The Museum of Modern Art, also known as the MoMA, in New York City, is one of the most worthwhile museums to visit while in the city. With 5+ floors and hundreds of thousands of pieces, including works by Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, and Paul Cézanne, there is something for everyone at this world-class museum.

Before you go, listen to this episode covering some of the most famous art, tour options, ticket prices, and must-know tips for your museum visit. 👇

Quick Links:

• Get your MoMA tickets ahead of time here
• Book a MoMA tour here

What is the Museum of Modern Art?

The MoMA, in Midtown Manhattan on 53rd Street, is a modern art museum featuring thousands of works spanning from 1880 to the present day.

• Originally opened in 1929 and expanded multiple times before opening at their current location in Midtown in 1939
• The museum's collection originally consisted of eight prints and one drawing, and now boasts over 200,000 works
• The Museum’s Library and Archives contain the leading concentration of research material on modern art in the world
• Over 2.5 million visitors per year, putting it at the 6th-most visited museum in America and 20th in the world

What Famous Art is at the MoMA?

• Jackson Pollock - multiple large pieces (mostly on the 4th floor)
• Robert Rauschenberg - Carnegie Hall dumpster eagle in “Canyon” (mostly on the 4th floor)
• Campbell's Soup Cans by Andy Warhol - 32 cans (mostly on the 4th floor)
• Ester Hernandez - Sun Mad (mostly on the 4th floor)
• James Rosenquist - F-111, 86 foot long (mostly on the 4th floor)
• Claude Monet's Water Lilies (5th)
• Multiple Georgia O’Keeffe pieces, mostly on the 5th floor
• Multiple Henri Matisse pieces, Mosley on the 5th floor
• Multiple Pablo Picasso pieces, mostly on the 5th floor
• Multiple Henri Rousseau pieces
• Multiple Georges-Pierre Seurat
• Paul Cézanne

Generally speaking, the bulk of the more famous pieces are located on the 5th floor, with many well-known collections also on the 4th floor. Our advice is to start on the 5th floor and work your way down.

They also offer itineraries on their website to help you plan ahead, as well as an audio guide and maps at the museum. For kids, they offer an Activity Guide.

How Much Are MoMA Tickets?

Ticket prices vary depending on age and are as follows:

• Adults - $30
• Seniors - $22
• Students - $17
• Children 16 and Under - Free
• Every Friday, free for New York residents, but you must reserve a ticket in advance

Does the MoMA Offer Tours?

Yes, the MoMA offers tours. For most tour options, a group of at least 10 people is required, with a cost of $55 per person.

There are options through tour operators like Get Your Guide that allow you to book for smaller groups, but spots are extremely limited and only available on Saturdays and Sundays.

What to Know Before Visiting the Museum of Modern Art in NYC

• Either come at the very beginning of the day or near the end for fewer crowds
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Eat before going - See our top nearby food options here

• Most visitors will stay for 1-3 hours
• Ideally, save a museum day for poor weather, although many others will also have that idea
• The main store is in the basement of the museum, and the MoMA design store is across the street, with additional options

• Outdoor area on the main floor is open year-round - upper terrace is seasonal and often only accessible if you eat at the cafe

You'll Have to Check It Out - Culinary Backstreets

We first participated in the "Asia in Queens" tour here in NYC and recently took part in their "Made in Catalonia" tour in Barcelona.

• Smaller groups, so you can ask questions
• Focused on the culture, history, and people of the areas, not just the cuisine
• You get to try around 10 dishes on average

Learn more about Culinary Backstreet's tours and trip options here.

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