The Museum of Modern Art – MoMA for short – is one of New York’s top museums and a must for all lovers of modern art. MoMA’s collection is mainly focused on art from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It holds nearly 200,000 paintings, photographs, illustrations, sculptures, design objects, books and films, many of which are displayed on the museum’s five floors.
MoMA was founded in 1929 as a stand against the predominant traditional and classical fine arts. This makes the museum one of the oldest and most important centres for modern art in the world. It has changed locations several times but has been in its current building since 1939. Monet's Water Lilies, Mondrian’s Broadway Boogie-Woogie, Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon and Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans are just a few of the thousands of masterpieces on display.
Like many museums, MoMA also has catering establishments, but where you might go for a quick lunch in other museums, eating at The Modern is a true culinary experience. This restaurant has been praised with multiple awards and two Michelin stars.
Things to know before your visit
The Museum of Modern Art is completely wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available free of charge, while supplies last.
Strollers are permitted, but not allowed on the escalators.
All bags will be checked upon entry. Bringing food and drinks from outside the museum is not allowed.
There’s currently no wardrobe space and scooters, skateboards, trolleys, large umbrellas and other large objects, among others, are not allowed inside.
Taking pictures without flash for personal use is allowed; making videos, professional camera equipment and selfie sticks are not allowed.
Opening hours of MoMA
MoMA is open daily from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM. On Saturdays, the museum opens from 10:30 am to 7:00 pm.
How do you get to MoMA?
MoMA’s main entrance is located at 11 W 53rd Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues. It’s within walking distance of other attractions such as Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall and Times Square.
The nearest subway stops are?
5 Avenue-53 St Station – lines E and M – 3 minutes’ walk
47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr – lines B, D, F and M – 4 minutes' walk
7 Avenue Station – lines B, D and E – 5 minutes’ walk
