If you are familiar with New York City, then you know that the museum scene here is like no other. From world-renowned art museums to some of the most prestigious science museums, there is something for everyone. Also, if you are a student, many of these museums offer student discounts or free entry for you! Take advantage of your student ID and visit some of the best museums that New York City has to offer.
1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art ("The Met")
The Met isn't just known for its steps that were featured in countless Gossip Girl episodes-- it's the largest art museum in the United States, boasting 17 different departments featuring everything from artifacts from ancient Egypt to iconic modern art. One can spend an entire day or two wandering around the Met (and inevitably getting lost because of its size) but there will always be something more to see and reason to return. The "suggested" entry donation is $25 and for students it is $12, but you can pay whatever amount you want!
2. The Cloisters
The Cloisters is technically a branch of the Met, but what makes it notable is its reconstruction of gardens from medieval Europe. It features medieval art and architecture as well, and it's a perfect museum to visit around springtime!
3. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
MoMA is a must-see when in New York City. Even if modern art is not your cup of tea, you will be able to appreciate the wide range of works of hundreds of modern artists who continually challenge the forms that art can take. The entry fee is $25 for the general public and $14 for students, but on Friday nights from 4-8 p.m., admission is free for all visitors.
4. Museum of Modern Art: PS1
A branch of the Museum of Modern Art, MoMA PS1 is one of the largest museums in the U.S. that is dedicated to only contemporary art. MoMA PS1 continually hosts artist and architect programs that connect with the community, making it a popular hub for artists of New York City. "Suggested" donation is $10 for adults and $5 for students, but it is pay-what-you-want.
5. Whitney Museum of American Art
After having moved to a new building in May 2015, the Whitney boasts tens of thousands of works of art with a focus on contemporary American art. Even its building, designed by Renzo Piano, is a work of art in itself. Entry is $16 for the general public and $14 for students, but on Fridays from 7-10pm, entry is pay-what-you-wish!
6. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Speaking of museums in which the buildings are works of art, you can't forget the Guggenheim. Its unique spiral design is a work by Frank Lloyd Wright, and its collection of Impressionist, modern, and contemporary art is ever-expanding. Admission for adults is $25 and admission for students is $18.
7. American Museum of Natural History (AMNH)
The AMNH is one of the largest museums in the world. The famous filming location for Night at the Museum, this museum hosts a planetarium, a library, and millions of specimens of plants, fossils, and animals. Admission for adults is $25, and $22 for students.
8. The New Museum of Contemporary Art
Like MoMA PS1, the New Museum is dedicated to solely contemporary art. The New Museum gives exposure to many talented but underrated artists and also has a sky room on the top floor that provides an amazing panoramic view of the city. Admission is $16 for the general public and $10 for students, but on Thursdays from 7-9pm, admission is pay-what-you-wish.
9. The Frick Collection
The Frick Collection boasts the collection of Henry Clay Frick at his house in the Upper East Side. It houses artworks by iconic European artists from before the 20th century like Francisco Goya, Diego Velazquez, and Anthony van Dyck. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for students, but on Sundays admission is pay-what-you-wish from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
10. Museum of the Moving Image
This museum, located in Queens, hosts a large collection of film and media with various audio and visual components. It's an interesting break from the traditional art museum, and even has film screenings and one of the most prominent collections of video games and gaming gear. Admission is $15 for adults and $11 for students.
11. Socrates Sculpture Park
The Socrates Sculpture Park is an outdoor museum/ park where artists are invited to create installations, some on massive scales. Built on an abandoned landfill in Queens, this park is the largest outdoor space in NYC dedicated to sculpture and installations. Sometimes, if you are lucky, you can observe artists working on the next installations to be featured at the park. There is no admission fee, as the Socrates Sculpture Park is a public park.
