New York’ s MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) is a must-see for any visitor to the Big Apple. Open since 1929, this temple of modern art sits proudly in Midtown Manhattan and houses an exceptional collection of over 200,000 works. Even if you’re not a fervent fan of contemporary art, you’ll be surprised to recognise so many famous works that you’ve already seen in reproductions. The museum’s international prestige is not misplaced – it is truly one of the most impressive collections of modern art in the world.
MoMA: A temple of modern art in the heart of Manhattan
Located in the heart of Manhattan, between 5th and 6th Avenues, MoMA has undergone major expansion work in recent years. This major renovation has increased the exhibition space by 30%, raising the number of works on show to 2,400 per year from 1,500 previously. This quantitative leap has been accompanied by a qualitative overhaul of the museum’s itinerary, creating new bridges between established artists and emerging talents.
The evolution of a major cultural institution
The Museum of Modern Art, which everyone calls MoMA, is located in Manhattan, south of Central Park. It was inaugurated on 7 November 1929, 9 days after the terrible stock market crash of 1929.
This project for a museum dedicated to modern art was initiated by Mrs Abby Aldrich Rockefeller (the wife of the philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr.), Lillie P. Bliss and Cornelius J. Sullivan. Their aim was to challenge the conservative policies of American museums, and to open up spaces for the creators of modern art.
The building was designed by architects Goodwin and Edward Durell Stone, before being extensively redesigned by Philip Johnson Associates and landscape architect James Fanning.
Further renovations and changes were carried out in 1985 by the architects Cesar Pelli & Associates and Edward Durell Stone Associates. Between 2002 and 2004, MoMA closed its doors to be completely redesigned, this time by Japanese architect Yoshio Taniguchi.
Modern art in all its splendour
MoMA’s collections: a chronological journey through modern art
MoMA ‘s main strength lies in its organisation by period and by floor, offering a fluid chronological journey through the history of modern art. For the best visit, start at the top and work your way down – you’ll be travelling through time, from the origins of modern art to the present day.
The 5th floor: the golden age from 1880 to 1940
It’s on the 5th floor that you’ll find the museum’s most emblematic works, covering the period from 1880 to 1940. Here you’ll find the giants of modern art: Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dalí and Gustav Klimt. This section is the historic heart of the collection, and brings together mainly paintings that revolutionised the history of art. Fans will instantly recognise some of the masterpieces that shaped the visual culture of the 20th century.
The 4th floor: post-war and pop art (1940-1970)
Descending to the 4th floor, you enter the 1940-1970 era, a rich period that saw the birth of abstract expressionism and pop art. Here you can admire the action paintings of Jackson Pollock, the colourful works ofHenri Matisse, and the pop art icons of Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. Unlike the fifth floor, which focuses more on traditional painting, this area includes more works of architecture and design, reflecting the broadening of artistic practices after the Second World War.
The 3rd floor: contemporary art from 1970 to the present day
The 3rd floor plunges visitors into the most recent art, from 1970 to the present day. It is here that forms become more experimental, with the imposing steel sculptures of Richard Serra, Jeff Koons ‘ famous “Pink Panther” and the characteristic blurred portraits of Gerhard Richter. If you are less familiar with contemporary art, this section may seem more confusing, but it offers a fascinating insight into the directions in which contemporary art is heading.
MoMA’s new spaces: beyond traditional exhibitions
Following its expansion, MoMA has developed several innovative spaces that transform the museum experience. These new areas reflect a more interactive and dynamic vision of art, inviting the public to participate rather than simply observe.
The Studio: art in motion
The Studio is an open space dedicated to mixed art performances, where sculpture, music and dance come together in ephemeral creations. It embodies the museum’s commitment to showcasing art in all its forms, beyond the traditional media on display in the main galleries.
Creativity Lab: participatory art
With the Creativity Lab, MoMA offers a platform for debate where visitors are invited to speak out and interact with the works in a more engaged way. This initiative reflects the changing role of museums, which are becoming places of exchange rather than simply exhibition spaces.
Free exhibitions on the ground floor
One of the major post-renovation innovations is the introduction of free temporary exhibitions accessible directly from the street, on the ground floor of the museum. This initiative democratises access to art and allows passers-by to immerse themselves in the world of MoMA without necessarily visiting the whole museum. A perfect foretaste for the undecided!
Practical information: plan your visit to MoMA
Opening times and prices
MoMA is open Sunday to Friday from 10.30am to 5.30pm and Saturday from 10.30am to 7pm. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission is €29 for adults, €17 for students and €22 for senior citizens. Good news for families: admission is free for under-16s. A full tour of the main collections takes around two hours, but enthusiasts will easily be able to spend the whole day there.
