The 10 Best Museums in New York, United States

November 5, 2021 Christa Meece

New York State has it all – booming metropolises, majestic waterfalls, mountains, wine country, chicken wings. Yes, NYC is a magnet for tourists, but an exploration of the rest of the state can be equally thrilling. The Finger Lakes Wine Region is a vision of serene waters, quaint B&Bs, and pretty vineyards. Movie buffs will love Rochester, home of the George Eastman House and one of the world’s most comprehensive film archives. On your way to Niagara Falls, stop in Buffalo to fuel up on spicy wings.
Restaurants in New York

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

1000 5th Ave, New York City, NY 10028-0198 +1 212-535-7710 [email protected] http://www.metmuseum.org
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 54,604 reviews

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

At New York City's most visited museum and attraction, you will experience over 5,000 years of art from around the world. The Met is for anyone as a source of inspiration, insight and understanding. You can learn, escape, play, dream, discover, connect.

Reviewed By cmasb - Rickmansworth, United Kingdom

We have wanted to visit here for ages and finally made it. It did not disappoint. There is no way you can see everything in any museum of any stature such as the Met. Choose what you are interested in and focus on just a few items. Our passions include European paintings from the 15th to early 19th centuries and we were indulged: incredible works by Velasquez, Goya, David, Brueghel, Rembrandt, Hals, Vermeer etc etc. You cannot be disappointed. We also visited the Graeco-Roman and Egyptian galleries, which were also fascinating. It was busy even on a Monday in schooltime. We booked tickets ahead, which saved us time queuing, so it might be worth your time doing the same thing. We had a nice but rather expensive lunch in the cafeteria in the basement. Sandwiches at $15? They didn’t even have caviar in them (but were tasty).

2. Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum

4097 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538-1917 +1 845-486-7770 [email protected] http://fdrlibrary.org
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,511 reviews

Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum

Historic site features the home and estate of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Springwood, and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, the only Presidential Library used by a sitting president. It was conceived and built under President Roosevelt's direction and opened to the public in 1941.The Library's mission is to foster research and education on the life and times of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, and their continuing impact on contemporary life. Our work is carried out by four major areas: Archives, Museum, Education and Public Programs.

Reviewed By R4960NKjustinw - Hasbrouck Heights, United States

I have been on the tour of Springwood many times but not at the holidays. The tour was really interesting of birthplace of FDR and the home of his mother, Sara Delano Roosevelt. The house was supposed to be decorated for the holidays but only a Christmas tree in the library and the dining room set for dinner were the only holiday decorations in the house. The mansion will be going through a full renovation in April and then will be closed for a year so tour it now! The park ranger gave us an informative tour of the family, when the house was built and the additions added on, how the family grew here and the role the house played in the history of the United States especially in World War II. FDR continued to visit here after he became President and used it as his summer White House. Still it was his mother's home and Sara's influences are all over the house. Unlike other mansions, you could tell this was someone's home that was used at all times of the year. You can really see the family influences all over the house as if someone was still living here. It is a great tour and take time to visit the museum and walk through all the exhibits. It really does take two or three days to tour the house.

3. The Strong National Museum of Play

1 Manhattan Square Dr, Rochester, NY 14607-3941 +1 585-263-2700 [email protected] http://www.museumofplay.org/
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,156 reviews

The Strong National Museum of Play

The Strong is a highly interactive, collections-based museum devoted to the history and exploration of play. It is one of the largest history museums in the United States and one of the leading museums serving families. The Strong houses the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of historical materials related to play and is home to the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, the National Toy Hall of Fame, the World Video Game Hall of Fame, the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play, the Woodbury School, and the American Journal of Play. Together, these enable a multifaceted array of research, exhibition, and other interpretive and educational activities that serve a diverse audience of adults, families, children, students, teachers, scholars, collectors, and others around the globe.

Reviewed By V7823XUmichaelb

This museum is fun for all ages and for hours! They have a mini Wegmans, toys HOF, a butterfly exhibit and so much more! Fabulous.

4. Corning Museum of Glass

1 Museum Way, Corning, NY 14830-2253 +1 607-937-5371 [email protected] http://www.cmog.org
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,696 reviews

Corning Museum of Glass

From children looking for an adventure to artists looking for inspiration, there is something for everyone at The Corning Museum of Glass. The world's largest glass museum offers the opportunity to browse 3500 years of glassmaking history in the collection galleries. See works ranging from a small Egyptian pharaoh head to enormous works by Tiffany and discover the wonder and artistry behind glassmaking. Explore the day-lit Contemporary Art + Design Galleries which house the best of the last 30 years in glass, and a 500-seat Amphitheater Hot Shop, a space dedicated to live glass demos and design sessions. See glass created before your eyes during a live, narrated Hot Glass Demo, and be inspired to experience glassmaking for yourself during a Make Your Own Glass experience, with projects for all ages for an additional fee (reservations available online). Best of all, kids and teens 17 and under are free! Advance tickets required. Tickets are valid for two consecutive days.

Reviewed By DEP3 - Binghamton, United States

If you love glass, this is the place for you.Beautifully laid out, with exquisite temporary and permanent exhibits. Lots of demonstrations of glassblowing, ability to make your own objet d’art, as well as a huge gift shop with Pyrex, Corelle, Steuben Glass, jewelry, trinkets,glass gift items, games, and more and more. A definite highlight of Corning, not to be missed.

5. USS Slater DE-766

Broadway and Quay Street, Albany, NY 12202-1002 +1 518-431-1943 [email protected] http://www.ussslater.org/
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 432 reviews

USS Slater DE-766

During World War II 563 Destroyer Escorts battled Nazi U-Boats on the North Atlantic protecting convoys of men and supplies. In the Pacific, they stood first in line to defend naval task forces from Kamikaze attacks. Today only one remains afloat in America. Step back in time. Return to 1945 aboard USS SLATER. See how Sailors worked, hear the sounds of a living ship, touch a piece of American history, and walk the decks where hundreds of Sailors have walked before.

