List of museums and cultural institutions in New York City

Metropolitan Opera House At Lincoln Center

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New York Public Library May 2011

List of Museums and Cultural Institutions in New York City

New York City, a vibrant hub of culture, history, and art, is home to an extensive array of museums and cultural institutions. These establishments range from world-renowned art museums to smaller, specialized institutions, each offering unique insights into various aspects of human creativity, history, and the natural world. This article provides an overview of some of the most notable museums and cultural institutions located in New York City.

Art Museums

• Metropolitan Museum of Art: Often referred to as "the Met," this museum is one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the world. Its collection spans over 5,000 years of art from every corner of the globe.
• Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): MoMA is renowned for its outstanding collection of modern and contemporary art, including works of architecture, design, painting, sculpture, photography, and film.
• Whitney Museum of American Art: Focused on 20th and 21st-century American art, the Whitney is known for its Biennial exhibition, which highlights the work of young and emerging artists.
• Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum: Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Guggenheim is famous for its spiral structure and its impressive collection of modern art.

History and Science Museums

• American Museum of Natural History: One of the largest natural history museums in the world, it boasts a vast range of exhibits on the natural world, from dinosaur fossils to outer space.
• New York Historical Society: This museum and library focuses on the rich history of New York City and the United States, featuring a wide array of documents, photographs, and artifacts.
• Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: Housed on the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, this museum showcases the history of American military and space exploration.

Cultural Institutions

• The New York Public Library: Not just a library, but also a cultural institution that hosts various events, exhibitions, and educational programs.
• Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts: A leading arts venue that is home to the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet, and New York Philharmonic, among others.
• Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM): Known for its cutting-edge performances and cinema, BAM is a focal point for both traditional and avant-garde music, theater, and dance.

Specialized Museums

• Tenement Museum: Focused on America's urban immigrant history, the Tenement Museum offers guided tours of restored apartments and businesses on New York's Lower East Side.
• The Cloisters: A branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Cloisters is dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe.
• Museum of the City of New York: Dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of New York City and its people, the museum showcases an extensive collection of artworks, photographs, and historical artifacts.

Children's Museums

• Children's Museum of Manhattan: An interactive museum for children, offering educational exhibits and programs in the arts, sciences, and humanities.
• Brooklyn Children's Museum: The first children's museum in the United States, it offers engaging exhibits and activities designed to educate and entertain young visitors.