The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), founded in 1929, is one of the most influential modern and contemporary art museums in the world, holding a vast collection that spans painting, sculpture, photography, design, and film from the late 19th century to today. It is famous for masterpieces you may know from textbooks, including van Gogh's 'The Starry Night' and works by Picasso, Dalí, Warhol, and Monet. Following a major 2019 expansion that significantly enlarged its gallery space, MoMA regularly rotates and rehangs its permanent collection, so in 2026 you are likely to encounter a fresh arrangement on each visit. Centrally located in Midtown Manhattan, it is easy to reach; plan roughly half a day and focus on the highlights.
Vincent van Gogh's 'The Starry Night' — MoMA's most popular work; it draws crowds, so visit right at opening for a calmer view
Pablo Picasso's 'Les Demoiselles d'Avignon' — a landmark that launched Cubism
Salvador Dalí's 'The Persistence of Memory' — the iconic Surrealist painting of melting clocks
Pop Art icons including Andy Warhol's 'Campbell's Soup Cans' and 'Gold Marilyn Monroe'
Claude Monet's large 'Water Lilies' and Henri Matisse's 'Dance' among the modern painting masterpieces
The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden on the ground floor — an outdoor oasis in the city
Good to know
RulesEntry uses timed online reservations. Slots sell out early, especially on weekends and in summer, so book your date and time in advance on the official site.
CautionBuy tickets only from the official site (visit.moma.org) or the on-site box office. Resale sites and street touts risk inflated prices or fake tickets.
RulesFree Friday evenings (5:30–8:30 p.m.) are a benefit for New York State residents and require proof of residency. They are not free for general tourists, so purchase a regular ticket.
MannersMost permanent galleries allow photography, but flash, tripods, and selfie sticks are prohibited, and some special exhibitions ban photos entirely. Never touch the artworks and keep your voice low.
SafetyMidtown, the subway, and the Times Square area are crowded, so watch for pickpockets. Wear your bag in front and keep your wallet and phone secure.
MannersLarge backpacks and luggage are restricted and must be left at the free coat check. At the on-site cafes and restaurants, U.S. tipping of about 18–20% (pre-tax) is customary.
SeasonJuly–August and the year-end holidays are the busiest, with longer waits. Indoor air-conditioning and heating can be strong, so bring a light layer.
Practical info
MoMA is at 11 West 53rd Street (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues) in Midtown Manhattan, about a 5-minute walk from the '5 Av/53 St' station (E, M trains) or '47–50 Sts–Rockefeller Center' (B, D, F, M). It is open daily 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., with Fridays until 8:30 p.m., and a single ticket also admits you to MoMA PS1 in Queens within 14 days. Confirm prices, hours, closures, and reservation policy on the official website before your visit.
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