the 10 best museums in nyc
Did you know that there are over 100 museums in New York City? Here are 10 of the best lesser known museums to visit in NYC. As with everything else, make sure you reserve your tickets beforehand to ensure entry.
upper east side / history and art / $$
If you like NYC, you will like this museum. My favorite museum in New York, the Museum of the City of New York is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of NYC. From 5th Ave architecture to street art through the years, this museum will shed some light on crucial parts of the city’s rich cultural past.
gramercy / photography / $$
This Swedish photography museum houses a collection of modern photography exhibits in its multi-level space. Their gift shop in and of itself is worth visiting, as well as their beautiful exterior architecture. They also have an exclusive, sultry bar (Chapel Bar) located in a church next door that is only open to museum members.
chelsea / fashion museum
If you’re into fashion - particularly the history of fashion, then you will enjoy this museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Chelsea. This free museum has different exhibitions throughout the year showcasing a collection of clothing and accessories from a particular period in fashion.
lower east side / contemporary art
This contemporary art museum fits in with the grungy, downtown cool of LES. With multiple floors of different exhibits, the New Museum is on the smaller side, but still has enough art to fill an afternoon or evening.
murray hill / fine art and history
Located in a random area in Murray Hill, the Morgan Library is a less well-known but still worth visiting museum in the city. The prior residence and previous library of storied financier J.P. Morgan, the Morgan Library and Museum showcases Morgan’s collection of books as well as some of relics from his personal and professional life. Free museum tickets are available every Friday from 2 - 5 pm, but make sure you reserve a time slot in advance!
long island city / contemporary art
An affiliate of the MoMa Museum, MoMa PS1 is an experimental and contemporary art space in an up-and-coming area of Long Island City. If you’re into out-of-the-norm, experimental, thought-provoking art, then this place is for you.
flatiron / $$
This museum will probably be one of the most unique museums you’ll ever visit containing a delicate subject matter. I gained a lot of interesting insight from my visit through the various exhibits that explored a range of topics like the sex life of animals along with the overall history, evolution, and cultural significance of human sexuality.
washington heights / architecture
Worth the trek uptown, the Cloisters is a fun mini getaway from the city for a few hours. Immerse yourself in the medieval style gardens, stained glass chapels, and galleries housing art from the Middle Ages as you wander through the halls of this hidden gem of a museum. Fort Tryon Park (where the museum is located), is also a beautiful respite to walk around in afterwards, with a breathtaking view of the Hudson River and the Palisades.
