Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
Admission tickets from MYR 132.55
Top Speciality Museums in New York City, NY
Speciality Museums in New York City
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95 places sorted by traveller favourites
Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Speciality Museums
Midtown West
Admission tickets from MYR 132.55
Speciality Museums
Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
Speciality Museums • Libraries
Murray Hill
Speciality Museums
Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
Speciality Museums • Art Museums
Upper West Side
Military Museums • Speciality Museums
Midtown
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Speciality Museums
Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
Speciality Museums
Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
Admission tickets from MYR 215.18
Speciality Museums
Hudson Yards
Admission tickets from MYR 178.02
Speciality Museums
Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
Speciality Museums
Midtown
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Speciality Museums • Bridges
Hudson Square
Speciality Museums • Art Museums
NoMad
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Speciality Museums • Educational sites
West Village
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Speciality Museums
Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
Speciality Museums • Art Museums
Nolita
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Speciality Museums • Art Museums
Midtown
Speciality Museums
Midtown
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Speciality Museums
Washington Heights
Speciality Museums
Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
Speciality Museums
Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
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Showing results 1-30 of 95
What travellers are saying
- AmyKMinnesotaBlaine, MN50 contributionsI've been waiting to visit the museum since it opened. It didn't disappoint. Our tour guide Lee was amazing (even being a young 23 year old that wouldn't remember 9/11). We visited on a Monday, being as it was summer it was VERY busy, I believe I heard all the tours for the day were full. Make sure to book ahead.Written 5 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- yasemin2kFlorida117 contributionsWow, what an amazing building. Most actual library parts we’re not t accessible to the public because of the studies were going on inside, but still can see them from openings. Main lobby ceiling was amazing. Take your time to walk around and take great pictures.Written 4 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Paco PoolNorthampton, UK6 contributionsi have visited this museum with go city pass and was absolutely great. a queue was long but it took not too long to get insideWritten 2 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Brendan SArlington, VA1,306 contributionsI expected the Ellis Island visit to be mostly touring historical buildings. In fact, most of the buildings on the island are a dilapidated hospital complex that can only be toured on a special tour, and the main immigrant intake building that is mostly a shell, but houses a large immigration building. The first floor is the story of immigration to America. The second includes exhibits on the full immigration process at Ellis Island, and the third is about the history of Ellis Island and exhibits with immigration-related memorabilia (passports, ethnic clothing and trinkets, etc.). There are also thousands of photos and excerpts from diaries and interviews.
Because there’s little left of the building, which was abandoned and restored, there’s not much to see and tour as at a typical historic site. But a thorough visit of the museum could take all day, especially if you used the available audio guide or tried to read, see and listen to everything. It’s interesting and inspirational, since so many Americans can trace their families’ histories back to Ellis Island. But for that same reason, this immersive site can really suck you in for a lot longer than expected or planned.Written 4 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - BlueBottleGirlParis, TN63 contributionsI went to see the Holbein Exhibit and ended up spending the entire day. The art and architecture drew me back for a second and sometimes third look. In every room, always look up. The artisans were kept busy detailing the interiors, the trim and moulding. The grand finale was obviously Mr Morgan’s actual library that is jaw dropping. I don’t recommend eating at the Bistro. The food was very expensive for what you got and bland in flavor. There are plenty of nice restaurants in the area. The gift shop is full of fun items and books and is located in Mr Morgan’s actual house.Written 4 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- jmlittrellGermantown, TN8 contributionsThe museum is awesome and an absolute must do experience when visiting NYC. Every tour is a completely different experience so you haven’t “done” the museum until you have done them all. How much you learn depends on which tour guide you get. Did one today and the guide spent 15 minutes talking about himself and having the participants introduce themselves before the tour ever began. Paid to experience the history of the people and the neighborhood, not the guests who are visiting today and the guide giving the tour. Have been many times before and this was disappointing.Written 27 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Footprints440607 contributionsWe had the opportunity to talk directly to the Workshops' founder, Gary Suson. At the time, we were in New York City for a 5 day trip and we had seen already a lot of the major sites. We had planned a special day for 9/11. We didn’t know was that his Workshop was closed Sunday-Tuesday, and we expected we would have to miss it. Instead, he returned our call and invited us to come over and set up a personalized tour with one other family. We jumped at the chance.
I did voice my concerns about the content for our kids, who are 4, 6 and 10 yrs old. Gary reassured us that no jarring audio or graphic images would be presented that might upset them. His content primarily chronicled the experiences, artifacts and memories of the rescue teams who searched for months (through all kind of conditions) for survivors or their remains. It was so unique as Gary told his story of being there, taking photographs and working alongside so many brave people.
