Are you a fan of contemporary art? These are the best contemporary art museums in New York:
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1The Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York, NYThe Metropolitan Museum of Art, colloquially known as The Met, is the largest art museum in the United States. It is situated on the eastern side of Central Park in Manhattan, New York. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city. 2Moma
New York, NYThe Museum of Modern Art, commonly known as MoMA, is situated in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, New York. It is conveniently located at the intersection of 11 West and 53rd streets, nestled between Fifth and Sixth Avenue. This central location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city. 3Guggenheim Museum
New York, NYThe Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, located in New York City, is maintained by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. The museum is named after Solomon Robert Guggenheim, the founder of the foundation and the museum itself. It is a part of the Guggenheim Foundation's global network of museums, which includes the Guggenheim Bilbao, the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum in Las Vegas, the Deutsche Guggenheim in Berlin, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice. 4Whitney Museum of American Art
New York, NYThe Whitney Museum of American Art, located at 99 Gansevoort Street in New York, is a renowned institution specializing in 20th-century American art. The museum's collection includes over 18,000 works, making it a significant destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike. The museum is known for its focus on showcasing the work of living artists and preserving a vast permanent collection of works from the first half of the century. 5Museum of Sex
New York, NYThe Museum of Sex, colloquially known as MoSex, is situated at 233 Fifth Avenue, at the intersection of East 27th Street in Manhattan, New York City. This location is easily accessible and central, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city. 6New Museum of Contemporary Art
New York, NYThe New Museum of Contemporary Art, located in New York City, is a renowned institution dedicated to contemporary art. It was established in 1977 by Marcia Tucker, who previously held the position of curator for paintings and sculpture at the Whitney Museum. The museum is recognized globally for its commitment to showcasing contemporary art. 7Brooklyn Museum
New York, NYThe Brooklyn Museum, situated at 200 Eastern Parkway in the borough of Brooklyn, is a significant art museum in New York City. It holds the position of being the second most important art museum in the city, following the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This museum is a part of the Cultural Institutions Group (CIG) and is a notable destination for art enthusiasts visiting the city. 8Museum of Comic & Cartoon Art
New York, NYThe Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art, also known as MoCCA, was a non-profit arts organization based in New York City. It was dedicated to the celebration and preservation of comic books, comic strips, and other forms of cartoon art. Although the physical location of the museum has closed, its legacy continues through various events and programs. 9The Museum At Fit
New York, NYThe Museum at FIT, originally founded as the Design Laboratory in 1969, boasts collections of clothing, textiles, and accessories. The museum's permanent collection has grown over the years and now includes more than 50,000 garments and accessories, dating from the 18th century to the present day. This extensive collection provides a comprehensive overview of fashion history and trends. 10Museum of Arts and Design
New York, NYThe Museum of Arts and Design (MAD), located in Manhattan, New York City, is a unique institution that collects, displays, and interprets objects that document contemporary and historic innovation in craft, art, and design. This museum is dedicated to celebrating the creative process through which materials are crafted into works that enhance contemporary life. It provides a platform for the recognition of the craftsmanship of contemporary American artists. 11Cooper–hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
New York, NYThe Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, located in New York, is a unique institution in the United States. It is the only museum in the country that is solely dedicated to the history of design and contemporary design. This makes it a unique destination for those interested in understanding the evolution and impact of design in various aspects of life and society. 12Mmuseumm
New York, NYMmuseumm is a unique museum located in Lower Manhattan, specifically in the Tribeca neighborhood. It is situated south of Little Italy and near Canal Street in New York City. The museum is housed in a freight elevator, making it a distinctive and interesting place to visit. Its location in one of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods makes it easily accessible and adds to its appeal. 13MoMA PS1
New York, NYMoMA PS1, previously known as P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center, holds a significant place in the United States' art scene as one of the largest and oldest museums dedicated solely to contemporary art. This museum, located in New York's Queens borough, offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of contemporary art in a historic setting. 14International Center of Photography
