Best Museums in NYC

#1 · New York

9/11 Memorial & Museum

Somber tribute to the victims of September 11, 2001, featuring twin reflecting pools and museum exhibits.

#2 · New York

Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's largest and finest art museums, featuring over 5,000 years of art from around the world.

#3 · New York

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

World-renowned museum showcasing an unparalleled collection of modern and contemporary art, from Van Gogh to Warhol.

#4 · New York

Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration

Historic immigration station documenting American immigrant history.

#5 · New York

The Met Cloisters

Branch of the Metropolitan Museum dedicated to medieval European art and architecture, overlooking the Hudson River.

#6 · New York

American Museum of Natural History

Explore the wonders of the natural world through fascinating exhibits and interactive displays.

#7 · New York

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Military and maritime museum aboard the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid featuring historic aircraft and spacecraft.

#8 · New York

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

Iconic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed spiral building housing an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.

#9 · New York

Whitney Museum of American Art

Premier museum of 20th and 21st-century American art with stunning architecture and views of the High Line.

#10 · New York

Banksy Museum

Showcases the provocative and influential works of elusive street artist Banksy through installations, murals, and multimedia exhibits.

#11 · New York

Society of Illustrators

A distinguished cultural hub founded in 1901 dedicated to the art of illustration through rotating exhibitions, curated collections, and artist talks.

#12 · Queens

Louis Armstrong House Museum

Historic home of jazz legend Louis Armstrong.

#13 · New York

The Morgan Library & Museum

Once the private sanctuary of financier Pierpont Morgan, this magnificent "cathedral of books" houses rare manuscripts, three Gutenberg Bibles, and original musical scores by Mozart and Beethoven.

#14 · Brooklyn

Brooklyn Museum

One of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States with diverse collections.

#15 · New York

The Frick Collection

Intimate art museum in a historic mansion with masterpiece paintings.

#16 · New York

Museum of Jewish Heritage

Living memorial to the Holocaust with powerful exhibits.

#17 · New York

Merchant's House Museum

One of NYC's most remarkable historic sites, offering a rare look into 19th-century domestic life with original furnishings and Federal-Greek Revival architecture.

#18 · Queens

Noguchi Museum

Museum and sculpture garden dedicated to artist Isamu Noguchi.

#19 · New York

Hispanic Society Museum & Library

Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American art and culture.

#20 · Old Westbury

Old Westbury Gardens

Historic mansion and formal gardens on Long Island.

#21 · East Hampton

Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center

Historic home and studio of artists Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner.

#22 · Montauk

Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum

Historic lighthouse and maritime museum.

#23 · Oyster Bay

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site

Theodore Roosevelt's Summer White House.

#24 · Glen Cove

Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center

Holocaust education and human rights museum.

#25 · East Hampton

LongHouse Reserve

Sculpture garden and contemporary art in East Hampton.

#26 · New York

The African Burial Ground National Monument

Located in Lower Manhattan, this powerful historic site preserves one of the oldest and largest known burial grounds for free and enslaved Africans in colonial North America. A visitor center and outdoor memorial interpret the lives, labor, and cultural legacy of the thousands buried here.

#27 · New York

Governors Island National Monument

Governors Island National Monument protects two historic fortifications, Fort Jay and Castle Williams, which played key roles in defending New York Harbor. The site blends military history with scenic waterfront views, walking paths, and seasonal programming.

#28 · Bronx

New York Yankees Museum

The New York Yankees Museum, located within Yankee Stadium, chronicles the team's storied history with memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and tributes to legendary players. Fans can explore championship moments, iconic uniforms, and historical artifacts.

#29 · New York

Park Avenue Armory

The Park Avenue Armory is a historic building repurposed as a cultural venue for contemporary arts, large-scale installations, and performance art. Its ornate drill hall and period rooms provide a unique setting for immersive exhibitions and site-specific performances.

#30 · New York

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

The Schomburg Center is a premier research facility dedicated to documenting and preserving the global African and African-American experience. The center features archives, rare collections, exhibitions, and public programs that explore history, arts, and culture.

