Plan Your Visit to MoMA Museum

Overview

The Museum of Modern Art, commonly known as MoMA, was founded in 1929 and has grown to become one of the largest and most influential modern art museums on the planet. The museum's permanent collection houses over 200,000 works spanning painting, sculpture, photography, film, architecture, design, drawing, prints, illustrated books, and media.

MoMA's collection features iconic works from virtually every major modern art movement, including Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, and beyond. Visitors can see masterpieces by artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo, Claude Monet, Henri Matisse, and Jackson Pollock. The museum also hosts rotating temporary exhibitions that spotlight emerging and established contemporary artists from around the globe.

Location & Hours

MoMA is located at 11 West 53rd Street, between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The museum occupies a prime location in one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city, surrounded by world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Minimum Required Duration

We recommend setting aside at least 2 to 3 hours for your MoMA visit. This allows enough time to see the museum's highlights without rushing, including the most popular galleries on the fourth and fifth floors and the beloved Sculpture Garden.

Art enthusiasts who wish to explore every gallery, temporary exhibition, and floor in detail should plan for 4 to 5 hours. If you are visiting with children or plan to dine at one of MoMA's restaurants, adding an extra hour is a good idea.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit MoMA is on weekdays, particularly Tuesday through Thursday. These days tend to see fewer visitors compared to weekends and holidays. For the lightest crowds, arrive right when the museum opens at 10:30 AM or visit during the late afternoon after 3:00 PM.

Weekends, especially Saturdays, draw the largest crowds. If you must visit on a weekend, Saturday evening is your best bet since MoMA stays open until 7:00 PM on Saturdays, and many visitors begin leaving after 5:00 PM. Avoid holiday weekends and school vacation periods if possible, as these are peak times for both domestic and international tourists.

Ways to Reach MoMA

MoMA's Midtown Manhattan location makes it easily accessible by a variety of transportation options. Here are the most popular ways to get there:

• Subway: Take the E or M train to 5th Avenue/53rd Street station, which is just steps from the museum entrance. Alternatively, the B, D, F, or M lines to 47-50 Streets/Rockefeller Center station are a short walk away.
• Bus: Several Manhattan bus routes pass near MoMA, including the M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M7, and M50. The M50 crosstown bus stops directly on 53rd Street.
• Taxi / Rideshare: Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can drop you off directly at 11 West 53rd Street. Traffic in Midtown can be heavy during rush hours, so allow extra time during peak periods.
• Walking: If you are staying in Midtown Manhattan, MoMA is within walking distance from many hotels. The museum is roughly a 10-minute walk from Times Square and a 5-minute walk from Rockefeller Center.
• Bike: Citi Bike docking stations are available near the museum. Cycling through Midtown is a convenient and enjoyable option, especially during warmer months.

For detailed directions from airports and other locations, see our How to Reach MoMA guide.

Parking

If you are driving to MoMA, there is a parking garage conveniently located at 20 West 53rd Street, just steps from the museum entrance. The garage is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Keep in mind that Midtown Manhattan parking is expensive, and street parking is extremely limited. Public transportation is generally the most affordable and convenient way to reach the museum.

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your MoMA experience, here are some important things to know before you arrive.

Dining Options

MoMA offers a range of dining experiences for visitors. The Modern, located on the first floor, is a fine-dining restaurant with stunning views of the Sculpture Garden and a menu crafted by acclaimed chefs. Cafe 2 on the second floor is a more casual option serving soups, sandwiches, salads, and pastries at moderate prices.

Terrace Cafe on the sixth floor provides seasonal dishes alongside panoramic views of the Midtown skyline. Espresso bars and snack stations are also located throughout the museum for quick refreshments between gallery visits.

Accessibility

MoMA is committed to providing an inclusive experience for all visitors. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators available to all gallery floors. Free wheelchairs are available at the coat check on a first-come, first-served basis. Assistive listening devices, large-print guides, and audio descriptions are available for select exhibitions.

Service animals are welcome throughout the museum. Visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing can request American Sign Language interpretation for tours and programs with advance notice. Tactile exploration opportunities are available in certain galleries for visitors who are blind or have low vision.

Amenities & Services

• Coat Check: A free coat check is available near the museum entrance. During winter months, this service can have long lines, so arrive early if possible.
• Gift Shop: The MoMA Design Store, located on the first floor and across the street, offers a wide selection of art books, prints, design objects, jewelry, and unique gifts inspired by the museum's collection.
• Free WiFi: Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the museum. Connect to the MoMA network and use the museum's mobile app for self-guided tours and gallery information.
• Guided Tours: MoMA offers daily guided tours led by knowledgeable educators. Tours are included with museum admission and cover highlights of the collection as well as current exhibitions.
• Audio Guide: A multimedia audio guide is available in multiple languages, providing in-depth commentary on hundreds of works in the collection.