MoMA

Modern Art's New York Landmark

The Museum of Modern Art in New York City stands as a major cultural hub on the Upper East Side. Its collection spans paintings, sculptures, photography and design from influential artists worldwide. Visitors encounter works by Van Gogh, Warhol and Picasso alongside contemporary creators exploring new ideas. The building itself features open galleries, interactive spaces and educational programs for all ages. Located near Central Park, it provides a quiet escape within the city’s busy rhythm while reflecting modern artistic trends that shape global culture today.

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Art Museum in New York City

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$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

Safety: 8.0

General Safety:	8
Accessibility:	8

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5/5

English is the main language used by MoMA staff and in New York City at large, ensuring excellent communication for international visitors.

Highlights Description Getting there Hotels Tips Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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MoMA Summary

World-class for modern and contemporary art. Explore galleries filled with iconic paintings, photography, sculpture and design and discover many of the most influential artworks of the last century.

Opening hours:

Mon-Thu:	10:30 - 17:30
Fri:	10:30 - 20:30
Sat-Sun:	10:30 - 17:30

Public website:

www.moma.org

United States – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit.
Public smoking:	Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary.
Etiquette:	Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated.

Thanksgiving (November)	A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges.
Independence Day (July)	Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide.
Christmas (December)	Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Lyft, Bolt
Helpful links:	Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine
Other:	The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for MoMA, United States

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High season:	April - July, Sep. - Oct., Dec.
Shoulder season:	March, Aug., Nov.

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Open daily except Thanksgiving and 25 December

Don't miss

🌌 See Vincent van Gogh’s masterpiece, The Starry Night
🖼️ Explore Picasso’s revolutionary Les Demoiselles d’Avignon
🚲 Discover Duchamp’s provocative Bicycle Wheel sculpture

You've been here?

MoMA stands as one of the world’s leading institutions for modern art, housing an extraordinary collection that spans painting, sculpture, design, photography, film and performance art. Highlights include masterpieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol and many pioneers of contemporary art.

The museum’s thoughtful layout allows visitors to engage deeply with evolving artistic movements and groundbreaking works that reflect societal changes and creative innovation. The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden offers a peaceful outdoor space to enjoy modern sculptures.

Visitors should be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends and during popular exhibitions, so planning visits for weekday mornings or purchasing timed tickets in advance is advisable. The museum enforces bag policies and prohibits flash photography to protect the artwork, with coat check available for larger items.

MoMA hosts a variety of events including film screenings, benefit galas and special exhibitions that enrich the visitor experience. Whether a first-time visitor or a seasoned art lover, MoMA offers a dynamic and eye-opening journey through modern creativity.

Knowledge before you go

Book timed tickets online to skip admission lines.
Start on lower floors first, avoiding crowded top-floor masterpieces initially for smoother flow.
Download free MoMA app for audio guides and interactive maps across six expansive gallery floors.
Visit Friday evenings until 8 PM for free UNIQLO entry and lively after-hours atmosphere with live music.

How to travel to MoMA

MoMA is located at 11 West 53rd Street in Midtown Manhattan, easily accessed via multiple subway lines including E and M trains to 5th Avenue/53rd Street station. International travelers typically arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport or LaGuardia Airport, from which taxis, airport shuttles or public transit provide convenient access to midtown Manhattan.

Access summary

From JFK (JFK): AirTrain to subway, then Midtown Manhattan, about 60–75 min.
From Times Square: Walk or one short subway ride, roughly 10–20 min.
From Newark (EWR): AirTrain + NJ Transit train + subway to Midtown, 60–90 min.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay near MoMA

Midtown Manhattan features a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to boutique stays, all within walking distance of MoMA and other cultural hotspots in New York City.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Pod Times Square

8.8

InterContinental New York Times Square By IHG

8.1

TRYP by Wyndham New York City Times Square / Midtown

7.9

NEW YORKER BY LOTTE HOTELS

7.5

Radio City Apartments

8.8

Sofitel New York

8.8

DoubleTree by Hilton New York Times Square West

7.4

YOTEL New York Times Square

8.0

Washington Square Hotel

8.8

Royalton New York

8.3

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Packing recommendations for MoMA

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Camera

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Comfortable walking shoes

Universal travel adaptor

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Credit card with no foreign transaction fees

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

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+7 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 7% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend more on meals and getting around.

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-4 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Safety information overview

General safety

The Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan enjoys a high safety rating. Staffed security, CCTV and controlled access keep theft rare. Visitors should remain vigilant in crowded areas, avoid unattended bags and follow museum guidelines to ensure a secure, enjoyable experience.

Accessibility

The MoMA in New York City offers excellent accessibility: elevators, ramps, wheelchair‑friendly exhibits and accessible restrooms. However, some older galleries have narrow aisles and the museum’s large crowds can create temporary bottlenecks. Advance planning and a mobility guide help.