New York, NYThe International Center of Photography (ICP) is a multifaceted institution located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It serves as a photography school, a museum, and a research center. This unique combination makes it a valuable destination for those interested in the art and science of photography. Whether you're a professional photographer, an enthusiast, or simply a lover of art, the ICP offers a wealth of resources and experiences. 15Museum of Ice Cream New York
New York, NYThe Museum of Ice Cream (MOIC) is not your typical museum. It is an art installation and experiential museum that operates in several cities across the United States, as well as in Singapore and China. The museum aims to transform the conventional museum and retail experience by incorporating vibrant colors, interactive exhibitions, and an ice cream theme to foster a sense of connection among visitors and evoke their inner child. 16The Studio Museum In Harlem
New York, NYThe Studio Museum in Harlem, an American fine arts museum, is located in Harlem and was established in 1968. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the heart of Harlem, showcasing a vast collection of Afro-American art from the 19th and 20th centuries. It also features works from the Caribbean and Africa. 17American Folk Art Museum
New York, NYThe American Folk Art Museum, located in New York City, is recognized as the most significant institution for Naive Art in the United States. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and appreciate this particular art form, which is characterized by its simplicity and lack of formal artistic training. 18Asia Society
New York, NYThe Asia Society's headquarters in New York houses the Rockefeller Collection of Asian Art. This collection includes some of the most important artistic masterpieces from various Asian countries such as China, Japan, India, Korea, Tibet, Nepal, Cambodia, and Indonesia. These works of art provide a glimpse into the rich and diverse cultures of these countries. 19Storefront For Art and Architecture
New York, NYThe Storefront for Art and Architecture is a non-profit organization that was established in 1982. Its main aim is to promote innovative artistic positions. This makes it a unique destination for tourists who are interested in exploring new and creative artistic perspectives. 20The Noguchi Museum
New York, NYThe Noguchi Museum, officially chartered as The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum, is a unique blend of museum and sculpture garden. It is situated in the Long Island City section of Queens, New York City. The museum was designed and created by the Japanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi, making it a testament to his artistic vision and creativity. 21El Museo Del Barrio
New York, NYEl Museo del Barrio is a museum located in East Harlem, Manhattan, New York City. It is dedicated to showcasing art from Latin America and the Caribbean. The museum was founded in 1969 as a response to the lack of cultural diversity in New York City's educational offerings. It is situated on Fifth Avenue and 104th Street at the northern end of the Museum Mile. 22Children's Museum of the Arts
New York, NYThe Children's Museum of the Arts (CMA) is situated in the South Village district of Manhattan, New York, United States, at 103 Charlton Street. This location is easily accessible and offers a variety of nearby attractions for tourists to explore before or after their visit to the museum. 23Salmagundi Club
New York, NYThe Salmagundi Club, sometimes referred to as the Salmagundi Art Club, is a renowned fine arts center. It was established in 1871 in the Greenwich Village section of Manhattan, New York City. Since 1917, the club has been situated at 47 Fifth Avenue, making it a significant part of the city's cultural landscape for over a century. 24Scandinavia House
New York, NYScandinavia House, also known as The Nordic Center in America, is a cultural center located at 58 Park Avenue, in the Murray Hill neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. It is managed by the American-Scandinavian Foundation and is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and culture of the Scandinavian and Nordic countries in the United States. 25Sperone Westwater
New York, NYIn 2010, Sperone Westwater moved to a new location on the Lower East Side, marking its presence as one of the first major art dealers to establish in the Bowery area. This move signifies the gallery's continuous evolution and its commitment to showcasing contemporary art in a dynamic setting. 26Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art
New York, NYThe Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art (LLMA) is a unique institution located in the vibrant neighborhood of SoHo in Lower Manhattan, New York City. The museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and exhibition of visual arts created by LGBTQ artists or art that explores LGBTQ+ themes, issues, and people. This focus makes it a distinctive destination for art enthusiasts and those interested in LGBTQ+ history and culture. 27National Academy of Design
New York, NYThe National Academy Museum and School, also known as the National Academy of Design, is a prestigious association of American artists. It was established in 1825 by notable figures such as Samuel F. B. Morse, Asher Brown Durand, Thomas Cole, Martin E. Thompson, and others. The primary aim of the academy is to promote fine arts in the United States through instruction and exhibition. This makes it a significant destination for tourists interested in the history and development of American fine arts. 28Bronx Museum of the Arts
