The 11 best museums in New York to visit this year

The streets of New York City are lined with incredible galleries and museums, fully reflecting its status as a hub of culture and artistic expression. No matter your taste, New York City will have something to suit it.

From hallowed halls that give an extensive overview of the history of art to a small niche museum devoted to a specific century, region or genre, the Big Apple has you covered. As the Romance poet John Keats wrote, “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” Discover that joy within the best museums in New York City.

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Best for all-day entertainment

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With a permanent collection of more than two million objects and artworks covering 5000 years of art history, and multiple visiting exhibitions showcasing works from around the globe, it would take a week of constant perusing to explore this entire marvelous museum. This makes it the perfect place to spend a day immersing yourself in art.

The museum opens early and has late evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays for those who want to maximize their browsing. There’s little need to leave until closing time because the museum has comfy benches, scores of phone charging outlets, information booths, and a cafe with tasty seasonal delights to help fuel your art marathon.

2. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Best indoor-outdoor experience

Recognized as one of the most significant modern art museums on the planet, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is an absolute must-visit. Galleries sprawl across multiple levels, and the five-story central atrium offers a bird’s-eye balcony view from every floor. Sound installations in the atrium can be heard throughout the museum, creating an immersive experience.

Best of all is the outdoor sculpture garden, accessible only from within the museum. Its floor is made of polished marble, and it has a rotating array of sculptures from greats such as Aristide Maillol, Rachel Whiteread, Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso.

3. The Whitney Museum of American Art

Best for a downtown adventure

This excellent museum is perfectly located for an art fix while exploring the West Village, Meatpacking District, High Line and Hudson River Park neighborhoods. Known locally as The Whitney, this museum’s phenomenal permanent art collection covers…