#31 · New York

Museum of the City of New York

Celebrating New York City's past, present, and future with engaging exhibits.

#32 · New York

Museum of Broadway

First permanent museum celebrating Broadway theater history.

#33 · New York

9/11 Museum Workshop

An intimate museum in the Meatpacking District showcasing rare artifacts recovered from Ground Zero with photographs and audio narratives.

#34 · Jersey City

Liberty Science Center

The Liberty Science Center in Jersey City offers an engaging, hands-on experience for visitors of all ages, blending interactive exhibits with live demonstrations and immersive science experiences. Highlights include touch tanks, robotics displays, and interactive engineering challenges.

#35 · New York

AKC Museum of the Dog

Unique museum celebrating the bond between humans and dogs through art, artifacts, and interactive exhibits.

#36 · New York

Jewish Museum

Premier museum of Jewish art and culture.

#37 · New York

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

National design museum with innovative and historic design collections.

#38 · New York

Tenement Museum

A deeply moving cultural institution telling stories of immigrant life on the Lower East Side through meticulously restored apartments and immersive guided tours.

#39 · Queens

Museum of the Moving Image

Exploring the art, history, and technology of film and television.

#40 · New York

Neue Galerie New York

Early 20th-century German and Austrian art and design.

#41 · New York

The National Museum of the American Indian

Smithsonian museum dedicated to Native American culture and history.

#42 · Brooklyn

New York Transit Museum

Museum in a decommissioned subway station exploring transit history.

#43 · Queens

New York Hall of Science

Interactive science and technology museum in Queens.

#44 · New York

Nicholas Roerich Museum

Museum dedicated to artist and philosopher Nicholas Roerich.

#45 · New York

Japan Society

Japanese art, culture, and contemporary exhibitions.

#46 · Brooklyn

Pioneer Works

Multidisciplinary cultural center with art, science, and music.

#47 · Queens

Socrates Sculpture Park

Outdoor sculpture park on the East River waterfront.

#48 · Staten Island

Snug Harbor Cultural Center

Historic arts center with museums, gardens, and performance spaces.

#49 · Old Bethpage

Museum of American Armor

Military vehicles and armor collection on Long Island.

#50 · Garden City

Cradle of Aviation Museum

Aviation and space exploration museum on Long Island.

#51 · Sands Point

Sands Point Preserve

Historic Gold Coast estates and nature preserve.

#52 · Centerport

Vanderbilt Museum

Historic mansion and marine museum on Long Island Sound.

#53 · Water Mill

Parrish Art Museum

Contemporary art museum in the Hamptons.

#54 · Captree Island

Fire Island Lighthouse

Historic lighthouse with stunning ocean views.

#55 · Sagaponack

Madoo Conservancy

Artist's garden and sculpture garden.

#56 · Brooklyn

Brooklyn Navy Yard Center at BLDG 92

Brooklyn Navy Yard Center at BLDG 92 traces the site's transformation from a naval shipbuilding powerhouse to a modern manufacturing and innovation campus. It offers a compelling look at New York's industrial past and its evolving creative economy.

#57 · Brooklyn

Center for Brooklyn History

The Center for Brooklyn History preserves and interprets the borough's layered past through archives, exhibitions, and public programs. Housed in a landmarked building, the institution offers deep insight into Brooklyn's evolution from colonial settlement to global cultural powerhouse.

#58 · New York

Center for Jewish History

One of the world's leading research institutions dedicated to Jewish culture, scholarship, and archival preservation. Its exhibitions, lectures, and educational programs provide a rich window into history, identity, and global cultural exchange.

#59 · New York

Dia:Chelsea

A major contemporary art space dedicated to large-scale installations and long-term exhibitions by influential modern artists. Operated by the Dia Art Foundation, known for presenting works that require expansive, thoughtfully designed environments.

#60 · New York

FDNY Fire Zone

FDNY Fire Zone serves as an interactive fire safety center and museum dedicated to the history of the New York City Fire Department. Exhibits include historic equipment, multimedia presentations, and hands-on educational displays.

