The Museum of Ice Cream (MOIC) in New York City is a unique, interactive experience dedicated to the love of ice cream. It combines immersive art installations, delicious treats, and fun activities for visitors of all ages. Here’s your ultimate guide to make the most of your visit!
Location and Tickets
- Address: 558 Broadway, New York, NY 10012 (SoHo neighborhood).
- Hours: Typically open from 10 AM to 8 PM, but hours may vary, especially during holidays. It’s best to check their official website or Google for the most updated schedule.
- Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online in advance and often sell out, especially on weekends. Prices are generally around $40–$50 for adults, and they offer discounts for children and seniors.
- Children under 2 are free.
- Tickets include access to all exhibits and unlimited ice cream treats during your visit.
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What to Expect
The Museum of Ice Cream is designed to engage all the senses with vibrant colors, whimsical designs, and—of course—ice cream! It’s more of an experience than a traditional museum, with lots of photo opportunities and interactive spaces. Expect to spend around 60-90 minutes exploring the exhibits.
Key highlights include:
- Sprinkle Pool: One of the most iconic features of MOIC is the giant pool filled with millions of plastic sprinkles where you can dive in and play. It’s a favorite for both kids and adults.
- Ice Cream Tasting Stations: Throughout the museum, there are different stations where you can try various ice cream flavors, popsicles, and soft-serve.
- Imaginative Rooms: Each room in the museum is themed differently, such as a pink jungle, a rainbow tunnel, and a room of giant popsicles.
- Interactive Experiences: Slide down an ice cream-themed slide, play games, or even create your own ice cream-related art.
- Ice Cream Lab: Sometimes there’s a station where you can learn more about how ice cream is made and even create your own flavor (this can vary).
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Instagram-Worthy Spots
MOIC is very Instagram-friendly, with plenty of vibrant and creative backdrops that make for great photo ops. Some popular spots include:
- The Sprinkle Pool: Most visitors spend time here for those fun action shots.
- Banana Room: A jungle filled with pink bananas hanging from the ceiling.
- Rainbow Tunnel: Walk through a colorful tunnel that makes for bright, vivid photos.
- Cone Room: With oversized ice cream cones dripping from the ceiling.
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Plan Your Visit
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, especially earlier in the day. If you’re looking for a quieter experience to take more photos, aim for the first time slot available.
- What to Wear: Bright, colorful outfits really pop in the museum’s vibrant settings. Comfortable shoes are also recommended since you’ll be walking and playing throughout the space.
- Food Options: Apart from the ice cream and treats provided throughout the experience, there aren’t full meal options inside. It’s best to plan a meal before or after your visit at one of SoHo’s many great restaurants.
- Parking and Transportation: The MOIC is located in SoHo, which can be difficult for parking. Public transportation is the best way to reach it, with multiple subway lines (R, W, 4, 6, J, Z) stopping nearby.
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Fun for All Ages
The museum is designed for both adults and kids, though it’s particularly popular with families and groups of friends. MOIC also offers special events like ice cream-making workshops, birthday party packages, and corporate team-building events.
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Gift Shop
At the end of the tour, you’ll exit through a gift shop filled with ice cream-themed merchandise. You can find souvenirs like sprinkle necklaces, ice cream-shaped pillows, T-shirts, and more. They even sell ice cream if you didn’t get your fill during the tour!
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Tips for Visiting
- Arrive early: While your timed entry ticket means you won’t have to wait too long, arriving 15 minutes early can give you a head start on exploring without rushing.
- Bring your camera: You’ll definitely want to document this experience! They encourage photography, so make sure your phone or camera is charged.
- Hydrate: All that ice cream can make you thirsty, and water fountains can be sparse, so it’s a good idea to bring your own water bottle.
- Be prepared for sensory overload: Between the bright colors, music, and sweet treats, it’s a lot to take in. Pace yourself and take breaks if needed.
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Special Events
MOIC hosts several special events throughout the year:
- Seasonal exhibits: During holidays like Halloween and Christmas, they might offer limited-time themed rooms and treats.
- Workshops: Ice cream-making classes and DIY sundae stations are sometimes available as part of special event packages.
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Accessibility
MOIC is wheelchair accessible and aims to make the experience enjoyable for all visitors. However, certain elements, like the Sprinkle Pool, may not be accessible to all guests.
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Nearby Attractions
SoHo is a vibrant neighborhood filled with shops, cafes, and other attractions:
- Shopping: SoHo is known for its luxury and boutique shopping.
- Art galleries: After MOIC, check out some local galleries for a different kind of artistic experience.
- The New Museum: A modern art museum nearby, it offers a stark contrast to the playful nature of MOIC.
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Visiting the Museum of Ice Cream is an unforgettable, light-hearted adventure perfect for families, friends, and anyone who enjoys a little sweetness in their day. Whether you’re there for the photos, the fun, or the ice cream, it’s sure to leave you smiling!
