ART MUSEUMS · NEW YORK CITY
This is the shortlist you would send a friend flying out on Friday: 4 art museum tours in New York City worth the money, each with its price, its verdict and the one thing to know before you pay.
Visit MoMA in Midtown with a one-day ticket covering the permanent collection and special exhibitions. See Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Matisse, Warhol, and contemporary artists across six floors. Use the free multilingual audio guide on your phone, then linger over films, design, and the sculpture garden.
“Lovely Museum. So much to see, it felt Like time went by so fast 😭”
Visit New York’s Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum for one day of access to its permanent collection and special exhibitions. You’ll explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s spiral building, use a multilingual audio guide on your smartphone, and see modern and contemporary art, including the Thannhauser Collection.
“Just love the atmosphere at the Guggenheim. A pretty special place for reflection.”
Enter MoMA through a private early-morning entrance and spend an hour with an English-speaking art historian before the crowds arrive. See works by Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Matisse, Warhol, and others, then explore MoMA’s six floors and use your included admission to MoMA PS1.
“This is an absolute must! You’ll never see the galleries this empty, with no people around—it’s such a rare and unforgettable experience. The art historian was amazing, so passionate and knowledgeable, and she really brought the tour to life. It’s completely worth the price. Being there before the museum opened was so peaceful and quiet, and once the crowds started pouring in, the difference was so striking—it made those early moments feel even more special. Having no crowds in the gallery full of Monet’s Water Lillies really allowed you to take in those amazing, and massive works of art. Hope to do this again someday!”
Join licensed NYC guide and art critic Merrily for a two-hour walk through about seven Chelsea galleries. You will see changing exhibitions in many media, from graphite and oil to steel installations, with time to ask questions in a group capped at 10.
“The galleries were interesting and diverse. It would be good to get more in-depth explanations about the art”
Pick a collection, a city, or a way through the door.
