ART MUSEUMS · NEW YORK CITY
This is the shortlist you would send a friend flying out on Friday: 13 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”
Walk the High Line from Washington Street to West 30th Street with an artist guide such as Maya, Shahar, or Daniel. Visit two Chelsea exhibitions, discuss art and architecture, and finish at the 10th Avenue overlook. This private English tour suits curious art lovers and first-time visitors.
“We had a great tour with Maya! Loved the selection of galleries showcasing a diverse mix of artworks, and also her intelligent insights throughout the tour!”
Join a licensed NYC guide for a two-hour walk through the Meatpacking District and Chelsea. See work by Frank Gehry, Jean Nouvel, and Zaha Hadid, explore the High Line, and possibly visit major galleries during the September to June art season. Groups are capped at 10.
“The tour was very interesting and informative, including all the buildings and parks on our way as well as the story of The Meatpacking District, The High Line and Lower Manhattan. Merrily was an excellent an comfortable guide that answered all our questions in a very professional way.”
This self-guided New York combo pairs a one-hour Statue of Liberty cruise with St. Patrick’s Cathedral’s audio tour and MoMA admission. Hear Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Monsignor Robert Ritchie at the cathedral, then view works by Picasso, Pollock, and Frida Kahlo. The cruise departs from Pier 36.
“Visiting the Statue of Liberty provided excellent oportunities for more photos of the New York skyline. Well worth a visit.”
Join local guide Jody for a two-hour walking tour of 8 to 10 Chelsea galleries. Hear about artists’ aims and working methods, ask questions, and see changing exhibitions with a maximum of eight people.
“We had a great time on our tour, Jody was excellent!!!”
Join licensed guide and art critic Merrily for a two-hour walk through 7 to 8 Tribeca galleries. You will discuss current shows and varied media in small exhibition spaces, with no admission fees. Expect stairs, plenty of standing, and a group capped at eight people.
“Merrily was so amazing! Tour was very informative and well curated! Would highly recommend to others!”
Use one admission at MoMA and one at the American Museum of Natural History, visiting each when it suits your New York plans. See Van Gogh, Monet, dinosaurs, gemstones, and the blue whale. No guide or transportation is included, and both admissions are one-time use only.
“Everything was fine. Lovely museums and lovely art and history. I really liked it. I got to see different exhibits. It was a little hot but it was good.”
Spend about three hours on foot with a New York guide, seeing Wall Street, Ground Zero, Chinatown, Little Italy, Five Points, City Hall, and the Woolworth Building. Finish at the Guggenheim, where your included ticket covers about two hours of modern art.
“The walking tour and guide (John) was great. However, I got a refund for the Guggenheim because the spiral viewing platforms and half the exhibits were closed due to an art installation.”
Explore The Met on 5th Avenue with a licensed art history guide, reserved entry, and a route shaped around your interests. Choose a 2-hour museum visit, add Central Park, or include private hotel transfers. Guide Jonathan is among the named guides available, with English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish offered.
Visit the Whitney Museum and MoMA on your own schedule with two separate mobile tickets. See Hopper, O’Keeffe, Warhol, Van Gogh, Picasso, Kahlo, and more. No guide is included, but you can enter directly during the stated opening hours.
“I bought this for MoMA and Whitney Museum and it couldn’t have been easier. There was no need to exchange tickets. It was simply just scan and enter. I also liked that no reservations were needed, so I could visit whenever it worked for me. Both museums were amazing, and not having to wait in line to purchase tickets and not having to exchange them for tickets saved me some time. Highly recommend.”
Pick a collection, a city, or a way through the door.
