Top of the Rock and Museum of Modern Art Ticket
Two of New York City’s most iconic destinations sit just blocks apart in Midtown Manhattan, and this combo ticket brings them together in one convenient package. Pair the sweeping panoramic views from Top of the Rock with the world-class art collection at the Museum of Modern Art for a day that captures both the grandeur and the creative spirit of the city.
With a single purchase, you unlock access to one of the most famous observation decks on Earth and one of the most influential art museums ever established. This is the ultimate Midtown Manhattan experience, combining culture, architecture, and unforgettable skyline views.
About Top of the Rock
Top of the Rock is the renowned observation deck atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza, rising 70 floors above the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Situated within the historic Rockefeller Center complex, it offers some of the most spectacular views available anywhere in New York City. From the open-air observation platforms, visitors can see the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Chrysler Building, the Freedom Tower, the Hudson River, and even the Statue of Liberty on clear days.
The deck features multiple levels of indoor and outdoor viewing platforms, including a completely unobstructed top deck with no glass barriers, allowing for pristine photographs and an unfiltered connection with the cityscape. The experience begins with an immersive multimedia presentation about the history of Rockefeller Center as you ascend to the top, setting the stage for the awe-inspiring views that await.
About the Museum of Modern Art
MoMA stands as one of the world’s most important repositories of modern and contemporary art. Its collection includes more than 200,000 works spanning painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, architecture, design, film, and media. The museum’s galleries house masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Salvador Dalí, and countless other pioneering artists.
Beyond its permanent collection, MoMA presents a dynamic schedule of special exhibitions that explore new movements, underrepresented voices, and cutting-edge creative practices. The museum’s Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden offers a serene outdoor space to enjoy large-scale works surrounded by the Midtown skyline. MoMA is not just a museum; it is a living chronicle of artistic innovation.
Combo Ticket Highlights
This combo ticket is crafted for visitors who want to make the most of their time in Midtown Manhattan. Here is what sets it apart:
- Admission to both Top of the Rock and MoMA— A single ticket provides entry to both venues, eliminating the need for separate purchases and saving you money.
- Skip-the-line access— Enjoy timed entry that lets you bypass the general admission queue at both attractions, reducing your wait time significantly.
- Flexible visit window— Use your ticket at both venues within a 14-day window. Visit on the same day or split across different days depending on your schedule and the weather.
- Audio guides included— Access free audio guides at MoMA to deepen your understanding of the collection, with expert commentary available in multiple languages.
- Multiple viewing platforms at Top of the Rock— Enjoy three levels of observation decks, including an open-air rooftop with unobstructed 360-degree views of the New York City skyline.
What’s Included
Every element of this combo ticket is designed to maximize your experience at both attractions:
- General admission to Top of the Rock observation deck, including all three viewing levels and the multimedia elevator experience.
- Full access to MoMA’s permanent collection galleries across all floors, covering painting, sculpture, photography, design, and more.
- Entry to all current special exhibitions at MoMA at no additional charge.
- Free audio guide at MoMA, accessible on your personal device or available at the information desk.
- Complimentary admission to MoMA PS1 in Long Island City within 14 days of your MoMA visit.
- Access to the MoMA Design Store, where you can browse art books, prints, and unique design objects inspired by the collection.
What to Expect
One of the greatest advantages of this combo ticket is the flexibility it offers. You can visit Top of the Rock and MoMA on the same day or on entirely different days within the 14-day validity period. There is no time limit at either venue, so you can explore at your own pace without pressure.
For the best experience, consider visiting Top of the Rock early in the morning or during the late afternoon golden hour when the light over Manhattan is at its most dramatic. At MoMA, mornings tend to be quieter, giving you a more intimate experience with the artwork. Late afternoon visits to the museum are also pleasant, as many tour groups have already departed.
Both attractions are located within easy walking distance of each other in Midtown. Top of the Rock is at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, and MoMA is at 11 West 53rd Street, making it effortless to combine both into a single outing or to visit them on separate days as part of a broader exploration of the neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Top of the Rock and MoMA on different days?
Yes, this combo ticket offers the flexibility to visit Top of the Rock and MoMA on different days. You are not required to see both attractions in a single day, which is especially useful if you want to take your time at each venue. The ticket is typically valid for 14 days from the first use, giving you ample time to schedule both visits at your convenience.
Many visitors choose to split their visits so they can fully immerse themselves in each experience without feeling rushed. This flexibility also lets you plan around the weather, saving your Top of the Rock visit for a clear day with maximum visibility.
What is the best time to visit Top of the Rock?
The best time to visit Top of the Rock depends on the experience you are looking for. For the clearest, most expansive views, early morning visits shortly after opening tend to have the best visibility and the smallest crowds. You can see for miles on a clear morning without competing for space at the observation rails.
Sunset is another popular time, as the city skyline transforms with golden light and then transitions into a glittering nighttime panorama. Keep in mind that sunset slots are the most popular and may sell out quickly, so booking in advance is highly recommended if you want to see the city at golden hour.
Are there photography restrictions at MoMA or Top of the Rock?
Photography for personal use is allowed at both MoMA and Top of the Rock, with a few guidelines. At MoMA, non-flash photography is permitted in the permanent collection galleries. However, some temporary exhibitions may have specific restrictions posted at the gallery entrance, so be sure to check signage before taking photos.
At Top of the Rock, photography is freely allowed throughout the observation deck. Tripods and selfie sticks are generally not permitted for safety reasons and to avoid obstructing other visitors. Both venues offer excellent photo opportunities, so bringing a charged camera or smartphone is strongly recommended.
Is there a time limit for visiting either attraction?
There is no strict time limit at either MoMA or Top of the Rock. Once you enter MoMA, you are free to spend as long as you wish exploring the galleries, attending programs, or relaxing in the sculpture garden. Most visitors spend between 2 and 4 hours at the museum depending on their level of interest.
At Top of the Rock, there is also no enforced time limit. Visitors typically spend between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours on the observation deck, depending on the weather and how many photos they want to take. You are welcome to linger and enjoy the views at your own pace.