12 new york art museums I love
East Coast summers and I do not always get along, so I’m often looking for activities that involve free air conditioning. One of my favorite ways to escape the humidity is to spend a couple hours at one of my favorite art museums. Luckily, New York has many to offer so I never seem to run out of new exhibits to see. Here are my top 12 favorite art museums that are definitely worth a visit whether you live here or are just in town for the weekend.
The big names
This one is probably self-explanatory. All I’ll say is that this place is overwhelmingly large so I would pick a few galleries to explore when you visit. I usually try to explore a new wing each time, but some of my personal favorites are Drawing and Prints, Greek and Roman Art (for sketching practice), and the Impressionism galleries. If you visit in the warmer months, their rooftop offers amazing views of the park and the surrounding neighborhoods. I also recommend checking out one of their monthly Drop-In Drawing events!
The MoMA consistently hosts amazing special exhibits, one of my absolute favorites being the Cézanne drawing exhibition from a couple of years ago. At the time of this post, they have a wonderful Georgia O’Keeffe exhibition called To See Takes Time, which features many of her watercolors and charcoal drawings. Their permanent galleries are home to some heavy hitters like Van Gogh’s Starry Night and a selection of Monet’s Water Lilies. They seem to swap out the pieces on display fairly regularly so it always feels like there is something new to see. I also have to mention that they have the best gift shop of them all!
For bookworms and drawing enthusiasts
Is there a better combination than art and books? The Morgan is my current top favorite. It’s small, which is part of the reason I love it. You don’t get tired during your visit, and the space itself is beautiful. They consistently have phenomenal drawing exhibits and I am so psyched for their summer lineup this year (this one especially!). They sometimes have live music in their atrium and it’s the loveliest way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
For unbeatable views and location
Whitney Museum of American Art
Skip paying $25 for a bad cocktail at a rooftop bar and just come here instead. While it’s not a skyscraper, the view from the Whitney is one of my favorites in Manhattan, and the art’s not bad either. The special exhibits are hit or miss for me, but I always enjoy a visit to their permanent collection which is home to several paintings by artists I love including Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Chiura Obata. The museum is conveniently located right by Chelsea and the West Village, so you’ll have plenty of lunch or dinner options after your visit!
To venture outside of Manhattan
I don’t come here super often since it’s a little bit far from us, but they have some amazing special exhibits, especially for fashion. You can also find some incredible pieces by Hudson River Valley artists in their permanent collection.
This museum is home to the largest collection of Isamu Noguchi’s works and he actually founded the museum himself. I’ve only been here once but it was a lovely experience. The museum and the adjacent gardens have a very serene feeling with a combination of indoor and outdoor galleries. Side note: there is a Costco close by if you find yourself craving a churro afterwards.
For photography lovers
ICP (International Center for Photography)
This is another one that I’ve only visited once but I was really impressed, and I keep getting emails about wonderful new exhibitions that I keep meaning to visit.
To be transported in time
While the building itself was constructed in the 1930’s and only made to look like it was from the Middle Ages, they did quite a convincing job and you’ll feel like you’re traveling back in time as soon as you arrive. Inside you’ll find gardens and lots of medieval treasures, including the famous Unicorn Tapestries. I highly recommend either a fall or spring visit as well because the surrounding Fort Tryon Park really shines during those seasons. You’ll also be treated to great views across the Hudson!
Normally, this collection of masterworks is held in the historic early 1900’s home of Henry Clay Frick, but it is currently being housed off-site due to renovations. The house itself is beautiful, so it’s definitely worth a visit once the collection is back home in the Upper East Side mansion (supposedly in late 2024, but they’ve been promising a reopening for a couple years now).
Hidden gems
This historic townhouse in Greenwich Village is actually an artists’ club, but their small galleries are open to the public for free! Sid and I were fortunate enough to get a private tour from the curator one afternoon when we accidentally showed up on a day it was closed and he was feeling generous. The space itself is beautiful and worth a visit on its own.
This gem is tucked away on the Upper East Side and it’s a unique spot because it’s dedicated specifically to illustration. In addition to their galleries, they also host lots of events including sketch nights which I’ve really enjoyed in the past.
Polonsky Exhibition of NYPL’s Treasures
I suppose this isn’t technically classified as an art museum, but this exhibit includes a lot of art! A couple years ago, the New York Public Library opened this permanent exhibit to showcase some of the pieces and objects from their archives. It’s just one room, but it is packed with a rotating collection of the most wonderful treasures from historical documents to musical compositions to Mary Poppins’ umbrella. The best part is that admission is free!
There are still so many more that I have yet to explore! I would love to hear your favorites!
Posted on July 22, 2023.
