Museum of the City of New York

The collections in Museum of the City of New York explore the vibrant past, present and future of New York

Museum of the City of New York
Museum of the City of New York

Housed in a 1930s American Colonial brick mansion on the northern end of Museum Mile, the Museum of the City of New York celebrates the history and panache of the Big Apple. The exhibitions explore all things New York from the urban landscape to the cultural diversity of its 8 million residents that define the city's distinct personality.

Collections of paintings, artefacts and photographs bring the sights, sounds and styles of the Empire City to life and provide tourists an essential introduction to the vibrant past, present and future of New York.

The comprehensive collection of the Museum of the City of New York is estimated to contain upwards of 1.5 million objects related to the five boroughs from their beginnings as a Dutch settlement and as a major port in the New World to modern day. The permanent collections include galleries dedicated to Broadway memorabilia and the history of nightlife and theatre, the history and evolution of police and fire fighting techniques and the influence of the fashion and textile industries. A large anthology of toys illustrate a social history of childhood in the city and an impressive decorative arts collection chronicles the trendsetting style of New Yorkers.

The museum has recently undergone a major renovation and they are also very active in introducing new exhibitions all the time, so even if you have visited in the past, you will find plenty of new things to discover.

Nearby attractions include Central Park, Whitney Museum of American Art, The Frick Collection and the Metropolitan Museum of Art



Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes

Museum of the City of New York Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Address: 1220 5th Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA

Phone: (212) 534-1672

Official Website: Museum of the City of New York

Museum of the City of New York Reviews

Rated 4.5 out of 5 Star Rating

4 Star Rating I recently had the pleasure of visiting the stunning Museum of the city of New York, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience. The museum is thoughtfully organized into various thematic areas, each meticulously detailed and rich in information, which beautifully encapsulate the last 400 years of this incredible city’s history. From the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the carefully curated exhibits that brought to life the vibrant and diverse story of New York. Each section was informative and engaging, providing deep insights into the cultural, social, and economic evolution of the city. The visit culminated in a breathtaking 30-minute video that narrated the city's history from its inception to the present day. The visuals were stunning, and the storytelling was both emotional and inspiring, offering a powerful reflection on New York’s resilience and dynamism. Overall, my time at the museum was memorable, and I left with a greater appreciation for the rich tapestry of experiences that have shaped New York City. I highly recommend this museum to anyone looking to understand the heart and soul of one of the world's greatest cities!
Marco Taroni - a month ago

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5 Star Rating I loved this place. Spent about three hours wandering the exhibits, all for free due to visiting on a Wednesday. Not busy at all (no line, not crowded) and lovely clean facilities. I think you would enjoy this if you like stopping to read about everything, but it's not for people interested in art or very young children. The first floor contains exhibits focusing on the history of NYC, with interesting facts and archival items. Further up are more politically focused exhibits on activism and Shirley Chisholm which were great. I also enjoyed the display of gingerbread buildings! Super unique and the room smelt so good.
Laura - 2 months ago

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4 Star Rating While the ticket price is a bit steep (for a non NYC resident), it’s worth it if you plan to spend enough time exploring and immersing yourself in the exhibits. Each floor features multiple exhibitions, packed with dense information and key facts. These include exhibitions on different time periods, architecture, societal issues of the city, key historical figures, and films in NYC. My favorite installations were: 1. "A Timescape of New York": A fun and insightful journey. 2. "New York in the Movies": Engaging and full of fascinating details. I was hoping for was a dedicated section that helped educate me on the different neighborhoods of NYC in detail along with talking to me about their key landmarks. I was surprised that such a section was missing.
Zoshua Colah - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Excellent, clean, well-organized museum with a nice cafe setup on the 2nd floor. No line to get in around 1pm on a Saturday. Gift shop actually had some NYC-centric gifts I’d never seen before. Helpful security staff. I loved the exhibits about Shirley Chisholm, and about the city’s imprint on film. The wintertime gingerbread house competition was cute.
Darius D - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating A great place to visit. It also the school from the show gossip girl. I definitely recommend this museum as it will give you the history of new York city and the amazing achievements it has accomplished. It makes you proud to visit new York City
Berto Lara - a week ago

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Directions

Subway Line Nearest Station Walking Time
6103 Street7 minutes
2 or 3110 Street11 Minutes

How to get to Museum of the City of New York by Subway

Take the 6 train to 103rd Street, and follow it west for 3 blocks (use the pedistrian path to get between Park Avenue and Madison Avenue) then go right on 5th Avenue to the entrance; or take the 2 or 3 train to 110th Street, walk one block east to Fifth Avenue, then left (south) to 103rd Street.

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