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

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
Official Website: Museum of the City of New York
Fee: YesRegular Hours:
May differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: 1220 5th Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA
Phone: (212) 534-1672
Official Website: Museum of the City of New York
Reviews
Rated
Super interesting place. I came alone and came to learn, which I did. The history of the city is fascinating, and the museum actually does a superb job is presenting that. The building is nice, clean and accessible, and not at all crowded. (I went on a Thursday evening). Also, the gift shop is wild (& made me wish I had more $$$😉) Would definitely recommend for nerds!
Mendel Berkowitz - 1 month ago
This is a great museum. I would highly recommend it. In particular, the activist of New York was an amazing exhibition that really stood out to me as something that was different and well structured. It was easy to go through each section and understand what the point of view was where it came from. What changed over time? The video as well on the ground floor was unbelievably. Interesting to see how New York has changed over time, where it started and that where it's going and overall a good museum where you can jump between the different sections and easily find your way
Cameron Wasilewsky - 2 months ago
Very nicely organized museum to learn about the city. Lots history to read and love that they high lights lots of individuals as well. It was very cool to see the music section as well as the movie section on the 3rd floor. It might look small compared to other museums in the city but three hours wasn't enough for us to get through everything!!! Will definitely come back soon for more! It was a nice 10 minutes walk through Central Park to the museum when you take 2 train from the west side! Highly recommended for both New Yorkers and tourists.
Emi T - 4 months ago
A very cool museum, definitely worth a visit. It’s pay what you feel admission, but the recommended is $20 per adult but free if you have ID NYC cards. Some of the exhibitions are amazing. We really love the activist room and definitely spent more time then we should’ve. The top floor has the century exhibition which is nice but the other exhibits were more interesting in my opinion. There’s a cafe too
Caitlin Wasilewsky - 2 months ago
Fantastic museum with such a rich history of NYC and well-cultivated exhibits. I’ve been here numerous times a year for several years and it is always fulfilling and engaging.
Anu Jagannathan - 16 days ago
Accommodations near Museum of the City of New York:
Directions
Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
6 | 103 Street | 7 minutes |
2 or 3 | 110 Street | 11 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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Photo Gallery
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One of many old paintings and photographs on display at the Museum of the City of New York -
Photo Credit: Maria Eklind - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Maria Eklind - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Maria Eklind - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Maria Eklind - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pburka - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: edenpictures - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: edenpictures - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pburka - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: edenpictures - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: edenpictures - cc license via Flickr