The Museum of Modern Art

Smart planning can make a trip to The Museum of Modern Art smooth and memorable. Getting tickets ahead of time prevents long waits, especially during busy weekends. School groups and tourists fill the hallways on weekday mornings, but a quieter mood settles in during late afternoons. Subways and buses run right to the area, dropping visitors just steps from the main entrance. Crowds can feel thick around special exhibits, but patience rewards those eager to explore every floor. Most guests spend about three hours admiring the collection.

• Best time to visit: Weekday late afternoons, especially in fall or early spring, bring fewer crowds and plenty of natural light in the galleries.
• How to get there: Subway lines E or M to 5th Avenue/53rd Street; buses along 5th and 6th Avenues stop nearby. Parking is limited—public transportation is recommended.
• Accessibility: Elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms support guests with strollers, wheelchairs, or limited mobility. Family rest areas and audio guides are available.
• Average visit duration: Expect to spend 2–4 hours; stay longer to cover every gallery or stop at the café.

Every floor of The Museum of Modern Art bursts with iconic pieces, bold new art, and stories that shape visitors’ understanding of the world. Some areas draw crowds day after day, while others offer calm and reflection away from the busiest paths. Bright spaces frame legendary paintings, while sculpture-filled gardens provide fresh air and a break from gallery lights. Whether seeking Van Gogh’s brushwork, immersive installations, or glimpses into lesser-known artists, visitors always find something to spark imagination.

• Famous masterpieces: See Vincent Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, and Salvador Dalí’s The Persistence of Memory.
• Gallery highlights: Wander through Photography and Architecture halls on upper floors, often less crowded but full of surprising gems.
• MoMA Garden: The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden offers rare city calm, seasonal blooms, and a unique photo backdrop.
• Special exhibits: Rotating installations highlight voices from across the globe; check the current schedule for artist talks or multimedia shows.
• Hands-on experiences: The Paula and James Crown Creativity Lab welcomes families with interactive art-making activities on select days.
• Cultural moments: Temporary pop-up performances or film screenings bring new life to classic spaces; some become favorite local secrets.