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Art Museums in New York City

THE 10 BEST New York City Art Museums

Art Museums in New York City

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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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74 results sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.


Showing results 1-30 of 74

What travellers are saying

  • Appolonia F
    Kearny, NJ8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We marveled at ancient artifacts, stunning paintings, and sculptures. The exhibits sparked deep conversations, and we felt so inspired. It’s a must-visit for anyone who love culture and art!
    Written 12 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cynthia E
    Springfield, MO153 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    MoMA is arguably the best museum in NYC. Many standards, such as masterpieces by Picasso. But also surprises, such as a brilliant 30-panel series by Jacob Lawrence on the Black migration from the South to Chicago. Or a new massive installation by a Nigerian artist featuring a tapestry as tall as the museum itself--5 or 6 floors. I also enjoyed eating in the cafe with a friend. I downgraded a star because of an experience I had toward the end of the day. I couldn't locate Van Gogh's Starry Night and asked a staff member in the relevant 5th floor gallery where it was. He kept saying I should consult the museum website online, which was weird. I thought all the staff could answer such a question. I just couldn't find the info online. When I got back to my hotel and dug around, I realized Starry Night had been captured for a special exhibit dedicated to a famous donor and was actually on the 2nd floor. Googling had only info saying go to the 5th floor for Starry Night, and the MoMA website was so packed with info that I couldn't easily find it. I still don't know whether the staff member had the info or not, but the museum's signage and website should have been clearer on this. The museum store features so much merch on Starry Night that they understand its popularity. There should be a lobby sign at all times just identifying the gallery where it is. I saw it many years ago but would have liked to see it again, and this is probably my final trip to New York.
    Written 9 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JHM231
    Connecticut241 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There are so many things to enjoy about the Cloisters. It is quite compact compared to other museums so you will be able to take it all in. The collections are stunning, especially the tapestries, but every area has interesting and historical architectural details, furniture, fixtures, artwork. The building itself is very atmospheric and features grand spaces, with collections from ecclesiastical ancient buildings. It is almost like travelling to medieval Europe - including the actual Cloisters courtyard gardens, another wonderful feature. Don't miss the view from the terrace over the Hudson! The Cloisters surpassed all of my expectations.
    Written 7 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • brienanni
    Kita, Mali258 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is an amazing collection, three magnificent Vermeer's kick off the visit, intimately displayed in room of their own. You can visit the whole museum in 1-2 hours, so you don't get overfed with art. I actually enjoyed this more than the big ones.
    Written 17 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • daniel s
    18 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great museum, if you like Edward Hopper this is the place to go. The architecture location are beautiful also, right at the end of High Line. I just felt they could give more space to the permanent collection and not just one floor.
    Written 29 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MILOUW
    New York City, NY1,417 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The current small exhibition of Egon Schiele works at the Neue Galerie ostensibly focuses on his treatment of landscapes but also includes some of his iconic portraits.
    Most of the works come from private collections and they do illustrate the unique talents of this artist.
    The only drawback is the venue itself ie the Neue Galerie.
    The space allocated to the show is cramped, photos are not allowed, getting through the antiquated security system at the entrance often forces you to queue outside for quite a while regardless of the weather.
    Competing to enter are the patrons of the Cafe , they are also queuing outside and then inside the museum.
    By the way having a timed ticket purchased ahead of time reduces but does not eliminate queuing time.
    Written 31 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Annie O
    Coral Gables, FL194 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The building itself is a work of art. The spiral ramp invites you to move upward--at least for me. I started at the bottom and worked my way up. Many start at the top and move downward but we wanted the workout. The downside to the ramp is that this is not a museum that invites you to sit in front of a piece and contemplate for hours. It encourages you to keep moving. My favorite pieces are the typical favorite artists--Van Gogh, Picasso, and Chagall. And I discovered a new artist that I fell in love with--Mario Merz.
    Written 10 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dominic
    London, UK30 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mercer Labs is quite new, and certainly impressive. I go to many of these “immersive” experiences, and the quality of the setup is impressive. The video projections, mirrored rooms and lighting is complex and well executed. It really is a best-in-class in terms of technical execution.

    I was there with my 2 children, and overall we had a good time as family. We spent over 2 hours there (in large part because of the drawing area where you can colour in dinosaurs). So good experience length, although important to note that this is an EXPENSIVE experience.

    BUT - and I accept this might not be important to some - it has a problem with its story. I tried really hard to understand what (if any?!) narrative was weaving through the series of rooms. I felt like I was not clever enough to figure it out. There is a cryptic writing that seems to flow between the rooms, but I couldn’t piece together what the narrative was. So as impressive as each room was, I ended up treating them as standalone experiences. I also felt it was a shame that there was nothing truly interactive given the amount of technology deployed.

