Best Museums in New York (2025)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Art museum · Central Park
A city-defining museum that keeps evolving. The transformed Michael C. Rockefeller Wing reopened May 31, 2025, deepening stories of Africa, the Ancient Americas, and Oceania. Consistently ranked among the nation’s best by major outlets like The Washington Post.
The Museum of Modern Art
Modern art museum · Midtown West
Home to Starry Night and countless touchstones, MoMA pairs a world-class collection with sharp, timely exhibitions. Recognized by national critics for shaping conversations around modern and contemporary art.
Whitney Museum of American Art
Modern art museum · West Village
A vital lens on American art—past and present—set beside the High Line. Known for the Whitney Biennial and rooftop terraces, it’s frequently reviewed by The New York Times and other top critics.
Brooklyn Museum
Art museum · Prospect Park
A community-forward institution with ambitious shows and beloved First Saturdays. Local editors routinely highlight its inclusive programming and pay-what-you-can general admission policy.
American Museum of Natural History
Natural history museum · Upper West Side
Science, wonder, and architecture converge in the new Gilder Center—praised by design critics in outlets like The Guardian. Don’t miss the Butterfly Vivarium and immersive Invisible Worlds.
The Frick Collection
Art museum · Upper East Side
Reopened April 17, 2025, this Gilded Age mansion returns with restored rooms and new second-floor galleries. Lauded by The New Yorker and The Guardian for a sensitive, elegant transformation.
Tenement Museum
History museum · Lower East Side
Powerful, guide-led tours through restored Lower East Side apartments tell immigrant stories with nuance. Frequently recommended by AP News and educators for authentic, place-based history.
The Noguchi Museum
Art museum · Long Island City
Isamu Noguchi’s studio-turned-museum pairs tranquil galleries with a sculpture garden in Long Island City. A longtime critics’ favorite—New York Times voices have singled it out for its singular focus.
Museum of the City of New York
Local history museum · East Harlem
Dedicated to the city’s past, present, and future, MCNY’s exhibitions spotlight New York’s creative pulse—from music and dance to film and design. NYC residents enjoy pay-what-you-can entry.
Poster House
Museum · Chelsea
The nation’s first museum devoted to posters explores design, politics, and popular culture. Time Out New York highlighted its 2025 season, and monthly First Fridays keep the vibe lively and accessible.
Louis Armstrong House Museum
Museum · North Corona
Tour Satchmo’s preserved Queens home and the new Louis Armstrong Center across the street. Winner of the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, recognized for deep community impact.
Museum of the Moving Image
Museum · Astoria
Astoria’s dynamic hub for film and television culture. Interactive galleries, sharp screenings, and the Jim Henson exhibition make it a standout for cinephiles and families alike.
