15 Lesser-Known Museums In NYC That Are Total Hidden Gems
Everyone knows about the Met and the MOMA but what about some of New York’s lesser known museums? It can be a little overwhelming at times to figure out which of NYC’s great museums or art exhibitions to pay a visit too, but how about the ones you may not even know about!
Check out this list of 15 lesser-known museums that have been elevating culture in the city for years. Performance art? Got it. Japanese sculpture? Got it. After leaving these places, you’ll basically be the artsiest person you know.
1. The Rubin Museum of Art
The Rubin Museum’s unique focus on Himalayan art, ideas, and cultures from the Tibetan Plateau makes this museum unique in its own right. Their Chelsea museum boasts an impressive collection of art, including sculptures, textiles, and ritual objects, along with thought-provoking exhibitions and programs often relating to philosophy and “the shared human experience.” Some of our favorite parts of their permanent collection include The Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room and a new interactive space for social and emotional learning called the Mandala Lab.
Where: 150 W 17th St
2. Noguchi Museum
The Noguchi Museum in Long Island City has been open since the 1980’s and works to advance the understanding and appreciation of the art of Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi. A combination of permanent and temporary exhibitions as well as a slew of live programs are on throughout the year.
Where: 9-01 33rd Road, Queens
3. Banksy Museum
For fans of the mysterious street artist Banksy, this hole-in-the-wall museum is dedicated to the creative genius behind famous works like “Flower Thrower” and “Girl With Balloon.” The 15,000 square foot space is full of over 160 different Banksy-inspired works, immersions, and projections by other artists paying homage to the world’s legendary visionary. Tickets start at only $30 and it’s located right in the heart of SoHo! Read more about the Banksy Museum here.
Where: 277 Canal St
Purchase your tickets to the Banksy Museum here!
4. Museum of the Moving Image
The Museum of the Moving Image in Queens is one of the most underrated museums in the city. Their mission is to “advance the understanding, enjoyment, and appreciation of the art, history, technique, and technology of film, television, and digital media” and they do so by presenting exhibitions and programs related to moving-image arts. The museum also screens more than 400 classic and contemporary films every year.
Where: 36-01 35 Avenue, Astoria, Queens
5. Museum of the City of New York
The focus at the Museum of the City of New York is to highlight and learn about urban life in NYC from the past, present and future. Exhibitions range from scientific expos to photography to sociological explorations of protest and activism in the city. You can really learn a lot here and because the exhibitions cover so many different themes, there’s bound to be something for everybody’s taste.
Where: 1220 Fifth Ave at 103rd St
6. El Museo del Barrio
El Museo del Barrio was founded over 50 years ago by a coalition of Puerto Rican and other Latino artists, community members, parents and educators. Their goal is to collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret the art and artifacts of Caribbean and Latin American cultures for the future. Their permanent collection is home to over 6,500 objects while their temporary exhibits focus on a range of themes.
Where: 1230 5th Ave
7. Hispanic Society of America
The Hispanic Society Museum and Library is actually the hidden gem of Upper Manhattan. Tucked away right off Riverside Drive, this research institute boasts some of the most impressive works of Spanish and Portuguese art in the entire country. The museum is free to visit and you can even attend complimentary tours with an educator on Fridays and Saturdays at 2 pm.
Where: 613 W 155th St
8. American Folk Art Museum
The American Folk Art Museum is devoted to the appreciation and preservation of traditional folk art and contemporary self-taught artists. A vast permanent collection includes photographs, furniture, textiles and sculpture while temporary exhibits showcase a breadth of lesser known craft and folk artists.
Where: 2 Lincoln Square between 65th and 66th
9. New York Transit Museum
The New York Transit Museum dates back to 1976, and is an homage to the history of public transportation in our city. Visitors of the museum can take a walk through the story of mass transportation…via boarding vintage subway cars, sitting at the wheel of a city bus, stepping through old turnstiles, and exploring its rotating exhibits. The coolest part? It’s literally housed in an underground 1936 subway station in Downtown Brooklyn!
Where: 99 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn
10. Mmuseumm
Mmuseumm is definitely the most hipster of the museums on this list. According to their mission statement, they are “dedicated to exploring modern humanity and current events through objects from around the world.” Some of the objects on display are the types of things most people go their whole lives without thinking much about (for instance the bread clip that closes the bag of Wonderbread) but, the presentation and explanation of it all makes it quite interesting. That and the fact that the space is so inconspicuous you might just pass it right by.
Where: 4 Cortlandt Alley
11. Museum of Chinese In America
The MOCA was founded in 1980 and focuses on the experiences of people of Chinese descent in the United States. Among some of the interesting things going on at this museum are a ton of exhibits and multimedia productions as well as festivals, workshops, conferences and resources on Chinese-American history.
Where: 215 Centre St
12. The Louis Armstrong House Museum
Dedicated to the iconic jazz superstar Louis Armstrong, this house and museum in Corona, Queens is an homage to the musician offering an intimate look into this life. Visitors can explore his preserved home, complete with original furnishings and personal artifacts like archival recordings, personal photographs, and memorabilia. Plus, you can take guided tours of the space to learn more about his life and music, as well as explore tons of rotating exhibits, educational programs, and special events in its serene garden! Learn more about The Louis Armstrong House Museum here!
Where: 34-56 107th St, Queens
13. Museum of Broadway
Get up close and personal with Broadway history here, as you can see all kinds of memorabilia from international artists, designers, and theater historians. The interactive experience shows off all sorts of spectacular costumes, props, renderings, rare photos, videos, and more that have never been seen before! The Museum of Broadway is truly a Broadway fans’ wildest dreams come true…and it’s only steps away from the Theater District too!
Where: 145 W 45th St
Purchase your tickets to the Museum of Broadway here!
14. Society of Illustrators
The Society of Illustrators was founded back in 1901, and here you can check out year-round illustration-themed exhibits as well as art education programs. The permanent collection is expansive, it houses over 2,500 pieces that are displayed periodically. In 2012, the Museum created the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art Gallery with a focus on curated exhibits of this type of illustration.
Where: 128 E 63rd St
15. Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD)
The Museum of Food and Drink brings food and the processes behind it to life at this space in Brooklyn. At the moment, they have one exhibition- Flavor– on view, which is a “sensory journey through our bodies and our world, designed and curated by food scientists and culinary anthropologists.” It’s a neat way to taste, touch, and smell your way through the world of food and drink.
Where: 55 Water St, Floor 2, Brooklyn
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