    So, overall, I would recommend it as an impressive audio/visual experience. It’s very well executed. Just don’t go expecting to understand it!
    Written 11 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tosl
    Jersey City, NJ1,003 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great rotating exhibits and a new permanent display on the Presidents. There is a lot to see but this museum is next door to the Museum of Natural History and Central Park so it is often overlooked. Great for research and a good store.
    Written 9 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Robin B
    Phoenix, AZ1,483 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This museum is housed in the former home of Andrew Carnegie. It is now an art museum. When we visited, there was an art exhibit/installation by Es Devlin, a British artist and stage designer. We took a guided tour of the exhibit. It was interesting and unusual. We spent a little over an hour, but skipped the other exhibits, which weren’t that interesting in my opinion. I was also a little disappointed that while there were architectural details remaining in this beautiful mansion, there were no personal belongings or furnishings of the Carnegies. There is a lovely walled garden, but on the day we went it looked like a private event had taken place and the garden was closed.
    Written 20 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • rock0001
    Singapore, Singapore50 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great fun with art workshop with artist. Also make sure you visit the restaurant at the top. The crab sandwiches and chicken sandwiches are both very nice.
    You get to overlook the central park when enjoying the meal before checking out the artworks
    Written 5 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dcolins
    London, UK107 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I'd seen the work of these people in the South of France in the extremely exciting setting of a stone mine! The old Emigrants Industrial Savings Bank is the venue here: also fascinating, even the old tellers' windows still line the walls. The Chagall and Kandinsky displays were beautiful and moving. We experienced them on the main floor, but on the lower floor I think the feeling is better, the space is much more iopen. While you're there don't miss the vault! You can see what was the bank's old safe door with its many locks , and the experience ijn the small mirrored room is really phenomenal, a wonderful coda to the display.
    Written 20 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Matthew J
    New York City, NY18 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was looking for something to fill a lonely Saturday evening and Fotografiska felt like a good bet. I paid the $31 to enter (which did feel a little pricey) and made my way to the 5th floor to work my way down the building.

    Floors 5 and 4 were both dedicated to animals (read pets) and different ways in which they permeate our daily lives. Different photographers told their stories in different ways, from playful, to funny, to sad. My favourite photographs were by a photographer called Martin Parr, who described his collection as "anti-propoganda"; depicting the real side of life with pets with a level of humour and honesty.

    Floor 3 was an entire floor dedicated to Frank Ockenfels, which was more of a parade of just how many celebrities the famous photographer has worked with. For this reason, his works were less relatable, and therefore less interesting in my opinion.

    All in all this place is worth a visit. The exhibitions are really well presented and its a great option for a late night museum visit.
    Written 19 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jack
    Old Bethpage, NY3,409 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Balloon museum was great. It was a walkthrough interactive experience that is great for children and adults alike. First off you experience the outdoor waiting area which has large bouncy balls and blow-up shelters almost with inflatable chairs to sit in. Then when you enter, you go through a bunch of immersive experiences such as a ball pit, balloon show, vr experience, bubble room and glow mirror maze. You can even buy food there! I highly recommend!
    Written 1 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NarrowMender
    Lexington, SC114 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visiting the Nicholas Roerich Museum at 319 W 107th St, New York, NY 10025, was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my trip. This small, charming museum is a hidden gem dedicated to the works of the renowned Russian painter, writer, and philosopher Nicholas Roerich.

    From the moment I stepped inside, I was enveloped by a serene ambiance that perfectly complemented Roerich's mystical landscapes and ethereal subjects. The museum's intimate setting allowed me to get up close to the artwork, where I could truly appreciate the intricate details and the vibrant, otherworldly colors that characterize Roerich's masterpieces.

    One of the most remarkable aspects of the museum is its peaceful atmosphere. The gentle jazz music playing in the background created a soothing environment, making it easy to lose oneself in contemplation. The knowledgeable staff further enriched my experience; their passion and insights into Roerich's life and art were invaluable. They were always ready to share fascinating stories and answer any questions, deepening my appreciation for Roerich's contributions to art and philosophy.

    For anyone interested in exploring unique artistic expressions and finding a moment of tranquility amidst the bustling city, the Nicholas Roerich Museum offers an exceptional and enriching experience. It's a place where art lovers, spiritual seekers, and anyone needing a peaceful retreat can find inspiration and reflection. I highly recommend adding this museum to your itinerary when visiting New York City—you won't be disappointed.
    Written 4 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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