Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

It’s okay to feel a flutter when you spot the swirling skies of The Starry Night. Framed against MoMA’s sleek gallery walls, Van Gogh’s cosmic brushwork still feels electrifying. Pro tip: visit early or late in the day to avoid crowd blockbusters and soak up every stroke.

Wander through masterpieces like Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, Magritte’s surreal visions, and Warhol’s pop-culture commentaries. Don’t miss Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans—a playful reminder of how everyday objects can become art.

The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden, designed by Philip Johnson in 1953, is as much an artwork as the sculptures it showcases. Enjoy a peaceful interlude amidst Parisian gate entrances and abstract forms by Calder and Caro. 

Your ticket grants access to MoMA PS1 in Queens, too. There, you’ll find immersive installations, experimental music, and boundary-pushing works. In summer, it's filled with performances and artist-led events.

From earlier Björk retrospectives to the trailblazing Indian Art of the United States in 1941, the museum is unafraid to surprise. Keep an eye on rotating shows, film programs, and special evening events.

MoMA is open daily, 10:30 am–5:30 pm (extended to 8:30  pm on Fridays). Weekday mornings, especially late fall and winter, are your best bet for calm galleries. Locals often drop in for the Uniqlo Friday Nights (with advance RSVP).

To skip queues, it’s advised that you buy your tickets online ahead of time, though a limited number of same-day tickets are available at the door. Adults begin at $30, with discounts for students/seniors and free entry for kids under 16. NY residents enjoy free Friday evenings. Tip: Your ticket also includes admission to MoMA PS1 within 14 days.

The museum offers daytime group tours ($25 per adult) or luxurious before-/after-hours tours ($90–$110), led by art historians for that exclusive “quiet museum” feeling. For a special occasion, you can even arrange private tours or gift certificates for small groups.

With six floors of galleries, plan to spend at least 3-5 hours. One hour per floor is a good rule of thumb, more if you're a film buff, design lover, or café connoisseur. Comfortable shoes and a relaxed schedule make a huge difference.

MoMA is welcoming to families: children under 16 enter free, and there are family-focused itineraries that encourage creative responses and engagement. The museum also offers audio guides in multiple languages and accessible facilities throughout.