A Guide to Museums in New York City

New York City is known as a cultural melting pot, serving all ages, races, and tastes in one large city. They say that if you are looking for something, then you will find it in New York City, which certainly stands true for Museums. From Children’s Museums to African Art museums, New York City has it all, and there are always things to see in the City That Never Sleeps.

Museum For African Art
593 Broadway
New York City, NY 10012
(212) 966-1313
Hours
Tue. – Fri. 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Sat. – Sun. 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Admission
$5.00 General Admission
$2.50 Senior Citizens and Students

For people who want to gain an appreciation for African art and culture, this is one of the only places in America where it is possible. Deceptively large, the Museum For African Art hardly looks like a museum, as the main entrance is through the Museum store. From there, you gain access to two full floors of galleries containing some of the most visually stunning paintings, sculptures, and artifacts. Since 1984, the Museum for African Art has served the great NYC community, catering to those who have a passion for the African culture.

Bronx Museum Of The Arts
1040 Grand Councourse
Bronx, NY 10456
(718) 681-6000
Hours
Wed. 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Thurs. – Fri. 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat. & Sun. 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Admission
Free to children under 12
Free admission to galleries on Wednesday
$3.00 General Admission
$2.00 Students and Senior Citizens

Founded in 1971, the Bronx Museum of the Arts has collected more than 800 20th century and contemporary art pieces that tell the history of America as well as the UK. The Museum is dedicated to the spread of cultural awareness via visual and performing arts. You should plan to spend several hours if you hope to cover all of the galleries, and photographs are not allowed. On any given day, you will find scores of artist hopefuls taking notes on the paintings, sculptures, drawings, and portraits.

Children’s Museum Of The Arts
182 Lafayette St.
New York City, NY 10012
(212) 941-9198
Hours
Wed. 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Thurs. – Sun. 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Closed Mon. & Tues.
Admission
$5.00 General Admission
Senior Citizens and Children under 12 months Free Admission
Recommended Ages
2-10

There are scores of Children’s Museums in the United States, but this New York institution is one of the greats. With four floors dedicated to children ages 2-10, and several programs geared toward specific ages, every child can find something with which to be fascinated. Most of the programs are equipped to integrate handicapped children so that everyone can be involved. Some of the programs include the Creative Play Area (children under 5) which offers artistic workshops for small children; the Artist’s Studio (children over 5) that allows older children the opportunity to get creative; the Actor’s Studio, which provides costumes and story-starters for aspiring actors; and a room that contains magnetic puzzles of various famous works of art.

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
1071 Fifth Avenue
New York City, NY 10012
(212) 423-3500
Hours
Sun. – Wed. 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fri. – Sat. 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Admission
$12.00 General Admission
$ 7.00 Students and Seniors
Free to Children Under 12

One of the most interestingly designed buildings in the country, the Guggenheim Museum is a very young landmark that is shaped like a dome. Its interior contains spiral walkways that house 19th and 20th century artwork and can be confusing if you don’t have a map. The Museum provides audio guided tours for new visitors as well as personal tours for groups and parties. The Guggenheim is located on a mile-long strip of 5th Avenue called the Museum Mile, which is extremely busy on the weekends. If you want to visit, plan on nearly a full day of perusing and browsing.

Museum of the City of New York
1220 Fifth Ave.
New York, NY 10029
(212) 534-1672
Hours
Wed. – Sat. 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun. 12:00PM – 5:00 PM
Tues. Groups Only
Closed Mon.
Suggested Donation
$ 7.00 General
$ 4.00 Student, Child, or Senior Citizen
$12.00 Families

In true reflection of the city that it represents, the Museum of the City of New York is five floors of New York history, culture, and mementos. A not-for-profit organization, the museum was established in 1923 as a shrine to the city, and has grown steadily since its inception. Recreations of colonial living quarters, exhibits of such beautiful homes as the Rockefeller house, and displays of historical documents are just a few of its treasures.

New York City Fire Museum
278 Spring Street
New York City, NY 10013 (Soho)
(212) 691-1303
Hours
Tues. – Sun. 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Admission
$4.00 Adults
$1.00 Children Under 12
$2.00 Seniors and Students

The New York City Fire Museum is located in an old firehouse on Spring Street, and contains old fire engines, past equipment and suits, and various types of artwork that pay homage to the brave gifts of fire fighters. The museum is staffed by off-duty fire fighters who are available to answer questions about their profession and about the history of fighting fire. They are always very knowledgable, and have a smile to offer every visitor. If you are interested in fire fighting, this is the place to visit.

For more information on museums in New York, visit the American Association of Museums website.