New York is among the top design and fashion capitals of the world. So, naturally, the museums in New York are must-visits! Being something of a museum aficionado, this holiday was something of a personal treat. Since the city offers a lot of options, much like Washington DC, you would have to choose depending on your interests and time at hand. I squeezed in one or two museums every day.
On my first day, I walked down Fifth Avenue and ate my lunch opposite the Plaza Hotel & The Apple Store. The pace of the city overwhelmed me so much that I escaped to the quieter Frick Collection and Guggenheim later the same day. Research is of paramount importance, know the area and the timings of the museums you want to visit. And if you are on a budget, the free/ pay as you wish days of the museums. But I do suggest investing in an NYC Go Pass which is accepted in most museums. Here goes my list of my favourite experiences – Museums in New York!
Most of the museums are located on the Museum Mile which is well connected by the Bus. Or else, you can always take the subway.
MET
Metropolitan Museum of Art is the talk of the town every year thanks to the MET Gala. Besides that, the MET stands as the largest, grandest standing museums, celebrating 150 years in 2020. It is impossible to cover the museum in mere hours so you better spare a full day, preferably a weekday. Things you must see, however, the Egyptian section overlooking Central Park. And the preserved Parisian rooms.
Where? 1000 Fifth Ave, NY
Tickets – $32 with an audio tour (this is valid for 3 days and also gives you entry to MET Breuer and MET Cloisters)
The Museum of Modern Art
Unfortunately, MoMA was closed for renovation when I visited but is brand new and shiny now! MoMA celebrates modernism, the art pieces range from all eras. Van Gogh’s Starry Starry Nights is to MoMA what Mona Lisa is to The Louvre. I also highly recommend going to MoMA Design Store located at 44 West 53rd Street to pick out some unique souvenirs.
Where? 11W, 53 St. Manhattan
Ticket Price – $25
Guggenheim
Spread over three cities of the world, Guggenheim is known for being the most unusual art museums in New York City. The helical design of the museum allows you to move freely through the galleries. It also adds a great amount of flow to how you see the art.
Where? 1071 5th Ave, Between 88th and 89th St, NY
Ticket Price – $25
The Frick Collection
Put together by industrialist Henry Clay Frick in his home on Fifth Ave. The mansion itself is awe-worthy, but the art pieces housed inside are too special. Vermeer, Rembrandt and Bellini under the same roof. The courtyard is the calm anchor holding it together. And also happens to be the only place in the House that allows photography. Don’t miss out their special exhibits in the basement.
Where? 10 East 71st Street, NY
Ticket Price – $22 | Children below 10 years not allowed
Whitney Museum of American Art
Located at the beginning of the High Line, what I absolutely loved about Whitney was the sculpture installations on the terrace. The art here is more native American than world. You will see variations of the American flag and portraits of Jackie Kennedy. And some beautiful 3D art installations.
Where? 99 Gansevoort Street, NY
Ticket Price – $25
Met Breur
My experience at Met Breuer was a complete 360 of my experience at MET. Unlike being overwhelmed by everything the place has to offer, you can really take your time with the art. And actually get to know the progress of the artiste. I absolutely loved going through Vija Celmins’ art exhibition.
Where? 945 Madison Ave, 75th Street
Ticket Price – Included in your ticket to The MET
Museum of Sex
Coming from a country where talking openly about sex is still hush-hush, this was a very enlightening experience. From a sex shop in the front to dirty games at the back. The exhibitions include history of porn, Vivienne Westwood’s controversial shop “SEX” and the punk movement. And of course, the queer movement. The best part and I a not going to give out all the deets here, the Super Fun Land!
Where? 233 Fifth Avenue, 27th Street
Ticket Price – $31
Brooklyn Museum
Located at the edge of Brooklyn Botanic Gardens/ Prospect Park. Brooklyn Museum offers you a brilliant art experience in whole. From sprawling courtyards to Egyptian mummies. Monumentalizing the New York slang YO/OY is the first thing you will notice, and it will instantly pep you up for what is to come!
Where? 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn
Ticket Price – $16
Museum of the City of New York
One of the most understated museums in New York. It will take you through the city’s history, interactive experience about people from different boroughs, and how the city will pan out in the future. The Pride movement and the big apple’s tryst with cycles are also interesting bits.
Where? 1220 Fifth Ave, 103rd St
Ticket Price – $20
Color Factory
A color museum, say what! Hands down the most fun experience. A colourful and interactive experience, which not just takes you through a lot of colour but also a wee bit of cool history. Think of the taxidermy of cornflakes! A lot of new age artists have come together to bring this place to life. And you will want to Instagram every nook and corner of it. Photobooths are integrated into your ticket and the photos are emailed to you, there are treats and souvenirs along the way that you will love!
Where? 251 Spring St, NY
Ticket Price – $38
Tenement Museum
New York has a Little Italy and Chinatown and Curry Hill because of immigrants who built the city what it is. Tenement Museum is a beautiful testament to the bygone era and the struggle of the immigrants and how it is so important that we take lessons from the past in the current scenarios. They offer a variety of apartment and neighbourhood tours, check the link below.
Where? 103 Orchard Street, NY
Ticket Price – Check out the different tours they offer here.
Another plus, you must check out the gift shops at the museums in New York for the most charming souvenirs to take back home. My favourites, the multiple shops at MET, the basement one had a lot of items on sale as well. And the one at the New York City Museum.
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