There are so many museums in New York City, that it can be pretty overwhelming to pick one to visit. I would normally recommend the Met for it’s size and mix of ancient and modern artwork, but they’ve recently changed their admission policy and prices. Of all the museums and galleries in NYC, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is without a doubt well worth a look. It’s located in midtown Manhattan on 53rd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, it has free audio guides about the collections, a separate gift shop across the street and offers free/discounted admission to a whole list of select individuals.
The building has 6 floors of contemporary and modern art with two additional lower levels for film screenings. The types of artwork includes special exhibits, film screenings, paintings, photography, sculptures and gallery sessions. You can observe their ongoing collections from artists like Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, and Claude Monet. I would suggest taking the stairs or the elevator to the top floor and work your way down. Stop by Friday night to take part in their UNIQLO Free Fridays. It gets pretty busy so try arriving around 5:30 to 6pm. On you way out, don’t forget to stop by the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden. It’s a lovely space for relaxing, meeting up with friends after exploring the museum or enjoying even more artwork.
MoMA also have events and programs like the Warm Up, a summer outdoor music series. Warm Up 2018 presents the best in live and electronic music over 10 Saturdays in the summer. You’ll find more than 75 artists, including Cashmere Cat, DJ Kass, Kelsey Lu, Soul Summit, Josey Rebelle, Starchild + The New Romantic, Discwoman and DJ Kaye. According to their website, “This year’s program takes place within an architectural installation by Dream The Combine featuring large-scale, interactive mirrors. Warm Up attendees are encouraged to visit the galleries and explore exhibitions of artists from around the world.” The fun doesn’t stop offline. Visit their website to listen to the podcast series “A Piece of Work” hosted by Broad City’s Abbi Jacobson, or see if you qualify for a seasonal or 12-month internship.
If you still haven’t had enough contemporary art, there’s also the affiliate museum MoMA PS1 in Queens. This former Romanesque Revival style school building is just one stop from the midtown location and has three floors including a basement. Hang on to your MoMA ticket, because you can use it to visit PS1 for free for up to 14 days. Previously named P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center, the MoMA PS1 was founded in 1971 and in 2001 became affliated with the MoMA. At PS1, you’ll find even more contemporary art. Currently on exhibit are “Land” by Zhang Huan and Li Binyua, “Collar de Oaxaca” Ana Pellicer and “Hide & Seek” by the annual Young Architects Program winners Jennifer Newsom and Tom Carruthers.
Travel: The MoMA is within walking distance of the 1 & 2 train stop at 50th Street & 7th Ave, and also the E & M train stop at 53rd & 5th Ave. The MoMA PS1 in Queens is a few blocks from various Court Square Stations. There’s the 7 & G train stop at Court Square, and the E & M train stop at 23rd Street and Court Square.
Cost: As mentioned above, UNIQLO sponsors the UNIQLO Free Friday Nights. Admission is free on Fridays from 4pm to 8pm (closing). You have to pickup a ticket and check your bag. I would suggest leaving large bags/purses at home. At other times and days, admission is: $25 for adults, $18 for Seniors and $14 for students.
At the MoMA PS1, the admission is suggested: $10 for adults, $5 for Seniors & students, and free for all New York City residents.
At MoMA, admission is free for: select New York City college students, staff members from other museums, and a variety of government employees including active US military members. Children 16 years old and younger are always free.
Interesting Fact: MoMA owns almost two million film stills. The Museum’s Library and Archives contain the leading concentration of research material on modern art in the world.
