On a trip to New York? Visit the MoMA, Mle celebrated Museum of Modern Art, a must-see for a stay in the heart of Big Apple!
Modern art lovers or not, the Museum of Modern Art should be on your tour route during your stay in New York! More known as MoMA, this modern and contemporary art museum is one of the world’s most famous and important. The impressive collection of the museum includes works by Cézanne, Van Gogh, Matisse, Dali or Picasso. You will not only find paintings, but also sculptures, drawings, photographs and films!
Would you like to visit the MoMA in New York? In this article, you will find all the necessary information to discover it at best. Tips, history and practical information through rates and schedules, you will know the essentials to plan and take advantage of your visit!
History of the MoMA in New York
At the origin of the MoMA, there are three influential and wealthy women: Abby Aldrich Rockefeller (wife of John D. Rockfeller Jr), and her friends Lillie P. Bliss and Mary Quinn Sullivan. These influential and progressive patrons wanted to create a museum dedicated to modern art and also offered an alternative to the conservative policies of traditional museums in the United States. Inaugurated in 1929, this institution obviously had a role to preserve known works, but above all to open its doors to young contemporary artists!
From its opening to the present day, the MoMA has constantly altered, expanded, its buildings as its collections. The museum has passed from the status of experimental entity and uncertain a triumphant success. Indeed, MoMA is currently one of the most visited establishments in the United States. Its number of visitors continues to increase over the years. Today, visitors will be able to admire many modern and contemporary exhibitions in very diverse areas such as painting, photography, drawing, sculpture, film or video.
Our tips to visit MoMA in New York
Are you coming to New York soon and want to organize your visits? We understand you perfectly, time is precious! To help you discover this must-see museum, here are some tips to visit it at best.
The best time to visit the National Museum of Tokyo
The MoMA is often crowded with visitors. The queues at the entrance are not rare and are even more the rule than the exception. We recommend that you arrive half an hour before opening . If you can, book your ticket in advance and if possible a skip-file ticket, you will not have to wait.
Coming early and among the first will allow you to admire the works without having a crowd around you! You can also prefer one weekday to avoid crowds, especially if you think of visiting the MoMA in the afternoon.
Before coming to the museum
- We recommend you do not take backpack with you. You will have to leave it to her Free delivery Museum. This can take some time because of the tail.
- Also think about taking your camera. The MoMA allows photographs, without tripod and for non-professional use. You can take some nice pictures of the unique works displayed in the museum.
What to do when you visit MoMA in New York?
At MoMA, you will discover works of world-famous artists. During your visit you will admire paintings by Picasso, Matisse, Dalí, Jackson Pollock, Cézanne, Van Gogh and Mondrian. The MoMA also offers its visitors a department dedicated only to the world of photography. Created by Beaumont Newhall, it dates back to 1940 and is one of the first in the world. This initiative allowed photography to be recognized as an art in its own right!
The different levels of the Museum of Modern Art
The collections of the MoMA are spread over 5 different levels. The more you go up the floors, the more you go back in time. It is important to note, however, that the works presented are not classified chronologically, but according to the artistic current! Here is what you will find on every floor of the MoMA in New York:
First and second floor Visiting the MoMA is also discovering the exhibitions devoted to films and the media. More than 1,200 works and videos are waiting for you!
Third floor In the third, architecture is honoured, just like drawing and photography! Here you can admire more than 10,000 drawings made using different techniques, such as charcoal, ink or watercolour. There are also more than 25,000 photos, some of which date back to the 19th century.
Fourth floor The fourth floor presents the collections devoted to sculpture and painting. The famous works of famous artists, such as those mentioned above, are exhibited. Among these achievements are Claude Monet’s work, “ Reflections of the Clouds on the Waterlily Pond » dating from 1920. She's in a whole room. Further, you can admire the achievements dating from the expressionist period. Among them is the " Panel for Edwin R. Campbell No. 2 Vasily Kandinsky. On this floor, the surrealist and abstract art also occupy a great place. For example, you will discover works by Marcel Duchamp or Marc Chagall.
Fifth floor Finally, you will arrive on the fifth floor, reserved for temporary exhibitions. You can also access a charming café with a terrace overlooking the sculpture garden.
The garden of sculptures
After your visit to the MoMA, don’t miss a small tour in the garden of sculptures Abby Aldrich Rockefeller . In this beautiful inner courtyard, you can admire sculptures by famous artists such as Picasso, Aristide Maillol and many more. This charming space is perfect for relaxing and enjoying a quiet, open-air moment, especially summer!
How much does a MoMA ticket cost in New York?
Here are the rates to visit the MoMA:
- Adults $25
- Seniors (65+) and disabled visitors $18. The entrance is free for a person with a disability.
- Students : $14
- Children (16 and under) : free
- The entrance to the MoMA is free for all visitors Friday evening from 5:30 pm to 9 pm during the UNIQLO Free Friday Nights. This free is possible thanks to the sponsoring of the Japanese clothing brand Uniqlo. Be sure to arrive early to enjoy this free entry!
Note : admission rates also include access to special exhibitions, films and MoMA PS1.
How do I book a MoMA ticket online?
- You can book your ticket directly online on the MoMA website. After your purchase, you will receive a voucher to present the day of your visit. The latter is valid for 6 months and cannot be refunded.
- It is also possible to buy your entry on a partner site specializing in tours and activities, including one ticket cut-file. The queues are indeed frequent at the entrance of the museum.
- You can also get the New York City Pass, a pass that offers you the entrance of the MoMA as well as other monuments and attractions of the city.
Are there guided tours of the MoMA?
The guided tours of the MoMA are rare and are aimed mainly at groups. You can however try to participate in the VIP visit New York MoMA. It takes place early in the morning and by small groups, before opening doors to the public.
Note : the MoMA has its own application. Once downloaded, you can enjoy your own guided tour via the audioguide, and at your own pace! Free audioguides and plans are also available at the entrance of the museum. In case your phone does not have Wi-Fi, you can borrow them and visit the MoMA in good shape.
Are there visits combined with other monuments?
There are no combined visits of the MoMA with other monuments.
MoMA Opening Times in New York
- All week long 10h to 17h30
- The Friday and first Thursday each month: closing at 9 p.m.
- Closure Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year (PS1)
How do I go to the MoMA in New York?
First of all, you should know that the MoMA is at the following address: 11 West, 53 Street, Midtown Manhattan, New York.
By metro
- Option 1 : take the lines E and M, then go down to 5th Ave/53rd Street.
- Option 2 : it is also possible to go to MoMA from 47th-50th Street/Rockfeller Center station after using B, D or F metro lines.
Where to park near MoMA in New York?
There are several parking spaces around the MoMA. However, this option is quite expensive. Count a minimum of $30 for a parking hour. There are also half-day options in Icon Parking for $69 on average (to be booked online).
Where to stay near MoMA in New York?
The Museum of Modern Art is located in Midtown Manhattan, on the 53rd street, between the fifth and sixth avenues. Is it? Central Park , in the centre of New York, staying in Midtown allows easy access to all the attractions of the city. However, prices are here very high. You can opt for a more southern accommodation, in the Lower Manhattan . Chinatown or Little Italy are excellent choices. You will find cheaper accommodation than elsewhere, many shops and restaurants, and especially metro lines to easily reach the attractions of the rest of the city!
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