Things to do in New York

Witness the pinnacle of avant-garde art at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City

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Many art savants recognize MoMA as a storehouse of modern Western masterpieces, showcasing history's most famous collection includes works of architecture, design, painting, sculpture, photography, illustrated books, film, artist's books, and electronic media. Keep reading to learn everything, including the museum’s highlights, history, visiting tips, and more.

Guggenheim Museum

The Museum of Modern Art, New York City, at a glance


Handy information

⏰ Suggested duration:3 hours
☀️ Best time to visit:Weekends between 10:30am and 2pm
💜 Must Do:Explore MoMA PS1
🎟️ MoMA ticket: $30
🚇 MoMA Branches:MoMA and MoMA PS1

Collections to look out for

  • The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden

  • The Philip Johnson Architecture and Design Galleries

  • The Gilbert and Lila Silverman Fluxus Collection

  • Must see exhibitions at MoMA NYC 2024

  • Joan Jonas - Good Night Good Morning: 17 Mar–6 Jul 2024

  • Crafting Modernity - Design in Latin America 1940–1980: 8 Mar–22 Sep 2024

  • Käthe Kollwitz: Member Previews: 28 Mar–30 Mar, others 31 Mar–20 Jul 2024

  • LaToya Ruby Frazier - Monuments of Solidarity: 12 May–7 Sep 2024

  • Opening hours and address

    • Sunday to Friday: 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM
      Saturday: 10:30 PM to 07:00 PM
      Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas
    • The last admission is at 5:30 PM
    • Address: 1071 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10128, USA
      Get Directions

    About MoMA New York City


    The Museum of Modern Art NYC hosts an exquisite collection of modern and contemporary art works which has been collected from around the world for over 150 years. Established and opened in 1929, the evolving collection comprises almost 200,000 works. The museum aims to educate and bring modern and contemporary art forms to everyone’s attention. To achieve this, the museum has expanded its collection across several fields of visual expression: painting, sculpting, printmaking, drawing, photography, designing, film and performance art attracting 3 million people annually. The MoMA website allows you to explore a small part of its collection, 76,000 artworks by 21,000 artists online.

    That's not it. MOMA also has a second branch in New York City itself - MOMA PS1, one of the largest art institutions in the United States dedicated solely to contemporary art. So if you’re looking to dive into the world of modern and contemporary art, there is no place like the NY Museum of Modern Art.

    Why you should visit MoMA NYC?


    • Leading modern art collection: MoMA is globally recognized for its exceptional collection of over 200,000 modern and contemporary artworks, featuring masterpieces by renowned artists like Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, and Pablo Picasso.
    • Innovative exhibitions: You’ll find cutting-edge art across six floors of galleries, showcasing the evolution of art from the 1880s to today through immersive special exhibitions.
    • MoMA PS1 Discover a treasure trove of early modernist works in the museum’s extensive collection. From impressionist paintings to contemporary installations, there’s something to captivate every art enthusiast.
    • Extensive art departments: MoMA has 6 art departments - Painting and Sculpture, Architecture and Design, Photography, Prints and Illustrated Books, Film, and Media and Performance Art, where you can explore your unique interests.
    • Culinary experience: Enjoy a meal at The Modern, a Michelin Star restaurant, or relax at Cafe 2 or Terrace 5, offering diverse dining options to suit every taste.
    MoMA NYC

    Museum of Modern Art tickets


    We recommend buying your Museum of Modern Art NYC tickets online, to avoid waiting in the long ticket counter lines. On the day of your visit, you can show your online tickets on your phone, and walk into the Museum right away.
    Your ticket also includes a free audio guide in several languages.

    PS: Kids upto 16 years of age get free entry into MoMA!

    MoMA New York City branches


    MoMA has two branches. With your MoMA New York tickets you will get access to both these branches and we recommend checking both of them out.

    MoMA, Manhattan

    This is the main exhibition located in Midtown Manhattan, and is usually identified as one of the most influential museums of modern art in the world. It is also one of the largest museums in the world. Over here, you can enjoy the works of several prominent artists from the world of modern and contemporary art.

