With so many New York art galleries and museums to choose from, it’s difficult to know where to start. We’ve given you some of our favourites and the big names but NY.com http://www.ny.com/museums/all.museums.html has a full list of everything that’s available to visit.
Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
If you love modern art, you will love MOMA. One of the most comprehensive modern art collections in the world is housed here with an ever changing programme of exhibitions. Book ahead if you’d like to visit one of the special exhibitions.
Guggenheim Museum, NYC
Guggenheim
The Guggenheim museum is probably more renowned for its instantly recognisable architecture, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, than for its art collections.
Metropolitan Museum of Art http://www.metmuseum.org/
It’s impossible to see everything in one day in this enormous museum but the website has everything you need to plan your visit. They offer a range of suggested itineraries (including ones for those visiting with children) as well as a map and information on audio guides. http://www.metmuseum.org/visit/plan-your-visit
Whitney Museum of American Art http://whitney.org/
If you are looking for modern American art in a quieter and smaller museum, the Whitney is a great choice. I am a big fan as it has a large collection of the works of Edward Hopper. The Whitney also runs various family workshops for kids of all ages.
Ellis Island immigration Museum
(currently closed due to Hurricane Sandy, see The National Parks website for updates on reopening http://www.nps.gov/elis/index.htm)
Over 12 million immigrants to the United States passed through the immigration station on Ellis Island before either entering the land of opportunity or being turned back. The station now houses a museum giving an insight into the the journeys made and what arrivals would have experience at Ellis Island. There are a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits as well as audio tours available, including one for children.
Tenement museum http://www.tenement.org/
You need to book a tour to visit the Tenement Museum which incorporates a walking tour of the Lower East Side area as well as exploring a typical tenement building and meeting typical residents (played by actors). It’s a great way of bringing to life the story of working class immigrant families and will appeal to all ages, even teens!