Museums and galleries in Manhattan

55 museums and galleries in Manhattan, from the big collections to small independent spaces.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 55.

SeeFinancial District
African Burial Ground National Monument
For most of the 18th century, Africans in New York City were buried in a graveyard outside the city. The graveyard was eventually forgotten and was rediscovered in 1991. This museum and memorial site commemorate the estimated 15,000 Africans that were interred on the site of the memorial. Note that the museum is located inside of a Federal building so airport-style security should be expected.
Visitor Center: Tue-Sat 10AM-4PM except Federal holidays; Memorial: Daily 9AM-5PM except Federal holidays. Memorial closed November–MarchFree
SeeUpper West Side
American Museum of Natural History
Holding a remarkably large collection, each of the 5 floors of this massive building has expansive and well-designed exhibits devoted to astronomy, biology, geology, anthropology, climatology, and paleontology. You will want to allow a full day if you hope to see the entirety of the museum. Some of the highlights are the Rose Center for Earth and Space on the northeast corner of the building, which contains a seven-story glass cube holding the Hayden Planetarium, a huge sphere suspended above the exhibit halls below and holding a "cosmic pathway" exhibit; the numerous habitat diorama halls on the first, second and third floors, with recreations of African, Asian, North American, and ocean plants and animals, including a full-size model of a Blue Whale suspended above the Ocean Life Hall; a Hall of Minerals and Gems, which contains many rare and beautiful specimens, including the largest star sapphire in the world and a chunk of a massive meteorite; extensive anthropology halls on the first, second, and third floors, with exhibits devoted to people of Asia, Africa, Central America, the Pacific, and Native Americans; and the natural history halls on the fourth floor, with one of the largest collections of dinosaur skeletons in the world.
10AM-5:30PM (closed Thanksgiving/Christmas)$30/adult, $24/senior/student, $18/child, pay-what-you-wish for NY/NJ/CT residents, special exhibitions cost extra
DoCentral Park
Ancient Playground
Inspired by the nearby Egyptian Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this playground contains several pyramid-like play structures.
SeeCentral Park
Arsenal
A picturesque brick building that actually predates the park. It was built in 1851 to serve as a munitions supply depot for the New York State National Guard, and was designed to look like a medieval fortress, with battlements overlooking the area. Today the building holds a refreshment stand and a small art gallery with rotating/seasonal exhibits.
Mon-Fri 9AM-5PMFree
SeeUpper East Side
Asia Society Museum
The Asia Society is a unique educational organization like no other in the area promoting relationships and understanding among and of leaders, people, and organizations of Asia. It features a vast array of Asian art including art, business, culture, and education, promoting collaboration and a new, progressive understanding of Asian relations. The opportunities for discovery here are endless, with lessons about art, calligraphy, language, literature, politics, and religion.
Tue-Sun 11AM-5PM$15/adult, $10/concession, free for children under 16, members, visitors with disabilities and people accompanying them
SeeFinancial District
Battery Park
At the southern tip of Manhattan, Battery Park is a waterfront green space, named for the artillery batteries which were installed here to protect the settlement of New York when it was under Dutch, then British rule. In the lead-up to the War of 1812, was constructed as a fort to protect the city, and is now operated as a small museum. There are several memorials in the park, including, a public art piece originally housed on the World Trade Center site which survived the events of September 11 and was moved to Battery Park. Ferries departing to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (see below) depart from here.
Free
EatUpper East Side
Café Fledermaus & Café Sabarsky
Café Sabarsky is in a beautiful room with wood furnishings on the ground floor, across from Central Park, and Café Fledermaus has tiled floors and is inspired by the Cabaret Fledermaus in Vienna but is in the basement and has no view; however, the two cafes have the same lunch/dinner menus. These cafes are not cheap, and part of what you're paying for is the location and the decor/atmosphere, but you also get value, in the form of genuine Viennese cuisine and pastries. These cafes are a good option if you're visiting the Metropolitan Museum and prefer to eat something nearby that's better than the merely OK food at the Met's Snack Bar. You may have a significant wait for a table at peak hours, but it's worth a try.
