New York is a city of life with its main attractions having been featured in popular movies that most visitors will recognize even without ever visiting them. However, many are unaware of the city's wealth of amazing museums. Two of the largest museums in the world — the Brooklyn Museum and the Metro Museum of Art — are found in New York. The city also has many other museums, making it hard to choose which ones to visit. Below are some of the top recommendations.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Image via Flickr by mgrayflickr
Commonly known as "The Met," the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the top tourist attractions in New York. It is home to a varying range of collections with more than 2 million art displays. The museum has been open for more than 150 years, making it one of the most popular in America.
If you plan on visiting this museum and others, you might want to buy a CityPASS. The pass gives you discounts and allows you to skip the line. You can also use it in other museums, including the 911 Memorial and Museum, American Museum of Natural History, Empire State Building, and for ferry access to the Statue of Liberty.
NYC Fire Museum
If you have children, the NYC Fire Museum would be a nice place to visit. The kids will be fascinated by the lights, the shiny red trucks, and the sirens. The museum offers an excellent place to keep them entertained for some time after a long day.
9/11 Memorial & Museum
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum displays the events and history of September 11, 2001. It also holds Memorial and Historical Exhibitions of the day. It is home to a collection of more than 70,000 artifacts. Since this is one of the most popular museums in New York, it is advisable to book tickets in advance.
Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
Located in midtown Manhattan, the Museum of Modern Art is one of the top New York museums. It contains a vast collection of modern art that features drawings, architecture, photography, paintings, and prints. You will find displays by iconic artists like Dali Picasso, Warhol, Toulouse-Lautrec, Magritte, and Van Gogh. Entry to the museum is free every Friday evening; otherwise, you have to reserve tickets or buy a CityPASS during regular time.
Morgan Library and Museum
For scholars, the Morgan Library and Museum is a must-visit when in New York. It acts as both a scholarly research center and a museum. Since it opened its doors in 1906, the center has preserved and protected the private collection of J.P Morgan. It has interesting architecture, with the library standing out with its extravagant embellishment and painted ceilings. Here, you can find some of the most informative old manuscripts. Other exhibits on display include works by famous artists such as Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci.
The Frick Collection
For those who love the ancient collection of paintings, the Frick Collection will satisfy your curiosity. It is known for its extensive collection of paintings by old masters like Whistler, Rembrandt, Renoir, and Vermeer, to mention a few. Frick Collection is open from Thursday to Sunday; tickets must be reserved in advance.
Ellis Island Immigration Museum
This is a historical museum that preserves some images and history of some immigrants to the country. It is at this museum that immigrants to the United States were processed and their documents validated. Exhibits here show the ancestry and identity of some of the immigrants and the reason for leaving their homes. It also highlights what the voyage was like back then.
The Ellis Island Immigration Museum served as an entry point between 1892 and 1954. It was here that over 12 million people were admitted to the country to start their lives anew. However, not all passed the medical checkups or possessed the right documents, so they had to be deported back to their countries.
American Museum of Natural History
One of the world's greatest natural history museums, the American Museum of Natural History is located across Central Park. You will find all aspects of the natural world here, from an extensive collection of taxidermy mammals to marine life, and illustrations of Native American tribes. The dinosaur floor is the most appealing feature in this museum with an imposing Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton that fills the room. Each time, the museum displays two exhibits that include an immersive display of human senses and perception, and an in-depth explanation of the mummies with samples from Ancient Egypt and Peruvians.
Whitney Museum of American Art
Popularly known as "The Whitney," this is one of the top museums in New York that boasts work from iconic American artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. Unlike other museums, the Whitney Museum concentrates on art from American artists from the 20th century and contemporary art. You will see art by renowned artists like Edward Hopper, Andy Warhol, Georgia O'Keefe, Robert Henri, and Theodore Robinson. If you are lucky, you can visit when there is a special event or new art display as they constantly host events and rotate their art displays.
Brooklyn Children's Museum
Founded in 1899, the Brooklyn Children's Museum is claimed to be the world's first children's museum. Over the years, it has become a popular destination for many families. Take your child and let them enjoy culture, natural sciences, and music exhibits.
MoMA PS1
The MoMA PS1 is located at a former public school and focuses on presenting contemporary art. Founded in 1971, the museum holds some exhibits that you will not find elsewhere in New York. The exhibits are regularly changed and include career monographs of iconic artists. It is also known for its numerous outdoor parties known as “Warm Ups.” If you are ever in New York, this museum is worth a visit.
There you have it. Martin Busch Jewelers has highlighted some of the top museums in New York. Which of these is your favorite? Is there a particular one that you like that has been left out? You can contact us and let us know.