Reviewed By Q5053BDscotta

Having visited most of the WWII museum ships on the east coast (and some on the west), I can say that the USS Slater beat them all in terms of a restoration that made you feel as though you were on the ship when it was in service. My nine-year-old son, who only had a passing interest in WWII, loved the tour, which included tour guide (Austin) demonstrations as to how to get into a top bunk, direct an anti-aircraft gun, and use a signal light. My son particularly liked seeing and holding munitions that were near some of the armament on board because it gave him a greater appreciation for the effort that gun crews needed to expend when defending the ship. The guide answered my son’s many questions that ranged from medical care, living conditions, and general quarters patiently and clearly. My son has already made me promise to take him to see the U.S.S. Massachusetts at Falls River the U.S.S. Intrepid in New York.

6. Motorcyclepedia Museum

250 Lake St, Newburgh, NY 12550-5262 +1 845-569-9065 http://motorcyclepediamuseums.com
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 166 reviews

Motorcyclepedia Museum

Reviewed By juliemD1269RB

What an amazing place. So much to see so much to learn about. The most amazing collection information. Very knowledgeable staff that brought a lot of the information to life as well. Place is spotless the machines I just can’t say enough how amazing this collection is this is a must see!

7. Phelps Mansion Museum

191 Court St, Binghamton, NY 13901-3503 +1 607-722-4873 [email protected] http://phelpsmansion.org
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 176 reviews

Phelps Mansion Museum

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR AN UPDATE ABOUT TOUR TIMES AND AVAILABILITY: The Phelps Mansion is a Historic House museum. We are open for tours Fri-Sun(Last tour at 3:30pm) Reservations are strongly encouraged. Admission is $7 students and senior 62 and over $5, kids 12 and under free. Come see the "jewel on Court st". Visitors to the Phelps Mansion should enter through the ballroom entrance located down the driveway side of the mansion. (Look for the open flag)

Reviewed By 129lorie

My favorite part of the tour was admiring the amazingly beautiful woodwork. It was also interesting to learn of how Mr. Phelps made his money. We were also informed about how the gas lighting was converted to electric. There were several photos of nearby historic places which our guide was quite knowledgeable of. There was even a gift shop with many interesting books. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Phelps Mansion and reccommend it to others.

8. National Comedy Center

203 W 2nd St, Jamestown, NY 14701-4903 +1 716-484-2222 [email protected] http://comedycenter.org/
Excellent
85%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 261 reviews

National Comedy Center

The National Comedy Center is the United States' official cultural institution and museum dedicated to presenting the vital story of comedy and preserving its heritage for future generations. Recently named the “Best New Museum” in the country by USA Today, and one of the "World's Greatest Places" by TIME magazine, the Comedy Center offers a visitor experience filled with laughter – featuring state-of-the-art technology, interactivity and personalization to create a one-of-a-kind, immersive museum environment perfect for the entire family. Based on the vision of Jamestown, NY native Lucille Ball for her hometown of Jamestown, NY to become a destination for comedy, the National Comedy Center showcases comedy's great minds and unique voices in ways that engage, inspire, educate and entertain. The Center’s award-winning LaughSafe program will keep everyone laughing safely, touch-free and worry-free throughout their socially-distanced experience in its expansive 37,000-square-foot museum.

Reviewed By marksinghTO - Toronto, Canada

I think the National Comedy Centre is worth a drive to Jamestown, tbh. The use of technology to personalize and enhance your experience is quite awesome. My favourites included seeing some uber-famous costumes up close and personal, comedy karaoke (turns out, I'm hilarious!), the Blue Room, celebrating the non-PG side of comedy and more. On top of it all, they have a bar with reusable "to-go" cups - and you're allowed "to go" anywhere in the museum with your reasonably-priced drink. So bloody civilized. A must-visit!

9. National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

25 Main St, Cooperstown, Otsego, NY 13326-1330 +1 607-547-7200 [email protected] http://baseballhall.org/visit
Excellent
79%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,619 reviews

National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

The National Baseball Hall of Fame is a nonprofit committed to preserving the history of America's pastime and celebrating the legendary players, managers, umpires and executives who have made the game a fan favorite for more than a century. Preserving History. Honoring Excellence. Connecting Generations.

Reviewed By disneyguy333 - Clifton Park, United States

Although I have been to the Hall of Fame several times over the past several years, it never gets old and it's constantly being updated. On this visit I ventured to the 3rd floor for the first time in a few years and was impressed with the amazing exhibits on stadiums, statistics and new interactive displays. The actuall Hall was decorated for the Christmas season and there were many displays celebrating the 2017 World Champion Houston Astros. Although the World Series exhibit won't be open for a while, there were highlights of the game playing :) Overall a great visit and definitely worth the trip from anywhere for true baseball fans.

10. Women's Rights National Historical Park

136 Fall St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148-1517 +1 315-568-0024 http://www.nps.gov/wori/index.htm
Excellent
58%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 425 reviews

Women's Rights National Historical Park

Women's Rights National Historical Park tells the story of the first Women's Rights Convention held in Seneca Falls, NY on July 19-20,1848.

Reviewed By chasinUpstateNewYork - Romulus, United States

Everyone of us has a Mother. And many of us have sisters or wives. And 51% of the population is female. This museum is a MUST SEE! The Birthplace of Woman's Rights in the United States; come see where the battle was formalized. Read the declaration of sentiments. Understand why Woman's Rights are EVERYONE'S Rights.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.