Home » Special Features » The World’s Best » Best Museums New York
These can’t-miss museums offer an array of attractions designed to mesmerize art addicts and curious gallery-goers alike. Distinguished by their modern art masterpieces, architectural triumphs, oddball collections, or undeniable cool factor, these are the best-in-class museums in the world’s hottest cities.
Best Museums in....
Best Unusual Museums
New York
Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum 2 E. 91st St., Upper East Side 212-849-8400 cooperhewitt.org
The Draw: This New York member of the Smithsonian is the only museum in the United States devoted exclusively to historic and contemporary design. The Scene: The museum is divided into four areas: Product Design and Decorative Arts; Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design; Textiles; and Wall Coverings. In addition to 60,000 books, you’ll also find blueprints for crucial works of architecture, decorative arts, gardens, and interiors. Mon–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 10am–6pm, Sun noon–6pm. $ Hot Tip: Don’t miss rare Michelangelo drawings or furniture design sketches by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
The Paley Center for Media 25 W. 52nd St., Midtown, 212-621-6800 paleycenter.org
The Draw: This wonderful museum pays homage to the legends of television and radio with tapes, photos, and fascinating memorabilia. The Scene: Intellectuals and rarely mobilized couch potatoes alike come to celebrate the best thing to happen to audiovisual arts since the transistor. Several theaters and screening rooms show classic programs, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead. Wed, Fri–Sun noon–6pm, Thu noon–8pm. $ Hot Tip: Make a reservation at the front desk to use the library, and watch or listen to programs of your choice in a private booth.
Tenement Museum 108 Orchard St., Lower East Side, 212-431-0233 tenement.org
The Draw: Though the Lower East Side is now peppered with popular rock bars, it was once where Ellis Island immigrants first unpacked their bags. This tenement-cum-museum tells their story. The Scene: The Tenement Museum is largely dedicated to the stories of Jews, who are most commonly associated with this neighborhood’s beginnings. Still, these exhibits fairly depict the hopes and hardships of the “huddled masses” who arrived at this shore, to which many people can trace back their roots today. Daily, first tour at 10am, last tour at 5pm. $$ Hot Tip: Bring comfortable walking shoes. Just like the building’s one-time tenants, you’ll have to ascend the 38 steps to reach the third floor, and no, there’s no elevator. All tours are guided, so reservations are recommended.
