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New York City Art Museums: FAQs and Insights

Writer's picture: Maria YoonMaria Yoon

Updated: 2 days ago

We hope the comprehensive answers below will enhance your art adventures and help you discover unique museum experiences, especially for those NEW to the city. Over 30 questions answered.


People are exploring  the Mastaba Tomb of Perneb at the Met
People are exploring the Mastaba Tomb of Perneb at the Met

1. The most visited art museum in New York is the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), known for its vast collection and popularity among tourists.


2. MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) is worth visiting if you appreciate modern art, featuring iconic works and artists.


3. Plan to spend at least 1.5 hours for smaller museums, while the Met may require a half day to a full day.


4. The Whitney Museum focuses on American art, whereas the Guggenheim emphasizes international modern art and features a unique spiral design.


5. Wondering which museums to visit? Choose based on interests: MoMA for modern art, Met for diverse historical collections, and Guggenheim for modern art and architecture.


6. MoMA is the main museum on 53rd Street (Manhattan), while MoMA PS1 is a branch dedicated to contemporary and experimental art in a different location in Queens, New York.  


7. The American Museum of Natural History  (aka AMNH) is the oldest museum in New York City.


8. Ticket prices vary: around $30 for MoMA and the Met.


9. Free museums include the Met on Fridays after 5 PM and some smaller institutions like the Morgan Library and Museum.



11. The Guggenheim is the second-largest museum in NYC, though the American Museum of Natural History is also significant.


12. 2 hours may be too brief for MoMA; consider spending more time to appreciate its collection.


13. The Met and MoMA are about 1 mile apart, reachable in 20 minutes by subway.


14. Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds. The Met is larger than MoMA, requiring more time.


15. Starry Night by Van Gogh is at MoMA.


16. Spend half a day to a full day at the Met. It differs from the Guggenheim in focus (history vs. modern art).


17. The Met's most famous pieces include the Temple of Dendur and Washington Crossing the Delaware. It is worth visiting for its historical significance.


18. Don't miss Starry Night, Picasso, or Matisse at MoMA.


19. The Met is famous for its size, diverse collection, and iconic building. The art is highly regarded. It's the largest Art museum in the USA.


20. A guided tour at the Met takes 2-3 hours, but you can explore longer. With us, our tours last up to 2-hours not to overwhelm you.


21. Free visits to the Met are available on certain days or with student IDs.


22. The Met features a rooftop garden, accessible seasonally.


23. The cost to visit the Met is approximately $30 with discounts available.


24. While the Met doesn't sell out, it can be crowded during peak times.


25. The public cannot attend the Met Gala; it is invitation-only.


26. Met Gala tickets cost thousands of dollars, $75,000 per person as of 2024.


27. Once inside the Met, you can leave and re-enter with the entry tickets.


28. The Met is a non-profit institution, funded by public and private sources.


29. The Met generates tens of millions annually from donations, ticket sales, and events.


30. The Met has public bathrooms available.


31. You can turn up at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), though timed entry is recommended. Expected to wait at least 30 minutes in line.


32. Ticket prices for AMNH are around $30. This is for those living outside of the Tristate.


33. Queues at the AMNH can be long, especially on weekends; timed tickets are advised.


34. The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) is not free if you are not from the Tristate, though discounts are available.


35. Backpacks are allowed at all museums, subject to size restrictions.


36. Plan for half a day to a full day at the Met.


37. The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) is one of the largest, with multiple buildings and extensive exhibits with the add-on Gilder Center.


38. Exploring The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) thoroughly may take a full day or more.


  1. Book us for the guided experience: For a seamless and informative tour. You can always go back on your own to enjoy at your own pace.


  1. Whenever possible, look for docents or security guards to learn about the collection. They can be a great resource if you want to educate yourself.

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