Your NYC Museum Guide

By Sara Volka

For the art lovers, solo date goers, and those who are traveling to NYC soon. This is the ultimate NYC Museum Guide.

In college, when I lived in NYC, I often found myself gravitating to museums. I would make a trip every other weekend, setting aside a day to explore on my own. I found comfort from this, even relief and contentment. It was a way to care for myself and reconnect with humanity throughout the tribulations of school and life. 

Now we are officially on the verge of wintertime activities and slow, peaceful adventures. The colder months are meant to retreat inwards, reflect on the year, and delve deeper into ourselves to find solace. Sometimes, it can feel a bit bleak, as it's a more desolate time of year (especially in the North East). So, if you are looking for an escape from your home, somewhere that is equally as comforting and incredibly captivating, you might want to add these museums to your list of sight-seeing.

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The MET is my favorite museum of them all. It is the largest museum in all of NYC, having pieces from numerous cultures that span across 5,000 years. There are so many exhibits to explore, each of them offering a vast amount of knowledge and sights to see. Its spaces are atmospheric, and the pieces within them are fascinating and beautiful. One of my favorite sections is the Egyptian Art collection, showcasing grand pieces like temples and reliefs.

Not only this, but there are an extensive number of events and workshops throughout the year. This month, they are having date nights at the MET, which includes both live music and drink specials. Admission is donation based, making the cost entirely yours to decide. Definitely mark the MET on your list of places to visit throughout your stay, and make sure to set aside a lot of time! With so much to explore, you simply have to dedicate a day to it.

2. Whitney Museum of American Art

This museum showcases a diverse collection of American Art across decades. There are 25,000 works of art total, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, films, and so much more! Many well known pieces reside in the Whitney, including works by Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keefe, and Mark Rothko. 

The Whitney is also home to many events and workshops, including museum tours, staff art shows (one of which is showcasing on October 29th), teen nights, and even live music! There is also a terrace, making it a great spot to see skyline views of NYC. There is a lot of sight seeing at The Whitney, and with admission now being free for people 25 years and under, you most definitely have to visit.

3. Museum of Modern Art

If you want to see artwork that is experimental and incredibly intriguing, I highly recommend the MoMA. The pieces within this museum range from the late 19th century to present, showcasing a wide range of modern art. Artworks like Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” and Henri Matisse’s “Dance (I)” live in its walls, making it an attraction for many. It contains almost 200,000 works of art, giving you plenty of sights to see and rooms to explore.

They host events including writing clubs, film showings, workshops for teens, and UNIQLO Friday nights (which is free of cost every Friday for New York residents)! Other than Friday nights, admission tickets can range from $17 to $30, so be sure to plan ahead. In my opinion, it is entirely worth it.

Whether you are visiting or are just looking for something to do in NYC, museums are a great outlet for creativity, mental stimulation, and peaceful observing. Bring friends to watch a film screening at the MoMA, have a date at the MET, and go on a solo date to visit The Whitney's stunning terrace views.