Architecture of MoMA New York
The Museum of Modern Art in New York City is not only one of the world's most celebrated art institutions — it is also a landmark of modern architecture in its own right. Since its founding in 1929, MoMA has undergone several ambitious expansions and redesigns, each one reflecting the evolving vision of what a museum of modern art can be. Today, the building at 11 West 53rd Street in Midtown Manhattan stands as a testament to the creative energy that defines the institution and the city it calls home.
MoMA is world-renowned for its extraordinary permanent collection, which features iconic works by Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Andy Warhol, Claude Monet, Salvador Dali, and Henri Rousseau, among many others. But beyond the art on its walls, the museum itself has become one of the most important examples of modern architectural design in the world.
The Department of Architecture and Design
Founded in 1932, MoMA's Department of Architecture and Design holds the distinction of being the first curatorial department in the world dedicated entirely to the intersection of architecture and design. At a time when these disciplines were rarely considered alongside the fine arts, MoMA made the bold decision to elevate them to the same level of scholarly and aesthetic attention afforded to painting and sculpture.
Today, the department holds approximately 28,000 works that span from the mid-19th century to the present day. The collection encompasses an extraordinary range of objects including architectural models, architectural drawings, photographs, large-scale design objects, furniture, industrial design pieces, and graphic design works. Together, these holdings provide a comprehensive survey of how architecture and design have shaped the modern world.
Collection Highlights
The Architecture and Design collection includes a remarkably diverse array of objects that demonstrate the breadth and ambition of the department's curatorial vision. From intimate household objects to full-scale vehicles, the collection challenges visitors to reconsider the boundaries between art, design, and everyday life.
Mies van der Rohe Archive
One of the crown jewels of the department, this archive contains an extensive collection of drawings, models, and documents by the legendary architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The archive provides an unparalleled window into the creative process behind some of the most influential buildings of the 20th century.
Iconic Furniture & Chairs
The collection features an outstanding array of chairs and furniture pieces that trace the evolution of modern design. From Bauhaus-era originals to mid-century classics and contemporary innovations, these pieces illustrate how functional objects can achieve the status of art.
Appliances & Industrial Design
Everyday appliances and industrial design objects in the collection demonstrate how thoughtful design can transform routine tasks into elegant experiences. These objects highlight the artistry embedded in the products we use every day.
Sports Cars
Among the most surprising and popular objects in the collection are a number of meticulously designed sports cars. These vehicles represent the pinnacle of automotive engineering and aesthetic refinement, blurring the line between transportation and sculpture.
Bell 47D1 Helicopter
Perhaps the most eye-catching object in the department, the Bell 47D1 helicopter hangs in the museum's atrium as a striking example of industrial design at its most ambitious. Its inclusion in the collection underscores MoMA's belief that great design transcends traditional categories.
Architectural Models & Drawings
The collection includes hundreds of architectural models and thousands of drawings that document the design process behind landmark buildings. These objects offer visitors an intimate look at how architects translate vision into built form.
Visitor Information
Ticket Pricing
| Adults | $25 |
| Seniors (65+) | $18 |
| Students (with valid ID) | $14 |
| Children (under 16) | Free |
Combo tickets range from $14–$25 per attraction depending on the package selected.
Museum Hours
| Daily | 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Closed | Thanksgiving & Christmas |
We recommend arriving early in the morning for the quietest experience. Weekday visits tend to be less crowded than weekends.
About the MoMA Building
The physical architecture of MoMA itself has been a subject of admiration and study since the museum's earliest days. The original 1939 building, designed by Philip L. Goodwin and Edward Durell Stone, was one of the first examples of the International Style in the United States. Its clean lines, flat roof, and extensive use of glass established a new paradigm for museum design.
Over the decades, MoMA has undergone several major expansions. Notable additions include the 1984 expansion by Cesar Pelli, which significantly increased gallery space, and the landmark 2004 redesign by Yoshio Taniguchi, which nearly doubled the museum's footprint and introduced the soaring atrium and expanded sculpture garden that visitors enjoy today. The most recent renovation in 2019 added additional galleries and reimagined the visitor experience, providing more flexible spaces for displaying the collection and hosting special exhibitions.
Each architectural chapter in MoMA's history reflects the institution's commitment to innovation and its belief that the museum building itself should be a work of modern art. From the original facade to the light-filled contemporary galleries, every element of the design has been carefully considered to enhance the experience of viewing and engaging with art.
Explore Other Departments
MoMA is home to several curatorial departments, each offering unique perspectives on modern and contemporary art. Explore more of the museum's world-class collections.
Painting & Sculpture Department
Discover approximately 3,600 masterpieces spanning from Post-Impressionism to contemporary art, including iconic works by Van Gogh, Matisse, Mondrian, and Cezanne.
Explore the Collection →Plan Your Visit
Get everything you need for a perfect MoMA experience, from ticket information and hours to transportation options and insider tips.
Start Planning →Frequently Asked Questions
Why is MoMA famous?
MoMA is famous for its groundbreaking architecture and its unparalleled collection of modern and contemporary art. The museum houses iconic masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Andy Warhol, Claude Monet, Salvador Dali, and Henri Rousseau, among many others. Its galleries span painting, sculpture, film, photography, architecture, and design.
Beyond its collection, MoMA has played a pioneering role in shaping how the world understands and appreciates modern art. It was one of the first museums to dedicate curatorial departments to architecture, design, film, and photography, setting a standard that museums around the globe have since followed.
What is the best time to visit MoMA?
The best time to visit MoMA is on weekday mornings, particularly Tuesday through Thursday, when the museum tends to be least crowded. Arriving right when the doors open at 10:30 AM gives you the best chance of exploring the most popular galleries before the midday rush.
If you prefer a quieter experience, late afternoons on weekdays are also a good option. Weekends and holidays are typically the busiest times, so plan accordingly if you want to take your time with the exhibits. Saturday evenings tend to be somewhat less crowded than Saturday daytime hours.
How do I book tickets for MoMA?
Tickets for MoMA can be purchased in advance through the museum's official website or at the ticket desk upon arrival. Purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons and weekends, as it allows you to select a preferred entry time and avoid long lines at the door.
Combo tickets that pair MoMA admission with other popular New York City attractions are also available and can provide meaningful savings. These bundled options are a convenient way to plan multiple visits in a single purchase.
How much do MoMA tickets cost?
Standard adult admission to MoMA is $25. Seniors aged 65 and over pay a reduced rate of $18, and students with a valid student ID can enter for $14. Children aged 16 and under enjoy free admission when accompanied by an adult.
Combo tickets that bundle MoMA with other attractions typically range from $14 to $25 per attraction depending on the package. These combo deals offer excellent value if you plan to visit multiple landmarks during your trip to New York City.