Location and access
The museum is located at 11 West 53rd Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues, in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. To get there by public transport, take the EM underground to the 5th Avenue – 53rd Street station, then walk for about 5 minutes. Alternatively, the M1, M2, M3, M4 or M5 buses will drop you off right next door at the 5th Avenue & West 54 Street stop.
Reservations and ticket sales
As MoMA is one of the most popular museums in New York, queues can quickly become interminable, especially after 11am. To maximise your visiting time, it’s essential to buy your tickets online in advance. This will allow you direct access to the museum without going through the ticket office.
Accessibility and regulations
MoMA is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility, with adapted toilets on all floors. Photos without flash are permitted for private use, but videos, tripods and selfie poles are prohibited. If you are carrying a rucksack, you must hold it in your hand or carry it on your front to avoid any accidental contact with the works.
For families, please note that pushchairs are allowed in the museum but not on the escalators. MoMA also offers free Wi-Fi, which is very useful for accessing the digital map and the audio content available on the museum’s app.
Tips for a successful visit to MoMA
Perfect timing
To take full advantage of the collections without being overwhelmed by the crowds, arrive early in the morning, ideally 30 minutes before the official opening. That way, you can be among the first to enter and admire the most famous works at your leisure. While you wait, make the most of the sculpture garden, which opens at 9.30am.
A word of advice: avoid Friday afternoons at all costs. The UNIQLO Free Friday Nights programme, which used to be open to everyone, is now reserved for New Yorkers, but continues to attract huge crowds, making the visit less enjoyable for tourists.
Tour strategy
For a coherent chronological tour, start your visit on the 5th floor and gradually work your way down to the lower floors. If your time is limited (and in New York it often is!), concentrate on the 4th and 5th floors, which house the museum’s most emblematic works.
During your visit, don’t hesitate to take regular breaks – modern art sometimes requires a certain intellectual and visual effort. The museum has several rest areas, some of which offer magnificent views over Manhattan.
On-site catering
To recharge your batteries without leaving the museum, there are two options: Café 2 on the second floor, perfect for a full lunch, and the Terrace Café on the sixth floor, ideal for a coffee break or a cocktail with a view. Both of these establishments can be visited without a museum ticket, but are a pleasant complement to your cultural visit.
Tips and tricks for saving money
Tourist passes that include MoMA
If you’re planning to visit several attractions in New York, investing in a tourist pass can prove very economical. The New York Explorer Pass (from €74 for 3 activities and €65 for children aged 3 to 12) includes admission to the MoMA, with unrestricted access. Similarly, the New York Pass and the Go New York Explorer Pass cover admission to the museum, so you can make substantial savings over your entire stay.
Save on admission to the Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art is available with The New York Pass, Go City and Sightseeing Pass. Book one of these to visit attractions at the best prices.
MoMA PS1 Bonus
Your MoMA ticket automatically gives you free access to MoMA PS1 within 14 days of your visit. Located in Long Island City, this arts centre is dedicated to emerging artists and experimental art forms. A great opportunity to extend your artistic experience while getting off the beaten track in Manhattan!
The MoMA boutiques
MoMA’s shops are well worth a visit, even if you’re not a big souvenir collector. Inside the museum, you’ll find quality reproductions of the works on display, as well as a range of related objects. For design lovers, don’t miss the MoMA Design Store, located just opposite the museum at 44 West 53rd Street. Here you can find unique design objects, often created in limited editions by contemporary artists.
Exclusive experiences and special tours
Pre-opening VIP tour
For visitors looking for a truly exclusive experience, MoMA offers VIP tours before the official opening time. Accompanied by a professional art historian, your small group will be alone in the galleries, offering you unparalleled proximity to the masterpieces. This premium option includes regular admission for the day, allowing you to stay in the museum after the guided tour.
Combinations with other attractions
MoMA ‘s central location in Midtown makes it easy to combine its visit with other major tourist attractions. A particularly effective formula is to start the day at Top of the Rock (the observation platform at Rockefeller Center), then make a stop at the majestic St Patrick’s Cathedral before returning to MoMA for an afternoon of culture.
MoMA: an unmissable cultural experience
MoMA isn’t just a museum – it’s a cultural institution that has profoundly shaped our understanding of modern and contemporary art. Even if you only have two hours for your visit, the exceptional quality of the works on display will make it a memorable moment of your stay in New York.
For first-time visitors to the city, concentrate on levels 4 and 5, which contain the most iconic works. For returning visitors or those with more time on their hands, feel free to explore all the floors and take advantage of the regularly changing temporary exhibitions.
Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or simply curious to discover works whose reputation has crossed borders, MoMA will surprise you with the richness and diversity of its collections. In a city with no shortage of cultural attractions, the Museum of Modern Art remains a unique experience that amply deserves its place on any New York itinerary.