#61 · New York

Hamilton Grange National Memorial

Hamilton Grange National Memorial preserves the home of Alexander Hamilton, one of the nation's founding figures. Relocated and restored in Harlem's St. Nicholas Park, the house museum interprets Hamilton's life, political legacy, and family history.

#62 · Staten Island

Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art

Houses one of the most significant collections of Tibetan artifacts in the United States. Designed to resemble a Himalayan monastery, the Staten Island museum features sculptures, ritual objects, and paintings exploring Tibetan culture and spirituality.

#63 · Manhattan

John J. Harvey

The John J. Harvey is a restored 1931 fireboat that now serves as a floating museum and public event vessel in New York Harbor. This historic ship tells the story of the city's maritime firefighting history and famously returned to service during the 9/11 response.

#64 · Flushing

Mets Hall of Fame & Museum

The Mets Hall of Fame & Museum at Citi Field celebrates the history of the New York Mets through memorabilia, multimedia exhibits, and tributes to legendary players and moments. Located within the ballpark, it enhances the overall game-day experience.

#65 · Staten Island

National Lighthouse Museum

The National Lighthouse Museum on Staten Island is dedicated to preserving the history of American lighthouses and the lives of lighthouse keepers. Exhibits include historic artifacts, interactive displays, and educational programs.

#66 · New York

The National Jazz Museum in Harlem

The National Jazz Museum in Harlem celebrates the legacy of jazz through exhibitions, performances, and educational programs. Located in the historic cultural hub of Harlem, the museum preserves recordings, artifacts, and oral histories while offering live events.

#67 · Corona

Queens Museum

Housed in the historic New York City Building, the Queens Museum is known for its sweeping architectural models, including the Panorama of the City of New York, alongside contemporary art exhibitions and public programs.

#68 · Brooklyn

Weeksville Heritage Center

Weeksville Heritage Center celebrates one of America's first free Black communities, founded in 1838 in Brooklyn. Through restored historic houses, exhibitions, and educational programs, the center illuminates the lives and cultural contributions of early African-American residents.

#69 · New York

Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology

Fashion museum with rotating exhibits of historic and contemporary fashion.

#70 · New York

New Museum

Contemporary art museum in the Lower East Side dedicated to presenting new art and new ideas.

#71 · New York

Rubin Museum of Art

Museum dedicated to Himalayan and Indian art and culture.

#72 · New York

Museum of Chinese in America

Preserving and presenting Chinese American history and culture.

#73 · New York

International Center of Photography Museum

Premier photography museum showcasing visual culture.

#74 · Queens

MoMA PS1

Contemporary art center affiliated with MoMA featuring experimental works.

#75 · New York

Fraunces Tavern Museum

Historic tavern and museum of American Revolution history.

#76 · New York

National Museum of Mathematics

Interactive math museum making mathematics fun and engaging.

#77 · New York

Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art

LGBTQ+ art museum with contemporary and historic collections.

#78 · New York

Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling

Children's museum focusing on art, storytelling, and culture.

#79 · New York

National Academy of Design

Historic art school and museum with rotating exhibitions.

#80 · New York

Asia Society and Museum

Asian art and culture center with exhibitions and programs.

#81 · New York

Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace

Historic house museum and birthplace of President Theodore Roosevelt.

#82 · New York

Ukrainian Museum

Ukrainian art, culture, and history museum.

#83 · New York

American Folk Art Museum

Folk art from 18th century to present day.

#84 · New York

China Institute

Chinese art and culture center with exhibitions and programs.

#85 · New York

El Museo del Barrio

Latino and Caribbean art and culture museum.

#86 · New York

Studio Museum in Harlem

Contemporary art by artists of African descent.

#87 · Brooklyn

Brooklyn Children's Museum

First museum in the world dedicated to children.

#88 · Garden City

Long Island Children's Museum

Hands-on learning experiences for children.

#89 · Roslyn Harbor

Nassau County Museum of Art

Art museum in historic mansion with sculpture garden.

#90 · Cold Spring Harbor

Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum

Maritime history and whaling heritage museum.

