Top Museums in New York City

New York is the cultural hub of the United States with countless New York sightseeing places, vibrant nightlife, and an amusing chain of museums. Whether you are interested in history, art, science, or any other subjects, you will find at least one museum gracing your New York itinerary with its uniqueness and a never-seen-before collection. With more than 200 museums located in favorable locations all around NYC, selecting the best for your visit can be daunting.

So, for those who are looking for the best museums in NYC, and other fun things to do in NYC, we have pulled together an extensive New York travel guide for an unforgettable trip to this fascinating destination. No matter what your interest is, we have got you covered!

Metropolitan Museum of Art: A must-visit attraction in your New York City sightseeing tour, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the United States. The vast collection of this museum primarily consists of paintings, sculptures, antiques, European, Asian, and Islamic artworks along with an exceptional array of American modern art. Other eye-popping attractions include the collection of musical instruments, costumes, and accessories which will make you dig in the story behind it.

American Museum of Natural History – A visit to this fascinating yet educational museum is among the top things to do in NYC. The museum houses an enthralling collection of artifacts and natural specimens in over 45 permanent exhibition halls and several temporary galleries. The major highlights of this popular NYC attraction include Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton, the 94-feet long blue whale in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, Rose Center for Earth and Space, and the Hayden Planetarium. The American Museum of Natural History will take you on a thrilling ride through wildlife, into the sea, and even into space.

Whitney Museum of American Art – If you are looking for things to do in NYC today, or later during your trip, a visit to this wonderful museum will be a great choice. The museum is known for its world-class collection of artworks from celebrated artists like Jean Michel Basquiat, Alexander Calder, and Richard Avedon – to name a few. The artistic building of the Whitney Museum of Art also houses many outdoor exhibitions, sculptor spaces, and a top-floor bar and restaurant. You can also check out one of the many NYC events this weekend at the museum to make the most out of your trip.

Brooklyn Museum – Among the most popular New York attractions, Brooklyn Museum is the third largest museum in New York City. Being home to more than 1.5 million works, this museum attracts a large crowd of visitors throughout the year. Some of the major standouts include paintings by Dennis Hopper, Norman Rockwell, and Georgia O’Keeffe along with an Egyptian gallery, and an extensive collection of African art. Located close to Prospect Park, the museum remains free to enter on the first Saturday of the month.

New-York Historical Society – This is the first-ever museum in the city, dating back to 1804. With a mindblowing collection of over 1.6 million artifacts and memorabilia, the museum preserves and displays the art, literature, culture, politics, and wider history of America over the years. The Hudson River School paintings, James Audubon’s preparatory watercolors, and George Washington’s bed from Valley Forge are some of the noteworthy highlights of this museum. The New-York Historical Society is undoubted, among the best places to visit in New York especially for history buffs.

NYC Transit Museum – This one-of-a-kind museum in New York provides a deep insight into the history of the public transit system of New York. Housed in a former subway station, the museum displays artifacts including a top-notch collection of vintage train cars, trolley models, and other historic vehicles that will take you back in time. If you are looking for things to do with kids in NYC, a visit to the transit museum should be your pick. Here, they can explore these historic displays, take the driver seat, and enjoy the Transit Tots programs and activities.

9/11 Memorial and Museum –  Situated at the former location of the ill-fated Twin Towers, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is built to pay homage to the people who lost their lives during the attacks. Here, you will find a collection of artifacts and objects that recollect the tragic incident. The 9/11 Tribute Museum represents the stories of the people and volunteers who experienced the fateful day. If you are looking for things to do in New York tonight, you must visit this site and pay tribute to the martyrs. The museum with its personal approach makes your visit even more memorable

Socrates Sculpture Park – One of the best free museums in New York City, Socrates Sculpture Park allows visitors to explore the art exhibits amidst natural surroundings. Started in 1986, this city park museum is a great place for artists and art lovers to spend time admiring a collection of stimulating sculptors. Here you can find works of both renowned and emerging artists. If lucky enough, you might catch an artist in the midst of his sculpting process. Also, make sure to attend one of the many free events NYC held at Socrates Sculpture Park throughout the year. With Manhattan’s water-front forming the stunning backdrop, this park is ideal for an evening stroll as well.

New Museum – If you are wondering about the best things to do in NYC this weekend, you can head to the astonishing New Museum. This seven-story building consists of several contemporary and modern art pieces from both world-renowned and lesser-known artists. The diversity of its collection opens wider horizons for visitors and makes it one of the most famous New York tourist attractions. With a number of permanent and several rotating galleries, the New Museum is an unmissable spot while in New York City.

The Frick Collection – Another addition to the list of iconic museums in NYC, the Frick Collection is one of the most loved attractions in the city. If you are looking for things to do in Times Square, you can visit this museum located at a distance of just 10 minutes. Sited in the former mansion of Henry Clay Frick, this museum is a paradise for art enthusiasts with an alluring collection of old master paintings, including great works by Holbein, Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Renoir among several others. The museum also consists of an array of fine furniture and other decorative arts. You can also attend exhibitions and events New York City today in the frick collection museum.

Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum – A visit to this American military floating museum is among the best things to do in NYC. With a collection of military ships, aircraft, fighter planes, and a nuclear submarine, this museum provides an insight into the history of the United States. Some of the prominent exhibits include the British Airways Concorde, NASA space shuttle, among other veterans. If you are in for something unusual and fascinating, the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum is a place that you should not miss.

Museum of Modern Art – Also known as MoMA, this museum consists of a fine collection of art pieces by artists including Haring, Warhol, and Basquait among several others. You can also explore some of the classic art pieces such as “The Starry Night”, by Van Gogh. With an alluring collection of more than 200,000 modern and contemporary artworks, a visit to the Museum of Modern Art is one of the best things to do in New York City. The MoMA is free to enter for all visitors every Friday evening.

Brooklyn Children’s Museum – Renowned as the first children’s museum in the world, this museum offers several fun things to do in New York with kids. The range of hands-on activities allows the kids to learn and enjoy at the same time. The Nest – an interactive playscape, the Science Enquiry Center – with animals and natural exhibits, and Totally Tots with nine sensory play areas, are among the major highlights of this iconic museum. Other must-visit areas within the museum include the Sensory Room and World Brooklyn where kids can learn from role-play and other fun activities. Your kids will never want to leave this little world.

A visit to some of the many museums is one of the best things to do in New York to get a glimpse of the history, art, and culture of the city. So, whether you are in search of free things to do in NYC, fun activities for your kids or a trip to the bygone eras, a museum tour around NYC is the answer for all!.