Mon Wed 9AM-6PM, Thu-Sun 9AM-9PM, closed TueBreakfast (9-11AM): $3-20 for single dishes; $28 for a prix fixe menu, $38 with a glass of Sekt; Cold beverages: $5-13; Viennese coffee specialties: $6-8; Savory dishes (11AM to closing): $16-32 (less expensive ones are soups); Sausages: $14-20; Hot beverages: $8-12; Desserts: $7-13; Salads: $18-28; Sandwiches: $19
SeeChelsea
Chelsea Arts Tower
A 21-story commercial condominium in the heart of the gallery district. Built in 2006, this is Manhattan's first art gallery condominium. This building features the Marlborough Chelsea gallery, Tina Kim Gallery, the Flag Art Foundation gallery, Joan Mitchell Foundation, and even the Calvin Klein Studio. This is the perfect place to spend an afternoon with all of its galleries and amazing views. The Chelsea Arts Tower is also home to The Glass Houses on floors 14 and 21. This is one of the most premier spaces for over-the-top parties and events in NYC.
Hours vary by gallery
SeeUpper West Side
Children's Museum of Manhattan
A children's museum home to exhibits featuring Adventures with Dora & Diego.
Wed-Sun 10AM-5PM
SeeFinancial District
City Hall Station
The original subway station, and quite a marvel to witness--the chandeliers and ornate tiling are a sharp contrast to the nearby Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall station. There's one catch, though: it's been closed since 1945. However, you can see it by staying on the downtown 6 train after its last stop Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall; it will turn around in the old station. This is the one place in the system where this is allowed, and the announcements reflect that. The Transit Museum (in Downtown Brooklyn) offers occasional tours as well, which allow you to actually walk around the station, but you must be a museum member and a US citizen, making this an impractical choice for most visitors.
SeeUpper East Side
Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum
A branch of the Smithsonian Institution, the Cooper Hewitt is devoted to over 240 years of contemporary and historic design, with changing exhibits.
10AM-6PM$22/adult, $16/senior, $10/disability, $10/student, children free. Pay what you wish 5PM-6PM
SeeFinancial District
Ellis Island
Ellis Island was home to the nation's primary federal immigration station, with over 12 million immigrant steamship passengers passing through from its opening in 1892 to its closing in 1954. Today, over 40 percent of America's population can trace their ancestry through Ellis Island. The island is home to the American Family Immigration History Center, which contains manifests of 25 million immigrants, passengers, and crew members who entered New York Harbor. The Immigration museum at Ellis Islands has details about "Peopling of America" and if you are an avid history lover, this museum will need at least 3-4 hrs of your time. Since the ferry ride takes you to both Ellis Island as well as the Liberty Island, you will have to plan your day well.
$75 adult; $72 senior (62+)
SeeFinancial District
Federal Hall
On this site on April 30, 1789, George Washington stood on a balcony overlooking Wall Street and was inaugurated as the first president of the United States. The old building on the site had been used as New York's city hall and had hosted some of the first congregations of the colonies in the lead-up to the American Revolution, such as the Stamp Act Congress. After the revolution the building, now Federal Hall, briefly housed Congress, the Supreme Court, and Executive Branch offices before the national capital moved to Philadelphia. The current building dates to 1842 and was used first as a Customs House, then later the US Sub-Treasury (millions of dollars of gold and silver were kept in the basement vaults). Today the building is maintained by the National Park Service as a museum dedicated to the history of the site. Guided tours of the building are available, or you can just walk in and look up at the rotunda and view some of the artifacts, such as the bible Washington used in his inauguration ceremony.
Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM. Free guided tours Mon-Fri at 10AM, 11AM, 1PM, 2PM and 3PMFree
SeeFinancial District
Federal Reserve Museum and Gold Vault Tour
Suspended indefinitely for the public, tour for school groups available on request.
Tours Mon-Fri at 1PM & 2PM, except bank holidays. Arrive 30 minutes early for security screeningFree
SeeChelsea
Gagosian Gallery
One of sixteen gallery spaces/shops all around the world owned by Larry Gagosian. Thoughtful and important exhibitions of both modern and contemporary art.
Mon–Fri 10AM–6PM
SeeUpper West Side
General Grant National Memorial
Grant's Tomb
General Ulysses S. Grant and his wife are buried in this imposing mausoleum, the largest tomb in North America. If you come when it is closed, you can still see the impressive facade, but coming during open hours gives you the opportunity to view the murals, the tomb and various documentation inside. Across Riverside Drive, there is a viewpoint to look across the Hudson River, a museum, gift shop and restrooms.