New York, NYThe Bronx Museum of the Arts, often referred to as BxMA, is a significant cultural institution situated in the Concourse neighborhood of the Bronx, New York City. This museum is a hub for contemporary and 20th-century artworks primarily created by American artists, although it has also hosted exhibitions from Latin America, Africa, and Asia. 29The Drawing Center
New York, NYThe Drawing Center, located in Manhattan, New York City, is a museum and nonprofit exhibition space that specializes in the exhibition of drawings. These include both historical and contemporary pieces, providing a comprehensive view of the art form. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of drawings, showcasing the diversity and evolution of this medium over time. 30Agora Gallery
New York, NYFocused on topics like feminism and human rights. Both local and international artists exhibit here and the displays change regularly. 31Renee and Chaim Gross Foundation
New York, NYThe Renee and Chaim Gross Foundation is a non-profit organization that was established in 1989. It is dedicated to the study of the works of modern American sculptor Chaim Gross, his contemporaries, and the history of 20th-century American art. The foundation is a significant resource for those interested in understanding the evolution of American art in the 20th century. 32Grey Art Museum
New York, NYThe Grey Art Museum, which was known as the Grey Art Gallery until 2023, is the fine art museum of New York University. As a university art museum, it has a mission to collect, preserve, study, document, interpret, and exhibit evidence of human culture. The museum distinguishes itself by emphasizing the historical, cultural, and social contexts of art, with experimentation and interpretation as integral parts of its programmatic planning. 33Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center
New York, NYThe Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural and Educational Center, also known as The Clemente, is a cultural center that celebrates Puerto Rican and Latinx culture. It is named after the renowned Puerto Rican writer and activist, Clemente Soto Vélez. The center is a hub for cultural activities and serves as a platform for promoting Puerto Rican and Latinx arts and culture. 34The Brant Foundation
New York, NYThe Brant Foundation Art Study Center is a unique destination for art enthusiasts. It is a private art collection and gallery that has exhibition spaces in New York City and nearby Greenwich, Connecticut. This allows visitors to explore a wide range of modern and contemporary art in two different locations, offering a diverse and enriching experience. 35Newhouse Center For Contemporary Art
New York, NYSailors Snug Harbor, also informally known as Snug Harbor, is a collection of architecturally significant buildings from the 19th century. These buildings are located on Staten Island, which is part of New York City. The site is a testament to the architectural styles of the past and offers a unique glimpse into the city's history.- 36
Mary Boone Gallery
New York, NYMary Boone is a renowned American art dealer and collector, who has played a significant role in the art world. She is known for her support and promotion of numerous contemporary artists, including David Salle, Eric Fischl, Ai Wei Wei, Barbara Kruger, Laurie Simmons, Peter Halley, Ross Bleckner, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Her gallery, the Mary Boone Gallery, has been instrumental in shaping contemporary art since the 1980s. - 37
Terrain Gallery
New York, NYThe Terrain Gallery, also known as the Terrain, is an art gallery and educational center located in the heart of SoHo, Manhattan, New York City. Founded in 1955, the gallery has a rich history and is known for its philosophic basis, the ideas of Aesthetic Realism and the Siegel Theory of Opposites. The gallery has been a platform for many renowned artists and has been a significant part of the New York art scene. - 38
Print Center New York
New York, NYPrint Center New York, previously known as International Print Center New York or IPCNY, is a non-profit exhibition space. It is dedicated to the exploration of print as a dynamic and accessible medium within broader artistic and cultural discourses. This center is a part of New York City's ecosystem of medium-specific organizations that facilitate a deeper exploration of specific art forms. - 39
Poster House
New York, NYPoster House is a unique institution in the United States, being the first museum solely dedicated to posters. This makes it a distinctive destination for those interested in graphic design, advertising, and the history of visual communication. - 40
Korean Cultural Center New York
New York, NYKCCNY organizes a wide range of programs and events in various categories. These include gallery exhibitions, performing arts concerts, film festivals, and educational programs. These activities aim to introduce and promote both traditional and modern aspects of Korean culture to the New York community and beyond. - 41
The 8th Floor
New York, NYThe 8th Floor is an exhibition and event space that was established in 2010 by Donald and Shelley Rubin. It is a place where art and culture enthusiasts can explore a variety of exhibits and events. - 42
Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling
New York, NYThe Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling is situated in the Sugar Hill neighborhood of Upper Manhattan. Specifically, you can find it at the intersection of 155th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue. This location is part of the Sugar Hill Development, which also includes a preschool and affordable housing under the Broadway Housing Communities. - 43
Museum of Art and Origins
New York, NYA lesser-known, but interesting museum that displays all kinds of art in relation to its origins. Captivating, especially for art lovers.