#91 · Huntington

Heckscher Museum of Art

Art museum featuring American and European art.

#92 · East Hampton

Guild Hall

Cultural center with art exhibitions and performances.

#93 · West Sayville

Long Island Maritime Museum

Maritime heritage and boat building traditions.

#94 · Huntington Station

Walt Whitman Birthplace

Historic home of American poet Walt Whitman.

#95 · Stony Brook

Long Island Museum

American art, history, and horse-drawn carriages.

#96 · Riverhead

Hallockville Museum Farm

Living history farm showcasing agricultural heritage.

#97 · Cold Spring Harbor

Whaling Museum & Education Center

Cold Spring Harbor's whaling heritage and marine life.

#98 · Sag Harbor

Sag Harbor Whaling Museum

Historic whaling industry museum in the Hamptons.

#99 · Bridgehampton

Dia Bridgehampton

Contemporary art exhibitions in the Hamptons.

#100 · Staten Island

Alice Austen House

Overlooking New York Harbor on Staten Island, this Victorian Gothic cottage was home to pioneering photographer Alice Austen. The museum showcases her groundbreaking images of everyday life, immigration, and women's independence at the turn of the 20th century.

#101 · New York

Bard Graduate Center

Part research institute, part gallery, this Upper West Side center focuses on decorative arts, design history, and material culture. Its exhibitions explore themes such as craftsmanship, trade, and collecting through beautifully curated displays.

#102 · Bronx

Bartow-Pell Mansion

Set within Pelham Bay Park, this elegant 19th-century mansion offers a glimpse of country estate life in what was once rural New York. Period rooms, formal gardens, and carriage house exhibitions illustrate how wealthy families lived.

#103 · Brooklyn

BRIC House

BRIC House serves as a lively contemporary arts and media hub in Downtown Brooklyn, bringing together performance, exhibitions, public programs, and community storytelling under one roof. Known for showcasing emerging artists alongside established voices.

#104 · Bronx

Bronx Children's Museum

The Bronx Children's Museum is designed as an interactive cultural learning space where young visitors explore science, art, and community through hands-on exhibits. Programs emphasize the borough's rich cultural heritage while encouraging creativity and curiosity.

#105 · Bronx

The Bronx Museum of the Arts

A leading contemporary art institution dedicated to amplifying diverse voices, particularly artists of African, Asian, and Latin American descent. Free admission and community programming make the museum an accessible cultural anchor in the borough.

#106 · New York

Castle Clinton National Monument

Originally built for coastal defense in the early nineteenth century, Castle Clinton later served as an entertainment venue, immigration station, and aquarium. Today it functions as both a historic site and the main departure point for ferries to the Statue of Liberty.

#107 · New York

Center for Architecture

A dynamic exhibition and education space dedicated to exploring the built environment and the role design plays in everyday life. Operated by the American Institute of Architects NY chapter, it hosts exhibitions, lectures, and walking tours.

#108 · Brooklyn

City Reliquary

A quirky, beloved Brooklyn museum devoted to everyday New York artifacts and local lore. Its eclectic collection ranges from subway tokens and vintage postcards to oddball objects tied to the city's history and cultural myths.

#109 · New York

Columbia Rare Book & Manuscript Library

One of the country's premier academic research collections, preserving centuries of literary, historical, and cultural materials. Exhibitions and special programs occasionally open this remarkable collection to the public.

#110 · New York

Drawing Center

The Drawing Center focuses exclusively on drawing as a vital contemporary art form, showcasing both historical works and experimental practices. With lectures, artist talks, and educational programs, it plays a unique role in supporting one of the most fundamental forms of visual expression.

#111 · New York

Dyckman Farmhouse Museum

The Dyckman Farmhouse Museum offers a rare glimpse into Manhattan's rural past as the borough's last remaining Dutch Colonial farmhouse. Built in 1784, the restored home showcases period furnishings, local artifacts, and exhibitions exploring early life in northern Manhattan.

#112 · Bronx

Edgar Allan Poe Cottage

The Edgar Allan Poe Cottage in the Bronx preserves the modest home where the famed writer spent his final years and composed some of his most enduring works. The cottage features period rooms, interpretive displays, and insight into Poe's personal struggles and creative process.