    MoMA NYC

    Timings

    From Sundays to Fridasy, 10:30am to 5:30pm
    Saturday: 10:30am to 7pm

    MoMA NYC address

    11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, United States

    MoMA PS1

    MoMA PS1 is a dedicated exhibition space that aims to promote the enjoyment, appreciation, study and understanding of contemporary art to a wide and growing audience. Their educational activities, coupled with the special exhibitions play a vital part in structuring cultural discourse. The MoMA PS1 is known for its live exhibitions which feature music, dance and aspires to innovate and diversify modern art to attract international audiences.

    MoMA New Your City

    Timings

    Sundays & Mondays: 12pm to 6pm
    Thursdasy to Saturdasy: 12pm to 8pm
    Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

    Address

    22-25 Jackson Ave, Queens, NY 11101, United States

    Distance between MoMA & MoMA PSI - 3.1 miles (17 min travel time)

    Famous exhibits at MOMA New York City


    1Campbell’s Soup Cans by Andy Warhol

    This iconic piece, comprising 32 canvases, is a striking commentary on consumer culture and mass production. Warhol's meticulous hand-painting and stamping technique emphasize repetition and uniformity, challenging traditional notions of art and beauty. The work's enduring impact lies in its bold, graphic style and its reflection of society's obsession with consumer goods.

    Museum of Modern Art New York City

    Image Courtesy: Unsplash

    2Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh

    A masterpiece that transcends its subject matter to embody the inner, subjective expressionism synonymous with Van Gogh’s style. Rooted in imagination and memory, the swirling, dream-like composition and vibrant, expressive brushwork evoke a sense of movement and emotion. This iconic painting continues to captivate viewers with its timeless beauty and profound artistic vision.

    Museum of Modern Art New York City

    Image Courtesy: Adobe Stock

    3Water Lilies by Claude Monet

    This impressionist masterpiece captures the ever-changing qualities of natural light and color on water. Monet's brushstrokes create an endless illusion of water without horizon or bank, blurring the line between reflection and reality. The painting's abstracted forms and harmonious color palette convey a sense of tranquility and the beauty of nature, making it a timeless symbol of artistic innovation.

    Museum of Modern Art New York City

    Image Courtesy: Adobe Stock

    4The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dali

    Universally recognized, this painting is often dubbed by the artist as ‘hand-painted dream photographs’. Among the finest works in surrealism, it presents an abstract flow that transcends conventional notions of time and space. The melting clocks, a recurring motif in Dali's work, symbolize the fluidity of time and the subconscious mind.

    Museum of Modern Art New York City

    Image Courtesy: Adobe Stock

    5The Sleeping Gypsy by Henri Rousseau

    This painting is regarded as one of the finest examples of symbolism, and is a masterpiece of fantastical imagery. Rousseau's dreamlike depiction of a sleeping figure in a desert landscape, accompanied by a lion, evokes a sense of mystery and enchantment. The scene, with its surreal elements and poetic quality, invites you to interpret its meaning and immerse themselves in its mystical allure.

    Museum of Modern Art New York City

    Image Courtesy: Adobe Stock

    Museum of Modern Art floor plan


    Floor plan

    The Museum of Art
    • Level 1: Lobby, MoMA Store, Restaurant, Art Lab and Sculpture Garden.
    • Level 2: Contemporary Galleries, Prints and Illustrated Books, Media, Special Exhibitions, Cafe and Store.
    • Level 3: Architecture and Design, Drawings, Photography and Special Exhibitions.
    • Level 4: Painting and Sculptures II - Jasper Johns, Yayoi Kusama, Roy Lichtenstein, Jackson Pollock, Robert Rauschenburg, Mark Rothko, Andy Warhol and others.
    • Level 5: Painting and Sculptures I - Paul Cezzane, Frida Kahlo, Henri Matisse, Piet Mondrian, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh and others.

    You can download the MoMA floor plan and keep it handy on your phone for your visit.

    Avoiding the crowd at MoMA New York City


    Buy tickets in advance
    Book your Museum of Modern Art tickets well in advance to ensure you get entry on the day that you want. We suggest booking the tickets after going through the exhibition list so you may enjoy the exhibitions you like the most. Additionally, you will get access to the MoMA PS1 with your skip-the-line Museum of Modern Art tickets.

    Avoid rainy days
    The museum usually gets crowded later on in the afternoon and is bound to get noisier as the day progresses. During the rains, the number of visitors gets doubled.