Fall/Winter/Spring Wed-Sun 10AM-4PM, Summer Wed-Sun 10AM-5PMfree
SeeTheater District
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
The aircraft carrier Intrepid is docked here and loaded with spacecraft and aircraft, including the very cool Blackbird spy plane and the prototype Space Shuttle Enterprise. On the other side of the dock is a guided-missile submarine and a Concorde, both of which you can tour also, and some tanks.
April–October: Mon–Fri 10AM–5PM, Sat Sun 10AM–6PM; November–March: Tue–Sun 10AM–5PM$36 adults, $34 seniors, $26 children (ages 5-12), children under 5 free
SeeUpper East Side
Jewish Museum
Containing artifacts spanning 4,000 years of art and Jewish culture, with a collection of 26,000 objects – paintings, sculpture, works on paper, photographs, archaeological artifacts, ceremonial objects and broadcast media. The museum also hosts the annual SummerNights concert series and the annual New York Jewish Film Festival.
Sat-Tue 11AM-6PM; Thu 11AM-8PM; Fri 11AM-4PM; closed Wednesday. Open until 5:45 on Fridays until November 1$15/adult, $12/senior, $7.50/students, free for children 18 and under. Free admission for all on Saturdays and pay what you wish Thursday 5-8PM
SeeLower East Side
Kehila Kedosha Janina Museum
Museum inside the only Romaniote (Greek-speaking) synagogue in the Western Hemisphere, telling the story of Greek Jews. Designated a NYC Landmark in 2004.
Sun 11AM-4PMFree
SeeChelsea
Matthew Marks Gallery
Modern and contemporary art shown through a variety of mediums including: sculpture, photography, painting, drawing, film, prints, drawings, and installation art.
Tue–Sat 10AM–6PM
SeeCentral Park
Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met
One of the world's largest and most important museums of art and world culture, you'll have to devote an entire day (if not more!), if you want to do this place justice. This massive neo-Gothic building, originally opened in 1872 and with numerous expansions added on over time, holds literally hundreds of rooms on its two floors, containing thousands of art pieces from across human history and around the world, covering virtually every field of art in existence, but controversially including many items that were looted from their places of origin. Along with the numerous permanent exhibit halls mentioned below are several changing exhibit halls.
Sun-Tue/Thu 10AM-5PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-9PM$30/adult, $22/senior, $22/disability, $17/student, children under 12 free. Residents of NY State and students from NY/NJ/CT may pay what you wish. Admission includes 3 consecutive days at the Met and the Met Cloisters in upper Manhattan. Note admission is not included as part of city passes
SeeUpper East Side
Mount Vernon Hotel Museum
Hidden in the small pocket of the very southeast Upper East Side, this rustic site dates back to 1799 as a carriage house, and was converted into a hotel in 1826. Sitting on land historically owned by Abigail Adams Smith, daughter of John Adams, it is home to beautiful historic gardens, halls, and taverns.
Tours Mon-Tue 10:30AM/Noon/1:30PM/3PM, Wed 1:30PM/3PM, Thu-Fri 10:30AM/Noon$15/adult, $12/senior/student, $5/youth, children under 12 free
SeeChinatown
Museum at Eldridge Street
The museum, a non-sectarian cultural organization based in the restored 1887 National Historic Landmark Eldridge Street Synagogue, presents the culture, history and traditions of the great wave of Jewish immigrants to the Lower East Side drawing parallels with the diverse cultural communities that have settled in America. The museum offers guided tours of the synagogue, new exhibits and programs -- including concerts, neighborhood walking tours and film screenings.
Sun-Fri 10AM-5PM$15/adult, $10/concession, $8/child
SeeTheater District
Museum of Broadway
Opened on November 15, 2022, this interactive museum utilizes technology to convey the history of Broadway, complete with props from past shows, costumes, and other artifacts. You can learn about how a Broadway show is made, and there is a gift shop selling not only their own merch, but also products from current Broadway shows and Broadway in general.
