Best Museums in NYC

NYC is home to over 170 museums, not including any pop-ups or special exhibits. Especially on a rainy day, these museums are a must for the obvious and two, for the opportunity to learn something new. I get it, visiting a lot of museums can be extremely overwhelming. After about an hour, I zone out, so this list is a must-visit, unique to NYC, that you can’t find anywhere else. Check out the ultimate list of the best museums in NYC, and happy learning!

Classic Museums in NYC You Can’t Miss

1. Museum of Natural History: Dating back to the 1800s, this museum has so much history and has become an iconic spot. With four floors of endless exhibits like Ocean Life, where you can see the big whale, to prehistoric dinosaurs and an up-close butterfly exhibit, you can quite literally get lost here. What is so impressive is that they are always putting together new exhibits for the NYC community, who have gone several times before. I’m excited to share that the Night at the Museum, Overnight Experience is back! Open for kids aged 6-12, monthly sleepover experiences allow you to see the museum after hours. No, it isn’t like the movie, “Night at the Museum”, but you can definitely see for yourself! From guided flashlight tours and epic scavenger hunts, sleep under the big whale and have the adventure of a lifetime! Can attest, I did this when I was younger, and it was an unforgettable experience.
2. The Metropolitan Museum (MET): This museum truly never gets old and will always be a favorite of mine. They carefully curate exhibits with fascinating artwork, which is why I personally keep going back. From the ancient Egyptian exhibits to the Napoleon apartments and Grecian art, find yourself easily here for hours. Did you know that the Met has date nights? Every Friday and Saturday from 5-9 pm, explore the museum at night with wine and live music. If you go during the day, there’s an artist at the Met who creates incredible work and sells it, too. It makes for a great souvenir! Check him out (Dwight Deworgé, @manofthemet), and head to the Met! 
3. Transit Museum: We may not have the most elite mass transit system, but there is something really special and historic about the NYC Subway’s beginnings. From the hard labor of workers, carving endless tunnels, to engineers helping to coordinate the XXX number of trains that keep NYC running from point A to, running for about 24 hours a day. Visit historic train cars, see old train maps, signs, and more! 
4. Intrepid Museum: Experience the world’s first space shuttle, military aircraft, and the fastest commercial airliner. From exciting flight simulations to 3D recreations of inside USS Intrepid machinery, this museum combines STEM innovations with fun experiences to inspire future generations. During the summers, they also have free movie nights on the deck with a view of the incredible NYC skyscrapers.

Best Museums in NYC If You Love NYC History

1. Ellis Island: It is more important now than ever to remember that our country was and still is built on the backs of hardworking immigrants. Known for helping 12 million immigrants with a chance at the American dream, travel back in time and see what immigrants’ experiences were for a shot at a better life. Look through the archival records of immigrants and see if any of your families are on the list. It’s an incredible tribute and an eye-opening museum you must visit. There’s no place like it. 
2. Tenement Museum: On the same topic of immigrants, this immersive experience brings you firsthand to the lives of immigrants and their living conditions. The challenges and hardships they faced, and a glimpse into their lives, are something that a YouTube channel or a blog post cannot showcase like being there in person. Get a close look at historical artifacts with special events at Holiday Tours, Walking Tours, School Field Trips, and other events that you should take advantage of. This museum has a humbling history and will open your eyes and remind you to be grateful for what you have. The immigrants in this area have come a long way and have gone through a lot before even touching the success of future generations. This museum is about preserving and remembering pivotal NYC history.
3. Transit Museum: We may not have the most elite mass transit system, but there is something really special and historic about the NYC Subway’s beginnings. From the hard labor of workers, carving endless tunnels, to engineers helping to coordinate the 3,000 trains that keep NYC running from point A to, running for about 24 hours a day. Visit historic train cars, see old train maps, signs, and more! 

Hidden Gem Museums in NYC Worth Checking Out

1. Frick Collection: If the MET’s European art wasn’t enough, then the Frick Collection is a great way to expand that with even more European sculpture and decorative arts. From the Renaissance to the 19th century, this museum has gained a reputation as one of the world’s top art history research centers. The design is perfect for Insta pictures, making it a photographer’s haven and a historian’s hidden gem all in one.
2. Cloisters: An extension of the Met Museum, but in another location, is the Met Cloisters. With more art, architecture, and gems of Medieval Europe, this museum is breathtaking, and you’ll see why when you are in person. What I love is that there are tons of events here for the locals, and as a tourist, a great way to see locals in action. From drawing sessions to Met expert talks and storytime sessions, it’s perfect for kids and adults alike. 

There You Have It

Now you have all that you need to navigate the best museums in NYC. If the weather isn’t in your favor and it’s raining, this is exactly where I’d go instead. NYC has some of the best museums, and by checking out these spots, you are going to not only have fun but also learn a ton. Let me know where you’re most excited to go and check out my other NYC posts for more inspiration.

Veronica

Hi everyone! My name is Veronica, but you can also call me Vee! I grew up in the iconic city of Brooklyn, NY, the cultural hub of the world, and hence learned about so many different cultures. It was those experiences that inspired me to travel and from then on, I had learned the power of travel. In return, I want to give others that same experience, to help inspire others to unleash their inner travel enthusiast no matter the trip.

See Full Bio