    Avoid mornings
    Mornings are the busiest at the museum. If you prefer a quieter museum experience, we recommend coming after 11:30 AM.

    Fridays paradox
    On Fridays the museum is free to enter from 4 PM - 9 PM, which is when you should not go as the museum is always crowded and you won’t get to enjoy the exhibits much. However, Friday middays (12 PM - 4 PM) has the least crowd at the museum.

    UNIQLO Free Friday Nights at MOMA New York City


    On the first Friday of every monthy, from 4pm to 8pm, find inspiration at MoMA and enjoy free admission, courtesy of UNIQLO Free Friday Nights. Admission is free for all visitors during UNIQLO Free Friday Nights. The line for tickets begins at the Museum’s 54th Street entrance and your UNIQLO Free Friday Night ticket permits entry to all Museum galleries and exhibitions. Film and performance admission is free too, but a separate ticket is required.

    MoMA free Friday tips

    The queues for free Fridays starts at around 3pm and the galleries can become very crowded, so arrive as early as possible if you want the place to yourself. The line to enter MoMA for free Fridays may appear long, but they move quickly. To avoid queuing all together, arrive after 6pm once a good chunk of people have moved in.

    Getting to the MoMA New York City


    By Subway

    The nearest subway station to the MET is the 50th Street Subway Station on the Blue Line. Take D or F trains to 47-50th Street/Rockefeller Center station; E or M trains to 53rd Street station at Fifth Avenue.

    By bus

    From the east side of Manhattan, take the M1, M2, M3, M4, or M5 bus to 53rd Street; From the west side of Manhattan, take the M50 cross-town bus to 50th Street. Then walk three blocks to 53rd Street.

    Related Read: Learn all about the MoMA entrances and which entrance you should choose.

    MoMA NYC map

    MOMA New York City rules & regulations


    • All large items (greater than 15" x 11" x 5") will be checked, including large umbrellas.
    • Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside the museum.
    • Sketching is permitted in the galleries, but only with pencils. Pens or ink are not allowed in the museum.
    • You can take photos on your phone, however, flash photography, video cameras or tripods are not allowed.

    Insider tips fo visiting the Museum of Modern Art


    • Kids special - Children below 16 years of age may enter for free. Additionally, the museum has curated a unique experience for kids. Several free Activity Cards are available for kids to use across the museum. A dedicated space, The Art Lab, allows families to get together and create their own artworks.

    • MoMA stores - Known world over for the aesthetic look of their products, the MoMA stores houses designer items you won’t find in many other shops. Take a look at their wide selection of books, designer objects, jewelry, furniture, clothing and more on your visit to MoMA.

    • Top to bottom - The best way to see the museum is from the top floor to the bottom. The fifth floor houses the Painting and Sculpture Galleries, the fourth floor houses the more recent masterpieces. Don't miss the 6th floor as it is where the special exhibits are housed.

    • Afternoon visits - If you come in the afternoon (after 3 PM) we recommend going from the first floor to the top. This allows you to see the main highlights before closing time when there will be fewer people in the viewing rooms.

    • Practical details - The museum performs a thorough security inspection of your belongings. We suggest leaving the big bags and rucksacks at home. All galleries and facilities are wheelchair accessible which are available in the checkroom free of charge. You may photograph the museum for personal use only in the collection galleries, however, no flash, tripods or camera extension poles are allowed.

    • Audio guide - Your tickets come with an audio guide. Be sure to make the most of it; you’re guaranteed to learn something fascinating.

    • Take the stairs - Ditch the lift while going from one floor to the other as exhibits are hanging on the ceilings as well. Be sure to look up while going up the staircase; Arthur Bell's 1945 helicopter is displayed overhead.

    • MoMA PS1 is worth a visit-Though located in Long Island City, MoMA PS1 focuses on more recent art and up-and-coming artists and is worth a visit. You don't need a separate ticket for MoMA PS1.

    Grab a bite at MOMA New York City


    MoMA has several dining options inside the museum itself and some amazing cafes around the corner, too. Here is a small compilation of the top cafes in and around MoMA NYC.

