Museum Hopping in NYC
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Obviously, living in New York City has its perks! While I don’t have time to go through every single one today, I want to cover one of my absolute favorites! I have a serious love for museums. Just ask anyone I’ve ever traveled with. I will take any excuse to visit the local museum. I believe it’s a quick and super effective way to learn about the culture of a city. David and I even had our wedding reception at the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Pete. There are so many museums to cover in NYC. Here are some of my favorites just in case you want to do some museum hopping.
Museum of the City of New York (103rd Street and 5th Avenue)
If you want to learn about the history of the city in one swoop, this is where you should start. It starts with the very beginning of New York, spanning over 400 years. They also have exhibits that show the nuances of New York culture. Right now, that includes a traveling exhibit on 1960s Mad Men and celebrating the 50th anniversary of Stonewall.
Cooper Hewitt Museum (90th Street and 5th Avenue)
Even though it’s Washington DC that is known for their Smithsonian museums, you’ll still find one in NYC. This particular museum is dedicated to architecture and design. Their exhibits cover influences from all over the world. I can’t until the spring when a Lilly Pulitzer exhibit arrives.
Guggenheim Museum (88th Street and 5th Avenue)
The building alone is worth a visit. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and opening in 1959, it’s one of the most iconic buildings in the city. Inside, you’ll see an awe-inspiring design filled with modern art from all over the world.
Neue Galerie (86th Street and 5th Avenue)
Since this slice of the Upper East Side was once considered the German neighborhood, it’s only fitting for there to be a German art museum. The crown jewel of their collection is the Woman in Gold, by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt.
Metropolitan Museum of Art (82nd Street and 5th Avenue)
This museum is my all-time favorite, happy place, and first one I visited when I was still interviewing for jobs. Covering 2.2 million square feet and over 2 million pieces in their collection, it will take several visits to take in everything. Most notably, it’s also the venue for the annual MET Gala.
Museum of Natural History (81st Street and Central Park West)
If you’re traveling with kids to NYC, this should be at the top of your list. It inspired the fun movie series Night at the Museum and always ignites my imaginations when I visit. I suggest starting at the top floor and working your way down. That’s where you’ll find dinosaurs fossils and even a wholly mammoth.
Museum of Modern Art (West 53rd Street and 6th Avenue)
I had the pleasure of visiting the MOMA last weekend. Previously, it have been closed for renovations and finally reopened last month. Again, start at the top floor and work your way down. You’ll find some of your favorite pieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Monet. Finally seeing Van Gogh’s Starry Night in person was such an amazing moment for the art lover in me.
National September 11th Memorial and Museum (Greenwich Street and Fulton)
When one of my friends came to visit a few months ago, this was her number one request. Visiting this hallowed ground is extremely emotional experience, but is crucial to understanding the city. When talking with New Yorkers who here lived on that infamous day, you quickly learn that it’s something that almost always lingers in the city. Again, this is a must visit!
I feel like I’m barely scratching the surface here. Museums are just as much a part of New York as the food or sports culture. It’s a quintessential NYC experience that you can’t miss out on. Which one is your favorite?
Love from NYC,
Katie
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