NYC's Most Unique Museums - Explore 21 Unforgettable Exhibits in New York
New York City, a melting pot of culture and history, is home to a myriad of museums that cater to every interest. While the American Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Modern Art are undeniably popular, there are several lesser-known museums that offer fresh and enriching experiences. Here's a roundup of some of these hidden gems, highly recommended by real travelers.
The Morgan Library & Museum, nestled in midtown Manhattan, was once the personal library of financier J. Pierpont Morgan. This intimate museum houses a vast collection of rare books, manuscripts, drawings, and prints. Its manageable size makes it a unique find for those seeking something off the beaten path [1][3].
Next to the Museum of Natural History, the New-York Historical Society boasts a rich collection including New York City art and paintings, a replica of the White House Oval Room, a Picasso tapestry, and many priceless Tiffany lamps. Visitors have praised its engaging tours and unexpected treasures [2].
Situated on the Upper East Side, the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum is housed in the historic Andrew Carnegie Mansion, completed in 1902. It offers an opulent setting with gardens and a café, merging design history with a unique atmosphere [3].
The Morgan Library & Museum, the New-York Historical Society, and the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum provide a refreshing escape from the typical tourist spots while still being central and accessible in Manhattan [1][2][3].
One such museum that offers an unconventional experience is Mmuseumm, housed inside a freight elevator in Tribeca. Admission is free, making it an affordable option for all.
For those interested in New York's history, The City Reliquary in Williamsburg is a quirky museum with a bizarre collection of the city's history. Tickets for adults are $10, with discounts for students and children [4]. The Museum of Street Art (MoSA) and The New York Transit Museum also offer insights into the city's past, with tickets starting at $10 and $18 respectively [5][6].
For those with a passion for mathematics, the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) is a hands-on science centre dedicated to the subject. General admission tickets are $18, and $20 for a guided tour [7].
If you're intrigued by organized crime, the Museum of the American Gangster in the East Village offers a look at its dark history. Tickets are $15, with discounts for students and children [8].
The John Bowne House, built in 1661, is a quiet house hidden in Flushing, Queens. It is open every Wednesday from 1pm to 4pm [9].
For art enthusiasts, the Leslie Lohman Museum of Art focuses on visual arts created by LGBTQ artists, as well as art about LGBTQ themes and issues. Ticket prices depend on the experience booked [10].
Lastly, the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, situated on an aircraft carrier, offers a look at US military history and science. Tickets for adults are $24, with discounts for students and children [11].
For those who prefer interactive experiences, the Museum of Ice Cream (MOIC) offers fun games, a three-story slide, and a pool of sprinkles to jump in. Tickets for adults are $15, free for under 18s [12]. The Museum of Illusion is another small novelty museum with interactive exhibits that demonstrate different types of illusions. Admission is by suggested donation of $10 [13].
Lastly, SPYSCAPE is an interactive espionage-themed experience in New York City. Tickets for adults are $10, with discounts for students and children. It is also included on the Go City NYC Pass [14].
These museums provide a wealth of opportunities to explore New York City's cultural offerings beyond the well-known major museums, offering fresh, unique, and often more intimate experiences. Whether you're a history buff, a mathematics enthusiast, or an art lover, there's a museum in New York City that caters to your interests.
- The Morgan Library & Museum, with its intimate collection of rare books and manuscripts, is a unique find for those seeking a refreshing escape from typical tourist spots [1].
- The New-York Historical Society's engaging tours and unexpected treasures, such as a replica of the White House Oval Room and Picasso tapestries, have been highly praised by real travelers [2].
- Situated on the Upper East Side, the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, housed in the historic Andrew Carnegie Mansion, offers an opulent setting with gardens and a café, merging design history with a unique atmosphere [3].
- For those with various interests, from art to mathematics, history, and organized crime, there are numerous lesser-known museums in New York City catering to diverse tastes [4-8].
- Whether you're interested in art, science, history, or unconventional experiences, New York City's hidden gem museums offer fresh, unique, and often more intimate encounters beyond the well-known major museums [1-3, 7-13].
