NYC · Head-to-head
Metropolitan Museum of Art vs Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
If you only have time for one NYC museum, this is the choice. The Met is the encyclopedic art museum — 5,000 years across every culture. MoMA is laser-focused on modern and contemporary art with the most famous post-1900 collection in the world.
Option A
Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York · Museum
Best for
- Anyone with a half-day or more
- Families (Egyptian wing, arms & armor)
- Free for NY-state residents (pay-what-you-wish)
Option B
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
New York · Museum
Best for
- Modern art fans
- Short time windows (2–3 hrs)
- Iconic single works (Starry Night, Demoiselles d'Avignon)
Our verdict
Pick the Met if you want breadth (Egyptian temples, European masters, American wing) and 3+ hours to wander. Pick MoMA if you want to see Starry Night, Picasso, Warhol and Pollock in two focused hours.
Side-by-side
| Metropolitan Museum of Art | Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Collection focus | 5,000 years, all cultures | Modern & contemporary (1880–today) |
| Typical adult ticket | $30 (free for NY state) | $30 |
| Average visit | 3–4 hours | 2–3 hours |
| Must-see | Temple of Dendur, European Paintings, American Wing | Starry Night, Demoiselles d'Avignon, Campbell's Soup Cans |
| Nearest subway | 86 St (4,5,6) or 77 St (6) | 5 Av/53 St (E,M) |
Other comparisons
Pricing, wait times, and ticket options are subject to change. Please verify current details directly with individual venues prior to booking.