By Alizabeth Swain
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April 26, 2023
New York City is one of the most culturally diverse places in the world, and this is reflected in the incredible museums it has to offer. From contemporary art to ancient history, there is a museum in New York for every taste. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, exploring the city's museums is a must. To make your life easier, we've put together a list of some of the best museums in New York City that are definitely worth a visit. 9/11 Museum The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is located at the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan, New York City. The museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, as well as the lives lost and the heroism shown on that day. The museum's exhibitions feature artifacts, photos, videos, and personal stories that illustrate the events of 9/11 and their aftermath. The museum includes exhibits on the history of the World Trade Center, the attacks themselves, and the rescue and recovery efforts that followed. Some of the museum's most powerful exhibits include the "Survivor Stairs," which were used by hundreds of people to escape the World Trade Center buildings, and the "In Memoriam" exhibit, which pays tribute to the lives lost in the attacks. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum also includes two large reflecting pools, which are located in the footprint of the original Twin Towers. The names of the victims of the attacks are inscribed on bronze panels surrounding the pools. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is open seven days a week, and visitors can purchase tickets online in advance or at the museum. Audio guides are available for an additional fee. The Metropolitan Museum of Art The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as "the Met," is one of the largest and most renowned art museums in the world. It is located on Fifth Avenue in New York City and houses over two million works of art spanning 5,000 years of human history. The museum's collections include art and artifacts from around the globe, including works from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as well as European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the present day. The Met also has a large collection of American art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects from the colonial period to contemporary times. Some of the museum's most famous works include the Egyptian Temple of Dendur, the Greek and Roman galleries, the medieval collection, and paintings by masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. The Met also features a vast collection of Asian art, including Chinese and Japanese paintings, ceramics, and textiles. In addition to its permanent collections, the Met hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, featuring works by contemporary artists, as well as themed exhibitions exploring various aspects of art and culture. The Met is open seven days a week and offers a range of admission options, including pay-what-you-wish for New York State residents and students. Visitors can also take advantage of guided tours, audio guides, and special programs and events throughout the year. American Museum of Natural History The American Museum of Natural History is a world-renowned science museum located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City. Founded in 1869, the museum houses a vast collection of specimens and artifacts from the natural world, including fossils, rocks, minerals, plants, and animals. The museum is divided into several sections, each exploring different aspects of the natural world. The Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs features life-sized models and fossils of some of the most well-known dinosaurs, including Tyrannosaurus rex and Stegosaurus. The Rose Center for Earth and Space includes exhibits on astronomy and cosmology, as well as a planetarium that offers daily shows. Other popular exhibits at the museum include the Hall of Biodiversity, which explores the diversity of life on Earth, and the Hall of Human Origins, which examines the evolutionary history of our species. The museum also features several dioramas showcasing different ecosystems, including African elephants, North American mammals, and birds of the world. In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum hosts a range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, as well as special events and programs for visitors of all ages. The American Museum of Natural History is open seven days a week, and admission is free for all visitors. However, there is a suggested donation for non-New York State residents. Visitors can also purchase tickets for special exhibits, programs, and planetarium shows. The Museum of Modern Art The Museum of Modern Art, also known as MoMA, is a world-renowned art museum located in Midtown Manhattan in New York City. Founded in 1929, the museum is dedicated to showcasing modern and contemporary art from around the world. MoMA's collection includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, films, and other types of artwork, with a particular focus on works from the late 19th century to the present day. Some of the museum's most famous pieces include Vincent van Gogh's "The Starry Night," Pablo Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon," and Salvador Dalí's "The Persistence of Memory." The museum is also home to a significant collection of American art, including works by Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and Jasper Johns. Additionally, MoMA has an extensive film collection and regularly screens films from all over the world, as well as hosting film festivals and other special events. MoMA underwent a major renovation and expansion in 2019, which added new gallery space and improved accessibility. The museum also features several restaurants, a gift shop, and other amenities for visitors. MoMA is open seven days a week, and admission is free for all visitors on Fridays from 5-9pm. Regular admission fees apply at all other times, but visitors can purchase tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in line. The Whitney Museum of American Art The Whitney Museum of American Art is a museum located in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan in New York City. The museum was founded in 1931 by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, a sculptor and art patron, and is dedicated to showcasing American art from the 20th and 21st centuries. The museum's permanent collection includes works by many notable American artists, including Edward Hopper, Georgia O'Keeffe, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol. The Whitney also hosts a range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, featuring works by emerging and established artists alike. In addition to its art exhibitions, the Whitney offers a variety of programs and events for visitors of all ages, including lectures, workshops, and tours. The museum also features a rooftop sculpture garden with stunning views of the city skyline. The Whitney Museum is open seven days a week, and visitors can purchase tickets online in advance or at the museum. The museum is also accessible by public transportation, with several subway lines and bus routes stopping nearby. The Guggenheim Museum The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, commonly referred to as the Guggenheim Museum, is a modern and contemporary art museum located on Fifth Avenue in New York City. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the building is an architectural landmark known for its unique spiral shape. The museum's collection includes works by many influential modern and contemporary artists, including Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko. The Guggenheim also hosts a range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, featuring works by emerging and established artists. In addition to its art exhibitions, the Guggenheim Museum offers a range of programs and events for visitors of all ages, including lectures, workshops, and tours. The museum also has a café and a gift shop. The Guggenheim Museum is open seven days a week, and visitors can purchase tickets online in advance or at the museum. The museum is also accessible by public transportation, with several subway lines and bus routes stopping nearby. Experiencing The Best of NYC's Museums Visiting New York City's museums is an experience like no other. From classic works of art to contemporary exhibits, there is something for everyone. The museums on this list are just a handful of the incredible institutions in the city, so be sure to explore as many as you can. With so many options, you're bound to find something that interests you, and who knows, you just might discover something new about yourself. Happy exploring!