The Rockefeller tree is up and the Rockettes are taking the stage. More than 20 million tourists brave the cold weather and come to visit New York City every holiday season. If you’re looking for something to do (or just to get out of the cold for an hour or two) check out some of New York’s world famous museums. No matter where your interests lie, whether its traditional and digital art, or American history, there is no shortage of culture to experience in New York City.
1. Guggenheim Museum
You won’t have a hard time finding this museum on the street. Its unique spiral architecture makes it stick out from the typical skyscraper skyline. The Guggenheim mostly highlights paintings, sculpture and film all created in a modern style.
2. American Museum of Natural History
As one of the largest museums in the world, the Museum of Natural History highlights the history of man in over 28 interconnected buildings. In addition to their dozens of regular exhibits, the museum hosts a revolving series of exhibits and shows, so there is always something new to see.
3. Brooklyn Museum
As the third largest museum in New York, the Brooklyn Museum holds roughly 1.5 million works of art. The venue also made history as the first American museum to exhibit African objects as artwork.
4. Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum
What really sets this museum apart from the rest is that it is the only US museum exclusively dedicated to historic and contemporary design.
5. Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Spend the day learning about the more than 12 million immigrants that passed through Ellis Island on their journey to America. Who knows, you may even stumble across some family history while you’re there!
6. Lower East Side Tenement Museum
Learn more about what life was like for immigrants living in the Lower East Side decades ago. But there’s no wandering around here, the museum only offers guided tours.
7. Metropolitan Museum of Art
It’s said it would take you more than 2 years to see and read every piece of art, description and short film at the Met, but even with just a few hours, you’re sure to be amazed by any number of the 2 million works of art that have passed through these doors.
8. Museum of Modern Art
As the first museum dedicated entirely to contemporary art, the MoMA is home to artists like Lee Bontecou, Salvador Dalì, Willem de Kooning, and Frida Kahlo.
9. Museum of the Moving Image
Traveling with any film buffs? The Museum of Moving Image features film, television and digital media and focuses on its effect on culture and society.
10. New York Historical Society
Rival in the extensive history of culture and explore some of the most famous businesses to ever set up on New York’s streets. Recent collections have included Tiffany lamps, decorative objects, paintings, and furniture.
New York City isn’t the only place for art and culture in New York. The Greater Westbury Council for the Arts is devoted to creating, developing, and promoting art and culture in the Westbury community. Learn about everything Westbury has to offer here.
