MoMA Quick Guide: Read Before Going to the Museum of Modern Art in NYC
The Museum of Modern Art, also known as the MoMA, in New York City, is one of the most worthwhile museums to visit while in the city. With 5+ floors and hundreds of thousands of pieces, including works by Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, and Paul Cézanne, there is something for everyone at this world-class museum.
Before you go, read this article covering some of the most famous art, tour options, ticket prices, and must-know tips for your museum visit.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- What is the Museum of Modern Art?
- Where is the MoMA?
- What famous art is at the MoMA?
- How much are MoMA tickets?
- Does the MoMA offer tours?
- What to know before visiting the MoMA in NYC
Let’s look at each one below. 👇
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Note: This article was written by a real human who lives in NYC, not artificial intelligence. 🥸
MoMA Guide Podcast Episode
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What is the Museum of Modern Art?
The MoMA is a modern art museum featuring thousands of works spanning from 1880 to the present day. Their mission statement says, “The Museum of Modern Art connects people from around the world to the art of our time. We aspire to be a catalyst for experimentation, learning, and creativity, a gathering place for all, and a home for artists and their ideas.”
- Originally opened in 1929 and expanded multiple times before opening at their current location in Midtown in 1939
- The museum’s collection originally consisted of eight prints and one drawing, and now boasts over 200,000 works
- The Museum’s Library and Archives contain the leading concentration of research material on modern art in the world
- Over 2.5 million visitors per year, putting it at the 6th-most visited museum in America and 20th in the world
Where is the Museum of Modern Art?
The MoMA is located on 53rd Street in Midtown Manhattan, very accessible from the NQRW, ACE, and BDFM trains. It is within walking distance from Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, Times Square, and The Plaza Hotel.
It’s open from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm every day, and until 8:30 pm on Fridays.
What Famous Art is at the MoMA?
The MoMA houses thousands of world-famous pieces of art. With over five floors, there is truly a lot to see!
Here are some of the more popular artists and famous pieces:
- Jackson Pollock – multiple large pieces (mostly on the 4th floor)
- Robert Rauschenberg – Carnegie Hall dumpster eagle in “Canyon” (4th floor)
- Campbell’s Soup Cans by Andy Warhol – 32 cans (4th floor)
- Ester Hernandez – Sun Mad (4th floor)
- James Rosenquist – F-111, 86 foot long (4th floor)
- Claude Monet’s Water Lilies (5th floor)
- Van Gogh’s Starry Night (5th floor)
- Multiple Georgia O’Keeffe pieces, mostly on the 5th floor
- Multiple Henri Matisse pieces, mostly on the 5th floor
- Multiple Pablo Picasso pieces, mostly on the 5th floor
- Multiple Henri Rousseau pieces
- Multiple Georges-Pierre Seurat pieces
- MultiplePaul Cézanne pieces
Generally speaking, the bulk of the more famous pieces are located on the 5th floor, with many well-known collections also on the 4th floor. Our advice is to start on the 5th floor and work your way down.
They also offer itineraries on their website to help you plan ahead, as well as an audio guide and maps at the museum.
For kids, they offer an Activity Guide that includes activities such as searching, drawing, posing, and imagining.
You’ll Have to Check It Out – Culinary Backstreets
From their website, “Culinary Backstreets covers the world’s best eating destinations, with city guides, food tours, multi-day trips and daily dispatches.”
We’ve done two of their small-group food tours and had top-notch experiences.
We first participated in the “Asia in Queens” tour here in NYC and recently took part in their “Made in Catalonia” tour in Barcelona.
- Smaller groups, so you can ask questions
- Focused on the culture, history, and people of the areas, not just the cuisine
- You get to try around 10 dishes on average
Learn more about Culinary Backstreet’s tours and trip options here.
How Much Are MoMA Tickets?
Ticket prices vary depending on age and are as follows:
- Adults – $30
- Seniors – $22
- Students – $17
- Children 16 and Under – Free
- Every Friday, free for New York residents, but you must reserve a ticket in advance
Does the MoMA Offer Tours?
Yes, the MoMA offers tours, including options before or after hours.
For most tour options, a group of at least 10 people is required, with a cost of $55 per person.
If you do not have a group of at least 10, the only option is through tour operators like Get Your Guide. But spots are extremely limited and only available on Fridays and Saturdays.
What to Know Before Visiting the Museum of Modern Art in NYC
You can visit the MoMA without prior knowledge and have a great experience, but we have some tips to help you maximize your time. Here are some things ot know before visiting the MoMA:
- Either come at the very beginning of the day or near the end for fewer crowds
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Eat before going – See our choices for the best restaurants near the MoMA
- If you’re coming to NYC with kids, be sure to get their Activity Guide
- Most visitors will stay for 1-2 hours
- Ideally, save a museum day for poor weather, although many others will also have that idea
- The main store is in the basement of the museum, and the MoMA design store is across the street, with additional options
- There are multiple cafes; hours vary
- Outdoor area on the main floor is open year-round – upper terrace is seasonal and often only accessible if you eat at the cafe
MoMA Visitor Guide Recap & Next Steps
During your trip to New York City, making time to see the MoMA is a decision you won’t regret. With world-class art and thousands of works to browse, you’ll have an amazing experience!
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Devin Stagg
As long-time lovers of New York City we made the plunge to move across the country to NYC in early 2021... with our 3 dogs at the time (RIP Buddy). We consider ourself experts in exploring new restaurants, finding the best-rated bars, and activities actually worth doing. Plus, my Google Maps organizational skills are 2nd to none. 😜
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