Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) NYC

MoMA Tips for Your NYC Vacation

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is bursting with treasures to discover
By Lindsay Eagan

With its impressive collection of over 200,000 works of art, MoMA is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in modern and contemporary art. From jaw-dropping sculptures to stunning abstract paintings, a visit to the MoMA captivates visitors from all around the world.

New York’s Museum of Modern Art, commonly referred to as the MoMA, houses one of the world’s most impressive collections of modern and contemporary art. With an ever-expanding presence in Midtown -- one of New York’s most accessible neighborhoods -- MoMA is an excellent museum to visit with families, groups, or solo.

Check out our helpful guide for visiting the Museum of Modern Art, packed full of ways to save on admission, tips for visiting, places to eat nearby, and much more.

To ensure that you don't miss out on this incredible experience, be sure to purchase your MoMA tickets in advance. Go City® New York passes make it easy and affordable for you to see all the museum has to offer. So why wait? Get your MoMA tickets today and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of modern art.

Tips for visiting the Museum of Modern Art

MOMA
  • Download the app. It will help tremendously with planning your path through this massive museum.
  • Keep in mind that kids 16 and under get free admission with a paying adult.
  • Check out the Art Labs. These fun workshops and special activities allow kids to explore their creative sides with unique materials after their visit.
  • Don't miss the 6th floor, where many of the special exhibits are.
  • Be sure to look up while going up the staircase; Arthur Bell's 1945 helicopter is displayed overhead.
  • If you have time, pay a visit to MoMA PS1. Located in Long Island City, this sister institution focuses on more recent art and up-and-coming artists.
  • Check out the MoMA store for the best souvenirs, gifts, books, and more.

Best times to visit

MoMA Boccioni

Visiting New York's museums during the week is always an optimal way to cut down on crowds. Keep in mind that Friday evenings between 4:00pm and 8:00pm are the most crowded time to visit the Museum, due to free admission to the public. For the shortest lines, try visiting a little after MoMA opens, around midday, since people will often line up outside the entrance doors before the museum opens.

What you should bring
 

  • Camera: You’ll be seeing some outstanding examples of modern art, so cameras are a must. Keep in mind that certain special exhibits do not allow photography, so watch for the signs and flash photography is prohibited throughout the museum.
     
  • Smartphone: If you have wireless capabilities on your phone you can listen to MoMA’s audio guides directly. Plus, MoMA's app makes it easy to get around. Otherwise, players are available free for visitors, and maps are located around the museum.
     
  • A sketchbook: MoMA allows visitors to sketch in some of the galleries with pencils and small-sized sketchbooks, although you can't sit on the floor to draw.
     
  • Not much else: MoMA has strict security procedures, so bags over purse size will need to be checked, and shopping bags aren't allowed. Guards will search all bags before you enter the museum.

What to do there

While MoMA is home to temporary exhibitions that rotate throughout the year, pieces from the permanent collection are always on display. Bear in mind that certain special exhibitions may require additional timed-entry tickets to cut down on how many visitors are in the exhibit at a time, and some of these come with additional costs. Here is a quick look at some of our favorite exhibits to check out.

Marron Atrium

Marron Atrium

Located on the second floor but visible from all floors due to the museum’s unique design, the Atrium is home to special temporary exhibits that change throughout the year. No matter when visitors see the museum, the Atrium installation is always a crowd favorite due to the scale of works presented.

2nd Floor Contemporary Galleries (1980-present), Prints and Illustrated Books, Media

This floor presents work from the museum’s collection by contemporary artists, but also houses works that focus on new media forms, such as video. Visitors looking for a rest can find seating and a relaxing environment while watching looped video works.

3rd Floor - Architecture and Design, Drawing, Photography

For everything from radios to helicopters, the architecture and design area of the museum pays tribute to some of the twentieth century’s greatest technological advancements. Special exhibitions from the museum’s collection of photography and drawings are also located here.

4th Floor - Painting and Sculpture Galleries II (1940s-1980)

Moma sculptures

This is where part of MoMA’s sculptures and paintings from the 1940s-1980s are shown, including the classic Abstract Expressionist works of Jackson Pollock, the Pop Art of Andy Warhol, and other notable favorites like Mark Rothko and Jasper Johns.

5th Floor - Painting and Sculpture Galleries I (1880s-1940s)

Picasso

People of all ages will enjoy the experience of seeing the famous artists represented in MoMA’s collection. There is always a large crowd around van Gogh’s The Starry Night – perhaps his most iconic work – and visitors can take in a room dedicated exclusively to Monet’s Water Lilies series. Picasso, Matisse, and Kahlo are all also well-represented in this area.

Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden

This peaceful oasis in midtown Manhattan is a wonderful way to take in some greenery and examples of modern sculptures from renowned artists. During the summer, an outdoor café allows visitors to sit amongst the art. The museum opens the garden every morning for free, so travelers staying in the area can greet the day with a stop here.

Cullman Education and Research Building

Located right next door to MoMA is the education building, which allows for free entry with your ticket. Children can explore interactive art-making activities, and people of all ages can take in rotating exhibitions featuring artwork created by schools and community programs from around New York City.

Nearby attractions

Radio 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.

Take the Rockefeller Center Tour around the corner to see NBC’s studios, including the home of Saturday Night Live.

Families with children – particularly those visiting during the holiday season – can choose to tour the world-famous Radio City Music Hall for a unique behind-the-scenes look into the incredible Rockettes. 

Central Park is right around the corner from MoMA, so take in some of Nature’s fine art by exploring the park with a bike rental.

Places to eat nearby

MoMA has several options for eating in the museum itself, including a café on the second floor that offers casual fare for diners of all ages. There is also a smaller café on the fifth floor that has a beautiful view of the Midtown skyline and serves coffee and alcoholic beverages. 

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. Visitors may need reservations for the most popular times.

Need to know details

Hours

  • Saturday-Thursday, 10:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday, 10:30 am-8:00 pm
  • For seasonal extended hours visit MoMa.org
  • Closings: Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day

Directions & Address 11 West 53rd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, New York, NY 10019 

Driving: Click here for detailed directions by car. 

Public Transportation: By Subway: E or M trains to 53rd Street station at Fifth Avenue; D or F trains to 47-50th Street/Rockefeller Center station 

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

Sightsee and save with Go City® New York

Remember, MoMA tickets are included on all Go City® New York passes, which allow you to save up to 50% on admission. Discover our full line-up of New York attractions including The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock Observatory, the Statue of Liberty, and more.  

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Lindsay Eagan
Go City Travel Expert

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Discover Culture In The Upper East Side

Your guide to everything worth doing in the Upper East Side.

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