The best museums in Rochester in September 2025

These are the top 10 best museums in Rochester, United States, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Rochester, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Rochester.

Looking for the best museums in Rochester? These are the best ones:

  1. Memorial Art Gallery1

    Memorial Art Gallery

     Rochester, NY
    The Memorial Art Gallery, located in Rochester, New York, is a civic art museum that was established in 1913. It is an integral part of the University of Rochester and has been a significant center for fine arts in the region for over a century. The gallery was founded as a memorial to James George Averell and has since grown to house a vast collection of artworks.
  2. George Eastman House2

    George Eastman House

     Rochester, NY
    The George Eastman House, situated in Rochester, USA, is a significant landmark for photography and film enthusiasts. Opened to the public in 1949, it holds the distinction of being the world's oldest photography museum and one of the oldest in terms of film archives. This museum is a testament to the evolution of photography and film, offering visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the history and development of these art forms.
  3. Strasenburgh Planetarium3

    Strasenburgh Planetarium

     Rochester, NY
    The Strasenburgh Planetarium is a public planetarium situated at 663 East Avenue in the city of Rochester, New York. Named after its benefactors, Edwin and Clara Strasenburgh, it is a part of the Rochester Museum and Science Center. The planetarium is known for its 65-foot-diameter Star Theater that can seat 225 people and houses the first Zeiss Mark VI planetarium projector, which is still in daily operation.
  4. The strong national museum of play4

    The strong national museum of play

     Rochester, NY
  5. RMSC (Rochester Museum & Science Center)5

    RMSC (Rochester Museum & Science Center)

     Rochester, NY
  6. Charlotte–Genesee Lighthouse6

    Charlotte–Genesee Lighthouse

     Rochester, NY
    The Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse is an active lighthouse that is situated in the Charlotte neighborhood of Rochester on Lake Ontario, in Monroe County, New York. It is a significant historical site that has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since August 13, 1974. The lighthouse is located on Lake Ontario, at the mouth of the Genesee River.
  7. Hervey Ely Mansion7

    Hervey Ely Mansion

     Rochester, NY
    The Hervey Ely House, also known as the Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter House, is a historic home located in Rochester, Monroe County, New York. Built around 1837, the house is a prime example of Greek Revival architecture. This two-story brick structure, covered in stucco, stands as a testament to the architectural trends of the early 19th century.
  8. Highland Park Conservancy8

    Highland Park Conservancy

     Rochester, NY
    Highland Park, also known as Highland Botanical Park, is an arboretum located in Rochester, New York. This park is one of the first municipal arboretums in the United States, endowed to the Rochester community in 1888 by nurserymen George Ellwanger and Patrick Barry. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, a renowned landscape architect, with the intention of maintaining a natural appearance.
  9. Rochester Medical Museum and Archives9

    Rochester Medical Museum and Archives

     Rochester, NY
  10. Susan B. Anthony House10

    Susan B. Anthony House

     Rochester, NY
    The Susan B. Anthony House in Rochester, New York, is not just a historic building, but a place where significant events in the women's rights movement took place. Susan B. Anthony, a key figure in the movement, lived here for forty years. Her life and work are commemorated in this house, making it a place of great historical significance.

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