Tue-Fr 9:30AM-6:30PM, Sat 9:30AM-8PM, Sun 9:30AM-6:30PM$57.71 including service fee and tax
SeeTheater District
Museum of Modern Art
MoMA
One of the greatest and most popular collections of modern art, on a par with the Tate Modern in London or Paris's Centre Georges Pompidou. Exceedingly popular so be warned: queues for tickets start early and stretch long. To avoid the crowds, turn up at the door at least a half hour before opening, then take the elevator to the top floor and work your way down. The building is as much a draw as the outstanding collection; possessing arguably the best collection of modern masterpieces world-wide, MoMA houses important art works from Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Matisse, Salvador Dalí, Paul Cézanne, Frida Kahlo, Piet Mondrian, and works by leading American artists such as Jackson Pollock, Jasper Johns, Edward Hopper, Andy Warhol, and Chuck Close. MoMA also holds renowned art photography and design collections. In addition to being the crown jewel of modern art museums, MoMA puts on a terrific repertory program in a nicely renovated theater below the museum.
Sat–Thu 10AM–5:30PM, Fri 10:30AM–8PM, open until 9PM on first Thu of the month and every Thu Jul–Aug$28 adults, $20 seniors, $15 students, free for children 16 and under. Free admission for all on Fridays 4PM–8PM
SeeGramercy Flatiron
National Museum of Mathematics
MoMath
Don't be turned off by the name – this museum isn't trying to teach you arithmetic or algebra, but is instead about exploring the fun side of math, with interactive artistic and mechanical exhibits and puzzles. Knowledgeable staff are happy to explain the mathematical underpinnings if you're interested, but if not, you can enjoy the surprises, creativity, and beauty of the structures and insights on display.
10AM-5PM$19 adults; $16 children 12 and under, students, seniors; infants under 2 free
SeeFinancial District
National Museum of the American Indian
Housed in the Alexander Hamilton US Custom House, this Smithsonian museum is the New York branch of the National Museum of the American Indian (the other branches are in Washington, D.C. and Maryland).
Fri-Wed 10AM–5PM, Thu 10AM-8PMFree
SeeFinancial District
National September 11 Memorial & Museum
World Trade Center site - note that the term 'Ground Zero' is never used by New Yorkers
On the site of the former World Trade Center towers, the memorial consists of two enormous waterfalls and reflecting pools set within the footprints of the twin towers, lined with bronze panels with the names of the nearly 3,000 victims of that fateful day inscribed. The surrounding plaza holds a grove of trees. The museum, which sits underground right next to the memorial, contains exhibits which explain the events of 9/11 and their aftermath, with remnants of the original towers and artifacts from that day. If you see a white rose on one of the names, it's because today is that victim's birthday.
Memorial: 8AM-8PM daily; museum: W-M and some Tu:9AM-7PM; last museum entry 5:30PMMemorial: free; Museum: adult $36, senior or 13-17 or US college student $30, 7-12 $24, child 6 and under or military/veteran free; free admission Monday evenings after 5PM
SeeUpper East Side
Neue Galerie New York
Museum for German and Austrian Art
A vast collection of early-20th century Austrian and German art and design, including famous artists such as Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh alongside less well-known, equally fascinating designers and artists. They host a German-language film series, which is a good value if you can get tickets. Due to the unprotected display of many fragile items, children under the age of 12 are not permitted in the museum except during special family events, though they are allowed to go in the café and the museum store.
Wed-Mon 10AM-6PM$28/adult, $18/senior, $15/educators, $15/students, $15/disability. Children under 12 prohibited
SeeLower East Side
New Museum
Building designed by award winning Japanese office SANAA. Contemporary art - the 'I don't get it' kind. Temporary exhibitions, also a good bookshop and Sky Room with views (weekends only).
Mon Tue closed, Wed Fri Sat Sun 11AM - 6PM, Thu 11AM - 9PMAdult $16, senior $14, student $12, free: Th 7–9PM
SeeSoHo
New York City Fire Museum
Closed until further notice. Housed in a restored 1904 firehouse, the NYC Fire Museum covers the history of fire fighting in the United States from the 18th century to the present. Displays include antique aparatus, uniforms and equipment, as well as an apartment fire simulator.
Suggested admission $7 adults, $5 seniors/students/children
SeeUpper West Side
Nicholas Roerich Museum
Collection of more than 200 paintings of the artist, exhibited on three floors of a classic townhouse.
Sat Sun Noon-5PM, Tue-Fri noon-4PMfree
SeeChelsea
Poster House (Museum)
The first and only Poster Museum in the United States. Over 1000 posters in its collection. Exhibits rotate every 6 months (in Apr and Sep). Poster House opened to the public in June 2019.
