If there’s a topic you’re into, you’ll probably find a museum devoted to it. Most of the best museums you can ever see can be found in New York City. From archeological exhibitions to the collection of filmographic equipment, there will undoubtedly be something that appeals to you. With so many options to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start. Below is a selective list of the 5 best museums you can visit on your next trip to NYC.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Do you want to discover the most visited museum and attraction in NYC? This is the place for it. At this spot, you are able to experience over 5,000 years of art from around the world. Founded in 1870 and located on Fifth Avenue on the grounds of Central Park, the museum houses renowned paintings, porcelain, and historical artifacts, costumes, and musical instruments. Take a cultural artifact tour; sculpture from antiquities from Egypt, Roman vases, Asia, African objects, as well as collections of European paintings that date from the 12th to the 19th centuries.
Plan to spend a few hours at the minimum, or a full day or more if you are a history buff. We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes since the museum is pretty big.
Where: The Metropolitan Museum of Art;1000 5th Ave, Manhattan, (10 min drive from The Lombardy Hotel)
When: Sunday – Thursday: 10 am – 5:30 pm; Friday – Saturday: 10 am – 9 pm
Tenement Museum
Step back in time at Tenement, where you can appreciate the history of immigrants that arrived in New York back in the 1800s. This is an original tenement building converted to a museum. The visit consists of a tour highlighting the lives of families, and those who lived in this building over several decades.
Don’t miss this stop, as the museum really does bring old New York to life. Note that you can only visit it as a part of a guided tour in the opening hours to the public.
Where: Tenement Museum; 103 Orchard St, Lower Manhattan (20 min drive from The Lombardy Hotel)
When: Friday – Wednesday: 10 am – 6:30 pm; Thursday: 10 am – 8:30 pm
American Museum Of Natural History
Discovering dinosaur fossils and learning about where they came from sounds dynamite right? That’s just a brushstroke of what you can experience at this museum. You can have a blast at the Hayden Planetarium, appreciate the butterflies in the conservancy, or go swimming (virtually!) with dolphins in the 3D IMAX. Kids will also dig the animal section and can imagine themselves through the prehistoric era and Night at the Museum!
The museum itself is really big and features interesting exhibits, you definitely could be there for hours and not realize it. Adult admission is only a suggested donation but special exhibits are charged at full price.
Where: American Museum of Natural History; Central Park West & 79th St, Manhattan (20 min drive from The Lombardy Hotel)
When: Daily: 10 am – 5:45 pm
Museum of the Moving Image
Were the Muppets part of your childhood? Or, are you a movie/film buff? If so, this is the place for you. At the Museum of the Moving Image, you find an extensive collection of artifacts relating to the art, history, and technology of the moving image, as well as a special exhibition devoted to the history of Jim Henson and his crew that created The Muppets. There are a few treats for horror fans and a Star Wars toy collection for the Jedi in you. Plus original scripts and set designs you’ll remember from your favorite movies. You can walk the place in about 2 hours, make sure to bring your camera! The museum’s interactive exhibits are also a big bonus. Tickets for adults cost $15.
Where: Museum of the Moving Image; 36 St & 35th Ave, Astoria (25 min drive from The Lombardy Hotel)
When: Wednesday – Thursday: 10:30 am – 5 pm; Friday: 10:30 am – 8 pm; Saturday – Sunday: 10:30 am – 6 pm Monday – Tuesday: closed
New York Historical Society Museum
Founded in 1804 as New York’s first museum, it houses a vast collection of works of art, artifacts, books, manuscripts, maps, photographs and much more. This place is a relatively small museum that lets you take in the sights thoroughly compared to browsing the larger museums. You can easily visit in a couple of hours, just enough time to transport yourself through the earliest history of New York City.
Find it next door to the Museum of Natural History and across the street from Central Park. Check out the website for the particular special exhibits they offer.
Where: The New-York Historical Society Museum; 170 Central Park West, Manhattan (15 min drive from The Lombardy Hotel)
When: Tuesday – Thursday: 10 am – 6 pm; Friday: 10 am – 8 pm; Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm; Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm
Staying in New York City – About The Lombardy Hotel
Located on 56th St., and just 5 minutes from Central Park, we are right in the heart of Manhattan and near the City’s most visited museums and tourist attractions. Whether you’re visiting for leisure or business, we look forward to providing you a beautiful experience during your stay.
