One of New York's main attractions is its cultural side, which you can discover in the city's museums. Here, Petit Futé presents the most important exhibitions in the Big Apple and what you can find in each of them. If there's one thing that has set New York apart since its earliest days, it's its influence on American culture and artistic creation. Today, much of the city's heritage can be found in its hundreds of museums, scattered throughout the Big Apple. From the traditional Metropolitan Museum of Art to the eclectic Museum of Modern Art, not forgetting the Intrepid Museum, the Museum of Sex and the American Museum of Natural History, made famous by J. D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye. New York exhibitions are among the best things to do in the city.
1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, commonly known as The Met, is one of the world's most prestigious and visited art museums. Located on Manhattan's Upper East Side, at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 82nd Street, the museum is housed in an iconic building that boasts a vast and varied collection of artworks from a variety of cultures and historical periods. A visit to the Met provides access to over two million works of art, from Egyptian antiquities to Asian art, Renaissance paintings and modern art. Its impressive collection spans over 5,000 years of history and offers visitors an unrivalled cultural experience. Approximate admission to the museum varies according to the rate chosen. Admission for adults is around 25 euros, but the museum offers reduced rates for students, senior citizens and minors. In addition, the Met offers guided tours with a "pay-what-you-wish" option, enabling visitors to pay an amount of their choice as a contribution to the visit.
The museum is open every day, except on public holidays. Opening hours are generally 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with extended hours on Fridays to allow visitors to enjoy the evening museum experience, which is one of New York's best nighttime activities.
2. The Museum of Modern Art
New York's Museum of Modern Art, known as MoMA, is one of the city's major cultural destinations and a world leader in modern and contemporary art.located in the heart of Manhattan at 11 West 53rd Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, MoMA is renowned for its distinctive architecture and vast collection of masterpieces from the 20th and 21st centuries.
MoMA houses a variety of paintings, sculptures, photographs, films and drawings by iconic artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh, Warhol, Frida Kahlo and many other influential figures in the art world. It's a space that invites reflection and wonder, showing how art has evolved over time and how it has influenced culture and society. Approximate ticket prices for MoMA vary according to the price you choose. For adults, the price is around 20 euros per person, but the museum offers discounts for students, senior citizens and minors. In addition, as part of its "Free Friday" initiative, admission is free for all visitors at specific times on Fridays.
MoMA is open from 10.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Tuesday, when it is closed. During certain seasons, the museum's opening hours may be extended on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, giving visitors more time to enjoy the exhibitions. If you plan to visit New York over Christmas or Thanksgiving, these hours may be subject to change.
3. The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, located in New York City, is a site steeped in history that pays tribute to innovation and bravery in the fields of sea, air and space.located at Pier 86 on Manhattan's West Side, the museum is housed inside an aircraft carrier, the USS Intrepid, which served in World War II and the Vietnam War. This exciting museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a wide variety of interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences related to aviation, space and naval history. Visitors can stroll around the carrier's flight deck, admire historic aircraft and spacecraft, and discover the heroes and heroines who have contributed to exploration and progress in these fields. Approximate ticket prices at the Intrepid Museum vary according to age and ticket type. Adults can expect to pay around 25 euros, while children and senior citizens benefit from reduced rates. In addition, the museum offers combination tickets that give access to other nearby sites, such as the United States Museum of the Sea and the New York Museum of Natural Science.
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is generally open every day of the week, from 10am to 5pm, but times may vary according to holidays and special events. Thanks to its flexible opening hours, the museum allows visitors to enjoy a fascinating experience while exploring historic achievements in the fields of sea, air and space.
4. Ellis Island Immigration Museum
The Ellis Island Immigration Museum is a historic and moving site located on Ellis Island, opposite the Statue of Liberty. The museum commemorates the experience of immigrants who came to the United States in the early 20th century in search of a new life and opportunity. If you plan to visit the Ellis Island Museum, you'll find yourself at the main point of entry for millions of immigrants, and the museum today offers a window into their heritage and stories. Admission to the museum is around €20 per person, with reduced rates for children and senior citizens. Admission also includes ferry transportation and a visit to the Statue of Liberty. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum is a site of great historical and emotional significance, offering visitors a unique experience to explore the history of immigration to the United States. Located near the Statue of Liberty and accessible during opening hours, it's a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about the immigrant experience and the cultural roots that have enriched the country.
The museum is open every day of the week. Opening hours are generally from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. However, opening times may vary, so it's advisable to check details before planning your visit.
5. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, located on Fifth Avenue and 89th Street, is one of the world's best-known and most iconic art museums. Designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the building itself is a work of art and a tourist attraction. Its distinctive spiral shape and open interior offer a unique experience for visitors exploring its vast collection of modern and contemporary art. Approximate ticket prices for the Guggenheim Museum vary according to the rate chosen. For adults, the price is around 18 euros per person, but the museum offers discounts for students, senior citizens and children. The museum also organizes special days when admission is free for all visitors. This museum is a must for lovers of modern and contemporary art. Its central location, iconic architecture and cutting-edge art collection make this museum a unique New York experience. A stroll along its famous spiral ramp offers an unparalleled visual and artistic experience, immersing you in the talents of international artists.
The museum is generally open every day except Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Saturdays until 8 p.m.
6. September 11th Museum
The 9/11 Museum, also known as the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, is a memorial located in lower Manhattan. Built on the site of the Twin Towers prior to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the museum pays tribute to the victims of this tragic event and provides a space for reflection on its impact on history and society. the approximate cost of a ticket to the 9/11 Museum is 26 euros per person for adults, while children and senior citizens can benefit from reduced rates. In addition, the museum offers free admission to victims' families, first responders and members of the military.
The museum is a place of great historical and emotional significance, enabling visitors to learn more about the events that marked a before and after in the history of the United States and the world. Its memorial location on the site of the attacks and its accessible opening hours make it an essential visit for those wishing to pay tribute to the victims and better understand the consequences of this tragic event.
The museum is open every day except Tuesday, from 10am to 5pm. It is also one of the attractions included in the New York CityPASS, making it one of the city's best 9/11 tours.
7. The Tenement Museum
The Tenement Museum is a historic gem located on Manhattan's Lower East Side. The museum's mission is to preserve and tell the story of the immigrants who lived in the cramped, modest apartments of the 97 Orchard Street building in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The site evokes a powerful representation of the immigrant experience and offers an authentic insight into working-class life at the time. Approximate ticket prices for the Tenement Museum vary according to the tour option chosen, but adults can expect to pay around 24 euros, while students, seniors and children can expect lower rates. It's important to note that the museum only offers guided tours, and each visit offers a unique and moving insight into the experiences of the immigrants who lived in the building. The Tenement Museum is a captivating and educational venue that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the history of New York and the experiences of the immigrants who helped build the city as we know it today.
The museum is open every weekday except Wednesday, from 10am to 6:30pm. However, as tours are guided, times may vary. We therefore recommend that you reserve your place in advance to ensure that you can take part in the tour you have booked.
8. The American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History, located on Manhattan's Upper West Side, is one of the world's largest and most famous museums. Known for its collection of fossils, minerals, stuffed animals and exhibits on the natural history of our planet, the museum offers a fascinating experience for visitors of all ages. The approximate price of admission to the American Museum of Natural History varies according to the rate chosen. For adults, the price is around 20 euros, while children, students and senior citizens benefit from free or reduced rates. The museum also offers additional rates for special exhibitions and shows, such as the planetarium and IMAX films. This museum is an educational site that will take you on a journey through time and space, from the age of the dinosaurs to the far reaches of the universe. Thanks to its privileged location on Central Park West, it's also an ideal place to combine with the park's best activities.
The museum is open daily from 10am to 5:30pm. Opening hours may vary according to public holidays and special events. It's advisable to check details before planning your visit.
9. Whitney Museum of American Art
The Whitney Museum of American Art, located in the picturesque Meatpacking District, is an iconic site that celebrates and exhibits the contemporary and modern art of American artists. With a vast collection of artworks ranging from the 1900s to the present day, the museum offers visitors an enriching and unique experience in the world of contemporary art. Approximate admission prices to the Whitney Museum vary according to the rate chosen. For adults, the price is around 17 euros, but the museum offers discounts for students, senior citizens and minors. In addition, admission is free for all visitors on Friday afternoons.
The museum is a lively, contemporary space that showcases the diversity and creativity of American art in all its forms. Located in the heart of New York's Arts District, it is a must-see for lovers of contemporary art and those wishing to discover the country's most innovative artistic expressions.
If you'd like to visit the Whitney Museum, please note that it's open every day of the week, from 10.30am to 6pm. Opening hours may vary according to public holidays and special events, such as Christmas or Thanksgiving.
10. New York's Museum of Sex
New York's Museum of Sex, located in the heart of Manhattan, is a unique and daring venue that explores human sexuality through various exhibits and historical artifacts. With an intriguing collection covering topics from antiquity to the present day, the museum offers an informative and provocative look at sexuality and its role in culture and society. Admission to the Sex Museum costs around 15 euros, and it's advisable to reserve your place in advance to avoid long queues and secure a spot in the museum. Located in the Flatiron district, this museum is an interesting visit for those wishing to discover a modern, uninhibited look at human sexuality. A visit to the museum will enable you to reflect on the evolution of attitudes and taboos relating to sex throughout history, and to appreciate how sexuality has been represented in art and culture.
The museum is open every day of the week, from 10am to 8pm. Opening times may vary on public holidays and special events, so check details before planning your visit.
