These Are the Best Museums in NYC
New York City is known as a cultural hub not only for its diverse population, but also its many museums and institutions. There’s plenty of opportunity to explore the culture in each of the five different boroughs that make up NYC. Whether you decide to go to an art gallery, a dance performance, or one of the 143 official museums in NYC, there’s plenty of exciting options to choose from.
We’re listing the best museums of NYC, for visitors and residents alike.
The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum was founded three years after the devastating tragedy. The collection of photographs, artifacts, and oral accounts of those who passed away in the event all make up the material found in this attraction. The names of these victims were carved into bronze plates surrounding the memorial pool. The plates commemorate the total 2,977 lives lost in the 9/11 attack, . This makes for an impactful and memorable experience.
The museum is located at the World Trade Center Site, which is exactly where the Twin Towers used to be. In the same place, “The Survivor Tree” was discovered and nurtured. It now serves as a “symbol of hope and rebirth.”
Admission is $25 for adults, $15 for children, and free for 9/11 victims’ family members.
Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
The Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum is located in the Andrew Carnegie Mansion. The Cooper-Hewitt is the only museum in the United States with a collection dedicated to historical and contemporary design.
Cooper Union originally established it to accommodate students and professionals who wanted to study the decorative arts collection. Now, though, the museum’s collection also includes artifacts such as a chair used by the late Abraham Lincoln and a Rolls-Royce which was originally owned by the Beatles.
This museum is known for interactive exhibits, such as the “Immersion Room”. Here, visitors are free to draw their own designs. The activity makes for a great family-friendly attraction if you’re visiting with kids.
Admission is $18 for adults, $12 for seniors, $9 for students, and free for children.
Museum of the City of New York
The Museum of the City of New York is located at the Northernmost part of the Museum Mile. This is the area in which nine other museums line up along Fifth Avenue.
This history and art museum was established in 1923 for the purpose of preserving and showcasing the history of New York. The collections of the museum include various photographs and artifacts that depict the city and its residents.
The museum is known for its replicas of the furnished rooms of the Rockefeller house. Also, it hosted the first-ever museum presentation of New York City’s 400-year history. This is more commonly known as “New York at its Core”.
Admission is $18, $12 for students, and free for children 19 and under.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Unlike other museums that have several departments for a specific genre or a time period, The Guggenheim prefers to present works of art as an integrated whole.
All of the works came from the private collection of various personalities. Solomon Guggenheim himself, his sister Peggy Guggenheim, and Justin Thanhausser are a few notable donors. As a result, the paintings and artifacts range from Surrealist, Impressionist, and Minimalist eras.
The museum’s unique cylindrical shape was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The design used to be heavily criticized by his fellow architects. However, people began to deeply appreciate it once the museum was opened to the public.
Admission is $25 for adults and free for children.
The Met Cloisters
The Met Cloisters belongs among the best museums in New York City because it is one of the few museums that focuses on Medieval Europe. The collections and its ambiance and architecture make this clear.
The Unicorn Tapestries are housed here, which show the hunt and capture of the mythical unicorn in Europe. The Cuxa Cloister & Garden is another popular attraction. This garden is located at the very heart of the museum.
Admission is $25 for adults, $17 for seniors, and $12 for students.
The list of the best museums of New York City goes on. If you’re just visiting and want to enjoy as many of these cultural institutions as possible, you should look for an NYC vacation rental. Short Term Rentals NYC has the largest inventory of vacation apartment listings. We’re here to help you find a place that lets you explore as much of NYC culture as possible and have the vacation of your dreams.