. The building itself—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—draws as much admiration as the art it houses. Visitors ascend the spiraling gallery under a dome of natural light, merging art and space in a unique way. Educational programs, guided tours, and artist talks deepen engagement with modern and contemporary art. A cultural landmark, the Guggenheim challenges traditional museum norms, offering an immersive, thought-provoking journey. Whether for its architecture or its art, it remains a must-visit for creativity and innovation.

Address: 1071 5th Ave, New York
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Frick Collection

The Frick Collection, housed in the opulent Gilded Age mansion of industrialist Henry Clay Frick on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, is a treasure trove of European masterpieces and decorative arts. Opened to the public in 1935, the museum features an intimate, refined setting with works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, Turner, and Gainsborough, alongside Renaissance bronzes and Limoges enamels. The mansion’s gilded interiors, serene courtyard garden, and Fragonard Room—showcasing the artist’s iconic Progress of Love panels—evoke the grandeur of a private collector’s vision. Unlike larger institutions, the Frick offers a contemplative experience, with artworks displayed as they were arranged by Frick himself. A 2021 expansion (opening 2024) temporarily relocated the collection to Frick Madison, while the historic building undergoes renovations. Known for its scholarly rigor and exquisite curation, the museum also hosts concerts and lectures. A haven for lovers of Old Masters and refined aesthetics, the Frick remains one of New York’s most elegant cultural gems.

Address: 1071 5th Ave, New York
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The Museum of Broadway

Cover photo: The Museum of Broadway

The Museum of Broadway, located in the heart of New York City’s Theater District, is the first permanent museum dedicated to celebrating the rich history and magic of Broadway. Opened in 2022, it takes visitors on an immersive journey through the evolution of theater, from its early vaudeville roots to today’s blockbuster musicals. Interactive exhibits feature iconic costumes, set designs, and behind-the-scenes stories from legendary shows like The Phantom of the Opera, Hamilton, and The Lion King. The museum also honors the unsung heroes of theater—writers, directors, and stagehands—who bring productions to life. With dazzling photo ops, rare archival footage, and a timeline of groundbreaking moments, it’s a must-visit for theater lovers. Educational programs and rotating displays ensure fresh experiences, while the gift shop offers unique Broadway memorabilia. A vibrant tribute to creativity and resilience, this museum captures the spirit of the stage. Whether you’re a seasoned theatergoer or a curious newcomer, it’s a dazzling celebration of Broadway’s enduring legacy.

Address: 145 W 45th St, New York
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Museum of Jewish Heritage

The Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust stands as a powerful testament to Jewish life before, during, and after the Holocaust. Located in Battery Park City with striking views of the Statue of Liberty, the museum’s hexagonal architecture symbolizes the six million Jewish lives lost and the resilience of survivors. Opened in 1997, its core exhibition spans three floors, blending personal artifacts, survivor testimonies, and historical narratives to trace Jewish heritage through tragedy and renewal. Highlights include a German railcar used for deportations, a Torah rescued from Nazi destruction, and rotating exhibits on contemporary Jewish identity. The museum also features the Garden of Stones memorial, where trees grow from granite boulders, embodying hope amid loss. Through educational programs, films, and concerts, it fosters dialogue about antisemitism, human rights, and remembrance. A visit here is both somber and inspiring, honoring the past while advocating for a just future. More than a museum, it’s a call to action—ensuring history’s lessons endure.