nyc museum guide: the best art museums

Everyone knows New York City is home to so many amazing museums. I love spending time in them on the weekends, and I'm always keeping my eyes peeled for new exhibits or exploring museums I have not visited yet. So I wanted to recap my favorites, and let you know which ones are underrated, overrated, plus some tips to make the most of your visit.


The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Upper East Side):
This is probably the most iconic art museum in NYC, but to be honest, it's not my favorite. The modern art section (my favorite type of art) is very limited, and the museum is always packed, regardless of time of day, week, or year. One benefit of The Met though is that it is donation based. They have suggested ticket prices, but it is always pay what you wish. So since you can literally pay $1 to enter, The Met is great if you want to have a museum day without breaking the bank. Another tip, The Met Bruer, a second and much smaller location, is just a short walk away, and your same admission is good at both locations, just save your ticket!


The Whitney (Meatpacking):
This is my absolute favorite museum in the city. It is completely modern art based, and the museum itself has an amazing view of the NYC skyline. It's a little more pricey ($18 for a student ticket, $25 for a regular adult ticket), but every Friday from 7-10pm, you can pay what you wish. A tip though, arrive early, I'd say around 6-630, because there are always tons of people in line.


The Museum of Modern Art (Midtown East):
My second favorite museum, which is also filled entirely of modern art. They offer free admission every Friday from 4-8pm, which is amazing. It's actually more beneficial to show up a little later in the evening, about 5-6, to avoid long lines. 

Chelsea Art Galleries (Chelsea):
The Chelsea neighborhood is filled with tons of modern art galleries, and they are all free! 

New York Transit Museum (Downtown Brooklyn): 
Not an art museum, but if you’re reading this, you most likely are into vintage and would appreciate this museum. The New York Transit Museum is all about the history of the subway, and they have actual subway cards, ranging from the 1910’s to present day. You can actually go inside these cars and take photos. 

T-shirt and Skirt: c/o May 68
*please note- I hemmed the skirt about 6 inches 
https://www.may-68.com/
Turtleneck: Style We; Tights: Hue; Shoes: Franco Sarto 
Location: The Guggenheim Museum (Upper East Side)