New York State, and New York City, in particular, is the place where one can find some of the most recognizable museums in the world. I have, over the years, moved in and out of these halls with children, friends, and on my own, and each time it provided me with something new to ponder. Whether it is the old art or the new work of art, the interactive science display booths or the strong cultural narratives, these museums are not a location to gaze at things, but rather a place to feel them. These are the top five museums in New York, including the handy facts such as the addresses, affordable costs, friendliness to children, and what makes each one of them memorable.
Best Museums in New York
1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
2. American Museum of Natural History
3. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
4. The Whitney Museum of American Art
5. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
5 Best Museums in New York
1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
Have you ever thought of entering a world of wonders across centuries? That is the place where you can do so at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. When I first entered its doors, I could not believe the very magnitude of all human creativity, as its Egyptian tombs and Renaissance masterpieces were all under one roof.
It is also an attraction by itself, the building itself, with its grand steps, glass ceilings, and dozens of galleries that you cannot see in one day. Another event that I enjoyed was visiting the Temple of Dendur, which was an ancient Egyptian building that had to be taken to this museum, stone by stone. It was almost as though going back to days gone by.
The Met Highlights are:
European art (consider Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Monet)
American Wing (typical U.S. artwork and period rooms)
Arms and Armor (this gallery is popular among children)
In spring, there is an annual costume exhibition called the Costume Institute (rotating fashion exhibits).
The recommended adult price is approximately 30 dollars, yet the New York State residents and students of NY, NJ, and CT can pay as much as they can (ask at the ticket desk). Children below 12 tend to be admitted free with an adult payer- this makes this museum very kid-friendly.
It is endless, and therefore I suggest choosing some areas you are most interested in and then visiting them rather than stressing to visit all of them in a single visit. Bring water and take a break in the museum cafe, it is a part of the experience!
Address: 1000 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10028
Average Price: $30 adults; children under 12 often free with an adult
2. American Museum of Natural History
When your idea of fun involves dinosaurs, space, life in the ocean, and huge whale skeletons, then you must go to the American Museum of Natural History. My first visit to the dinosaur hall is still fresh in my mind; the dinosaur skeleton T. rex is roaring over your head; it is an experience you will not forget.
One of the child-friendliest museums. Exhibits are practical, informative, and very captivating. Some highlights:
Fossil Halls: Entirely equipped with huge dinosaur bones.
Rose Center of Earth and Space: It contains the Hayden Planetarium.
Hall of Ocean Life: It has gained fame because of the large-scale blue whale.
Cultural Exhibits: Visit the cultural exhibits of the world.
Similar to The Met, this museum has recommended admission, i.e., you will select how much you want to pay at the ticket booth, but there are special exhibitions and planetarium events that are charged extra. The recommended charges are about 23-28 USD per adult and 13-18 USD per child, but it is an excellent offer in the context of the variety of exhibits to visit.
This place is particularly popular with families. My nephew once spent close to half a day here, and traversed dinosaurs and deep-sea objects with an animated commentary of guides and exhibits, which made science exciting.
Address: Central Park West & 79th Street, New York, NY 10024
Average Price: $23–$28 adults; children ~$13–$18; special exhibitions cost extra
3. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
The art of today is not always pleasant to view- at MoMA, it is accessible, thought-provoking, and even fun to look at. The Museum of Modern Art is located in Midtown Manhattan, and it contains artworks that defined both the 20 th and the 21 st centuries.
It was one of those experiences of mine as I came to this place and really looked at what I had read in textbooks only. In-person viewing of art by Van Gogh, such as The Starry Night and works by Picasso, Warhol, and Kahlo, left me chilled.
Notable sections include:
Galleries of painting and Sculpture.
This also includes Photography and Film Exhibits.
Performance and Art Spaces Design.
Special Rotating Shows
Adults cost about $25-30, and children under 16 would enjoy free entry, which makes the event a pocket-friendly event for any family with older kids. Children of younger age can find some interesting exhibits, but the modern art orientation and serious themes of the museum may appeal more to teens and adults.
My greatest memory of MoMA was sitting in the sculpture garden with a coffee, looking out of the city, humming, and having the time slow down as I entered the art.
Address: 11 West 53rd Street, New York, NY 10019
Average Price: Around $25–$30 adults; children under 16 free
4. The Whitney Museum of American Art
Whitney Museum is one of the most perfect places in New York to find modern and contemporary art in America. The Whitney, which is located in the trendy Meatpacking District, is concerned with artists of the 20 th century up to the present day.
A tour through the galleries here is like entering a discussion, art that poses questions, mirrors culture, and even tends to challenge you. The setting is open and inspiring in itself due to the large windows and the views of the Hudson River that the building itself provides.
Highlights include:
American Sculpture and painting.
Special Exhibitions of Contemporary Artists.
Outdoor Terrace Views
The price of the general admission is generally approximately 25-30 dollars for adults, and students and seniors are offered some kind of reduction. Children younger than 18 years can visit it freely, which makes this museum one of the best destinations for families with adolescent children who want to be informed about the latest trends in art.
The best experience I had in the Whitney was visiting a special exhibition combining painting, sculpture, and interactive mediums – it seemed to be an experience of viewing the history of the art heartbeat of America through new lenses.
Address: 99 Gansevoort Street, New York, NY 10014
Average Price: Around $25–$30 adults; discounts for students/seniors; kids under 18 free
5. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
When your heart beats at the thought of airplanes, spacecraft, and battleships, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York is one of the most thrilling places, particularly for kids and families. I have brought here my little cousins, and when we came out, all had gaped at the sight.
This is a one-of-a-kind museum since it is located in historic naval boats! You board an aircraft carrier, the USS Intrepid, and look at the real airplanes on the deck, the spacecrafts in the interior, and the submarine exhibition below.
Top experiences include:
Visit Deck and see Fighter Jets and Helicopters.
Enterprise and Space Shuttle Pavilion.
Submarine Growler Tour (add-on)
Extra cost Interactive Flight Simulators
The average entry fee is approximately $33 per adult and 24 per child between the ages of 5-12 years; children below the age of 5 are usually free. Since the exhibits are interactive and engaging, it is a museum that makes kids spend hours there.
Standing on the deck, with jets flying overhead and the history of the past beneath me, I had a sense that I was not just having a usual museum visit but that I was going into history.
Address: Pier 86, W 46th Street, New York, NY 10036
Average Price: Around $33 adults; $24 youth (5–12); under 5 often free
Conclusion
The museums of New York are potent gateways to art, history, science, and imagination. The experience is of a different nature in each of the five institutions mentioned above, yet they all have something in common: they make you think, feel, and explore.
These museums are places to visit when you are on holiday with your children, going on a cultural tourism visit, or seeking inspiration. You should come with comfortable shoes, with a curious mind, and maybe you would come with a notebook, since the stories you would be reading here would always remain in your mind once you go home on your plane or train.
The next time you are in New York, visit one (or all of these) of these museums – and have them tell you their stories. And your own New York adventure will be better.
About the Author