Wed-Mon 11AM-6PM (Member hours Wed 9-11AM)Adults: $15; students, seniors, visitors with disabilities: $10 (care partner: free); Kids under 18: free
SeeFinancial District
Skyscraper Museum
Exhibits on the history of highrise and skyscraper construction.
Wed-Sun noon-6PM$5 adults, $2.50 students/seniors
SeeUpper East Side
Society of Illustrators
The Society of Illustrators is one of the many off the beaten path museums in New York City, and while it may not have as many visitors, it certainly isn't a place to miss. Certainly don't miss the art of illustration featured here, with countless historical galleries since the museum's opening in 1901. It's even the origin of the famous "I Want You For U.S. Army" poster of World War I and II.
Wed-Sat 11AM-5PM$15/adult, $10/concession, children under 10 free
SeeUpper East Side
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Probably the most famous of the Guggenheim foundations (others found in Bilbao and Venice), which hold avant-garde modern art by artists such as Kandinsky and Mondrian, the New York branch is housed in a unique and famous building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and rendered in a rounded, organic form and completed in 1959. Be sure to take the elevator to the top floor, then follow the spiral viewing floors downwards to the street level. One of eight buildings by Wright to be listed as a world heritage site.
10:30AM-5:30PM$30/adult, $19/senior/student/disability, free for children under 12. Pay what you wish M/Sa 4-5:30PM
SeeSoHo
Sonnabend Gallery
Specializes in contemporary art including paintings, sculptures, and photography by American and European artists. Past artists have included: Lawrence Beck, Robert Feintuch, Jeff Koons, Grazia Toderi, Philip Haas, Barry Le Va, Anne and Patrick Poirier, and more.
Mon-Fri 10AM-6PM; by appointment only
SeeFinancial District
South Street Seaport Museum
A museum with exhibits on the historic Seaport area and a collection of ships at the South Street Seaport on the East River open for tours.
Jan-Mar: Fri-Mon 10AM-5PM, Ships noon-4PM; Apr-Dec: Tue-Sun 10AM-6PM$10 adults, $8 students/seniors, $5 children, children under 5 free
SeeFinancial District
Statue of Liberty
Liberty Enlightening the World
One of the most famous and iconic landmarks in the USA, if not the world. A gift from the people of France to celebrate the centennial of the United States, stands upon Liberty Island and is one of the most famous symbols of the nation and has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Upon departing the ferry, you can visit the Visitor Information Station, which has a schedule of the day's events. Visitors can also meet at the Liberty Island Flagpole (behind the statue) for a ranger-led tour of the island. You can also visit the monument lobby, museum (where you'll see various exhibits on the statue, the old torch, and the famous "New Colossus" sonnet), and outside to the promenade and Fort Wood (the 11-point star-shaped structure the statue stands upon). You can also take a trip to the pedestal observation deck (though not up into the statue itself, unless you have a Reserve with Crown ticket); visitors can look upward to view the interior of the statue (there are four marked viewing locations); and the pedestal observation deck provides a 360-degree view, which includes the New York City skyline. Security checks are rigorous, so travel as light as possible. Backpacks and other large bags are not permitted on the tours but can be stored in lockers for a fee. On busy days there may be long waits. Visitors with the Reserve with Crown ticket are allowed to climb up a circular staircase from the base of the statue to the crown, but tickets are very limited and should be reserved three or four months (up to one year) in advance. Children must be at least 4-feet tall, and must be able to walk up and down the stairs by themselves, and all ticket holders must show a photo ID to match the name on their tickets. The design of Lady Liberty's torch evokes the universal symbol of enlightenment, which lights the way to freedom, showing immigrants the path to liberty and justice.
SeeTheater District
The Paley Center for Media
formerly the Museum of Television & Radio
Dedicated to preserving and collecting television programs as a service to the public, the museum consists of two museum branches in Los Angeles and New York City; combined they hold over 100,000 television programs that are available to the public, providing a historical, artistic and cultural perspective to television and radio. You may use their library here for the price of admission. They have lots of old shows and a database so you can see if they have what you want.
Wed Fri–Sun noon–6PM; Thu noon–8PM; closed Mon TueAdmission is free; suggested admission: $10 adults, $8 students/seniors, $5 children under 14

Browse all 543 places in Manhattan

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Manhattan (CC BY-SA 4.0).