The kids were very attentive in good part because there are so many ways to learn – an audiovisual introduction, an interpersonal conversation and a kinesthetic opportunity. That’s right – Mr. Suson allows you to touch or hold several artifacts, including rare window glass or metal from the building’s support beams. Frankly, you won’t have that opportunity at the 9/11 exhibit! He graciously answered questions and gave us plenty of time to have a meaningful and personal experience amongst his collection. And he’s a darn good photographer, too.Written 20 January 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Greg HarrisYonkers, NY1,261 contributionsThe New York Historical Society is a first class American Library & Museum that contains more than 1.6 million works of art and holds more than 3 million written works such as books, pamphlets, manuscripts, newspapers and other written documents.
It is recognized as New York’s first museum and primarily features exhibitions that showcase New York and the United States from the 18th Century to the current times.
In July Of 2022, I brought and treated myself and my wife for a visit to the New York Historical Society and we very much enjoyed our time at this top notch institution!!!
Our favorite exhibitions were the “Meet The Presidents & The Oval Office” which features great portraits of US Presidents & stunning and highly detailed recreation of the White House & Oval Office, & “The Gallery Of Tiffany Lamp” which showcases the most extensive collection of gorgeously designed of Tiffany lamps!!!
If you are passionate about art & history, then you should definitely visit and explore the New York Historical Society!!!Written 4 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - StephenCrossDublin, Ireland17,128 contributionsMuseum on 55th and 8th. More of an activity than a museum. Entrance is on 8th Avenue. Worth a visit. Also good for kids to visit.Written 14 November 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Anna1963Florida118 contributionsWe did the audio tour and I highly recommend it to help you make the most out of your visit. A great place so all generations never, ever forget.Written 22 April 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- newbietravelerLos Angeles, CA57 contributionsOur family of four (mom, dad, and two teenage boys) went on the docent led tour. The docent was wonderful, knowledgeable, and did a great job of getting our cell phone obsessed boys interested. It's a small museum so an hour is plenty of well spent time here. A visit to this site dovetails well with a visit to Ellis Island and the Tenement Museum. It gives a wonderful additional look at Jewish immigrant life at the time.Written 13 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Heather G2 contributionsSome things we enjoyed, was that we tried the different ice creams. My husband loved the vegan vanilla, going into all the different fun rooms, making up words on the wall. Playing in the sprinkle pool!Written 27 September 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Paula AndreaBogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia9 contributionsIt is good to book in advance the Avengers experience is not interesting for adults maybe for childrenWritten 9 January 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- jeffrey kNeedham, MA526 contributionsHave been here many times. The core collection is always of interest. The special exhibits are worth a visit. Key, right now, is devoted to the Efrussi family, based on the book "The Hare with the Amber Eyes" by de Waal. This is a marvelous tale of chance, tragedy, and recent history. Read the book, come to see the exhibits, including the netsuke.Written 11 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- hrobinson1114Nashville, TN2,521 contributionsI did enjoy this museum. They have many wonderful artifacts to show you what Native American life was like. Many clothing items over 100 years old. A few poignant stories, like the story of Ishi, a Yaha Indian, possibly the last of his tribe, who chose to live in a human zoo rather than return to civilization or the wilderness. Beautiful artwork.
I give it four stars because first of all, should we have these artifacts? I appreciate them, but were these acquired appropriately and are the respective tribes ok with them being in the Smithsonian? I would appreciate transparency on this. Also, while it touches on it at some parts of colonialism, overall it glosses over the crimes committed against Native Americans. And tells nothing (that I could find) about boarding schools, reservations, and how they still fight oppression today.
There are also some artifacts and exhibits on Central American/South American Indians like the Mayans. Some beautiful carved wooden figures. Since this branch is in New York, there is a section on native Americans in New York.
There is also an exhibit on Native American Art, which I enjoyed. It had a lot of contemporary and pop art pieces that really changed my perception of Native Americans. I always picture them as so solemn and proud. Some of these pieces were colorful and silly, and I loved that.
Architecture is gorgeous. Admission is free, so through its really only one floor, it’s worth a stop if you’re in the area.Written 16 December 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about New York City
- These places are best for speciality museums in New York City:
- The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- New York Public Library
- Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
- Ellis Island Immigration Museum
- The Morgan Library & Museum
- These are the best places for kid-friendly speciality museums in New York City:
- Museum at Eldridge Street
- Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
- New-York Historical Society Museum & Library
- SPYSCAPE
- New York City Fire Museum
- These are the best places for couples seeking speciality museums in New York City:
- The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- New York Public Library
- Ground Zero Museum Workshop
- Museum of Sex
- The Morgan Library & Museum
- These are the best places for groups seeking speciality museums in New York City:
- The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- New York Public Library
- Ground Zero Museum Workshop
- Museum at Eldridge Street
- Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
- These are the best places for budget-friendly speciality museums in New York City:
- The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- New York Public Library
- Ground Zero Museum Workshop
- Museum at Eldridge Street
- The Morgan Library & Museum
- These are the best hidden gems for speciality museums in New York City:
- Ground Zero Museum Workshop
- Museum at Eldridge Street
- The Morgan Library & Museum
- Tenement Museum
- The Museum at FIT