    MoMA New York City
    Cafe 2

    Cafe 2 on the second floor is a first-come, first-serve venue with Italian-centric casual cuisine including fresh pasta, panini, soups, salads, cheese and meat boards, and full beverage menu.

    MoMA New York City
    Espresso Bar

    The Espresso Bar serves all coffee shop staples. It is perfect for a small snack or coffee on the go and is only 5 mins walk from MoMA.

    MoMA New York City
    Terrace Cafe

    The Terrace Cafe on the sixth floor serves find small plates, shareable snacks, a selection of beer, wine and cocktails, and outdoor terrace seating when weather allows. You also get stellar views of Midtown Manhattan from here.

    MoMA New York City
    The Modern

    The Modern is a Michelin-starred restaurant, accessible within the museum and from the exterior after museum hours, and is a fine dining experience surrounded by world-class art. Reservations are highly recommended, and can be made 28 days in advance. Pro tip: The Modern is a no-tipping venue, so you needn't factor in anything additional when paying the bill.

    Things to do around MOMA New York City


    MoMA’s midtown Manhattan location means it is easy to access and easy to reach many nearby attractions. Here are a few close by that we suggest adding to your vacation itinerary.

    Hotels near MoMA to plan your stay


    Frequently asked questions about the MoMA in NYC


    When is the best time to visit the Museum of Modern Art NYC? 

    The museum is least crowded right after it opens at 10am. Because of their free admission offer on Friday evenings, it's best to avoid Fridays between 4 and 8 as it is some of the busiest times to visit.

    Is the MoMA free on any day throughout the year?

    Yes! The Museum of Modern Art provides free admission every Friday night from 5:30 pm – 9 pm. Additionally, the first floor is now open to the public for free every day, including two new galleries, installations in the lobby and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden.

    Is the MoMA kid-friendly?

    Yes! The Art Labs program at MoMa is a great way to get children excited about creating while they learn tools and techniques used in the art-making process. There are also free talks and tours on weekend mornings for families.

    Can you take photos inside MoMa?

    Yes, photography is allowed, but flash photography is banned as it damages the paintings.

    Which is better MoMA or MET?

    Both the MET and MoMA are world-class museums that any art or culture lover should definitely visit at least once in their lives. That said, they both specialise in different kinds of art. The MET is far larger with a wide focus of everything from the art of the ancient world to contemporary photography. MoMA on the other hand specializes in modern and contemporary art.

    What is the difference between MoMA and MoMA PS1?

    The PS1 acronym means Public School One and comes from the former destination of the building where the centre is housed. In 1997 the PS1 building underwent a major renovation and in 2001 it became an affiliate to the Museum of Modern Art and was renamed MoMA PS1.

    Is MoMA included in the New York City Explorer Pass? 

    Yes! With the New York City Explorer Pass you can get free admission to the Museum of Modern Art NYC.

    Can you take pictures in MoMA?

    Yes, however, flash photography, videography, tripods, and photography for professional purposes are not allowed

    Should I buy MoMA tickets in advance?

    It is advised that you buy MoMa tickets online in advance to avoid standing in ticket queues on site, which can be quite long on most days. You could also find discounted deals online, which are not available on-site. 

    Is MoMA worth visiting?

    For contemporary art lovers, there's no better place than MoMa to spend a quiet few hours in artistic contemplation.

    Can you visit MoMa on Mondays? 

    No. Mondays are reserved exclusively for members and their guests.

    How long are MoMA timed tickets?

    There is a 30-minute grace period for timed entry; entry is not guaranteed if you arrive more than 30 minutes after your ticketed time. Early entry is prohibited.

    Is the MoMA free for students?

    Current CUNY faculty, staff, and students receive free admission from October 1, 2020, through September 30, 2021. Students of the following colleges also get one free admission 

    • Columbia University in the City of New York
    • Cooper Union
    • CUNY Schools
    • The New School
    • Pratt Institute
    • SUNY Schools
    • The Juilliard School
    • The New School

    Who all are eligible to free admission at MoMA NYC?

    From Oct 1, 2020 through Sep 30, 2021, all NYC health workers get free admission to MoMa. This has been made possible by UNIQLO. 

    Is  MoMA pay as you wish?

    No, MoMa has a ticketed entry.

    What are the current events happening at MoMA? 

    Head here for an updated list of the current events at MoMa.

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