Guide to NYC's Best Museums

On frigid winter days during the pandemic, there's no better way to escape the house than visiting some of the best museums in the U.S. Most of New York City's museums are open with timed-entry tickets and reduced capacity to keep you safe. Whether you want to see Picasso at the picturesque Metropolitan Museum or catch the hottest modern art at the Whitney, the city is brimming with beautiful displays worth checking out. 

Whitney Museum of Modern Art

Located right next to the Hudson River, the Whitney offers eclectic art displays along with sweeping views of Manhattan. The museum features photography, painting and innovative modern art, so there's something for just about anyone. Tickets are only available online, so buy in advance before heading to the Whitney. 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met is arguably the most-celebrated museum in NYC, with massive galleries, historic architecture and renowned artists on display like Picasso, Rodin, Michelangelo and Rembrandt. You might need to visit more than once to take in all the art the Met has to offer, as it's the largest museum in the United States. 

Museum of Modern Art 

The Museum of Modern Art, more commonly known as the MoMA, is filled with world-famous modern pieces from artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Alfred Barr and Rene Magritte. Be sure to buy your ticket in advance — and be aware that your time slot only lasts for an hour. 

New Museum of Contemporary Art

This Lower East Side museum is the ideal place to discover new emerging contemporary artists from all over the globe. Time and date-specific tickets are required for entry and go on sale roughly one week before the available dates, so be sure to plan in advance if you want to check out this contemporary gallery. 

Bronx Museum of the Arts

This museum features over 800 works of 20th century and contemporary art and is located in the Grand Concourse Historic District in the Bronx. Admission is always free to the Bronx Museum, but you have to reserve tickets in advance to ensure safety. 

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

This New York gem is known for its unique architecture, with rounded white walls, high ceilings and skylights that make it a must-see. The Guggenheim is open at 25% capacity, so you'll need to purchase a timed-entry ticket prior to your visit. 

American Museum of Natural History

If you're tired of typical art museums, check out the Museum of Natural History, which has exhibits on space exploration, dinosaurs and science! Tickets are only available for purchase online, so be sure to buy before you arrive at the museum. New York, New Jersey and Connecticut residents also receive free entry with a valid ID

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