#113 · New York

General Grant National Memorial

General Grant National Memorial, often called Grant's Tomb, is the final resting place of President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife Julia. Overlooking the Hudson River in Riverside Park, the imposing classical structure honors Grant's Civil War leadership.

#114 · New York

Gracie Mansion

Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the Mayor of New York City, stands along the East River as one of Manhattan's oldest surviving wooden houses. Built in 1799, the historic home functions as both a ceremonial space and a museum.

#115 · New York

Grolier Club

The Grolier Club is America's oldest society devoted to book arts and collecting. Its Midtown headquarters hosts scholarly exhibitions, lectures, and publications focused on rare books, printing, illustration, and literary history.

#116 · Staten Island

Historic Richmond Town

Historic Richmond Town is a living history village that recreates centuries of Staten Island life through preserved buildings, costumed interpreters, and craft demonstrations. Visitors can explore restored homes, shops, and civic structures.

#117 · Bronx

Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture

Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture is a vibrant Bronx cultural hub presenting theater, dance, music, film, and visual arts that reflect the borough's diverse communities. Located on the campus of Hostos Community College.

#118 · Brooklyn

Lefferts Historic House

Lefferts Historic House in Brooklyn's Prospect Park is a restored 18th-century Dutch farmhouse that interprets early New York agricultural life. Through family-oriented exhibits, craft demonstrations, and seasonal events, the museum brings colonial-era history to life.

#119 · New York

Mount Vernon Hotel Museum

The Mount Vernon Hotel Museum preserves an early 19th-century country house that later operated as a hotel serving travelers heading north from Manhattan. Today, the restored building offers guided tours, period rooms, and exhibitions.

#120 · New York

The National Museum of Mathematics

The National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) engages visitors with interactive exhibits that make mathematics tangible and playful. Designed for learners of all ages, the museum encourages exploration of patterns, geometry, probability, and problem-solving.

#121 · Newark

The Newark Museum of Art

The largest museum in New Jersey, featuring diverse collections of American, African, Asian, and decorative arts, alongside contemporary exhibitions. The museum also houses a planetarium and offers educational programming.

#122 · Queens

Queens County Farm Museum

The Queens County Farm Museum preserves the borough's agricultural history on the oldest continuously farmed site in New York City. Visitors can explore historic farmhouses, barns, and fields, participate in seasonal activities, and learn about sustainable farming.

#123 · New York

Scandinavia House – The Nordic Center

Scandinavia House–The Nordic Center promotes Nordic art, design, literature, and cultural exchange. Located in Manhattan, it hosts exhibitions, performances, lectures, and workshops showcasing contemporary and traditional Nordic creativity.

#124 · Long Island City

SculptureCenter

Located in Long Island City, SculptureCenter is a leading venue for contemporary sculpture and experimental art. The gallery showcases emerging and mid-career artists through exhibitions, commissions, and public programs exploring new forms and materials.

#125 · New York

Tibet House US

Tibet House US is a cultural and educational center in Manhattan dedicated to preserving Tibetan art, culture, and philosophy. Through exhibitions, lectures, performances, and workshops, the institution introduces visitors to Tibetan heritage.

#126 · New York

Ukrainian Institute of America

The Ukrainian Institute of America promotes Ukrainian art, history, and culture through exhibitions, performances, and educational programming. Housed in a landmark Upper East Side mansion, the institute provides a platform for contemporary Ukrainian artists.

#127 · Bronx

Van Cortlandt House Museum

Van Cortlandt House Museum, the oldest surviving building in the Bronx, offers insight into colonial life and the region's Dutch heritage. Visitors can explore period rooms, historic furnishings, and interpretive programs illustrating early American domestic life.

#128 · Brooklyn

Waterfront Museum

The Waterfront Museum, located on a restored historic barge in Brooklyn, explores the city's maritime history and waterfront culture. Exhibits include historic artifacts, model ships, and interactive installations about New York Harbor's industrial past.