Picture standing face to face with Van Gogh’s swirling Starry Night, Warhol’s soup cans, and Monet’s giant water lilies, all under one roof in the heart of New York City. That is the magic of MoMA, the museum that practically invented modern art as we know it.
Founded in 1929, the Museum of Modern Art sits in Midtown Manhattan and welcomes around three million visitors a year. It is world-famous, wonderfully walkable, and packed with masterpieces you have seen a thousand times in books and posters.
To help you make the most of your visit, this guide covers how the museum is laid out, the must-see works, tickets, timings, and a few handy tips along the way.
MoMA at a Glance
Before you plan your visit, it helps to know what makes MoMA so special. It is not a stuffy, old-fashioned museum, but a bright, modern space that tells the story of art from the 1880s right up to today, spread across six floors plus a peaceful sculpture garden.
To give you a sense of what is inside, MoMA is home to some of the most recognisable paintings on Earth, alongside photography, film, design, architecture, and bold contemporary installations. It is the kind of place where you can go from a Picasso to a piece of pop art to an immersive video room in a matter of minutes.
Best of all, its Midtown location makes it easy to fit into any New York trip. It sits just steps from Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park, so you can pair it with plenty of other sights in a single day.
How MoMA Is Laid Out, Floor by Floor
Now that you know the basics, here is the smart way to tackle it: MoMA is big, so understanding the floors first will save you time and tired feet. The trick most experts recommend is to start high and work your way down.
The crown jewel is Floor 5, which covers art from the 1880s to the 1940s and holds the museum’s most famous works. If you only have time for only one floor, make it this one. From there, Floor 4 picks up the story from the 1940s to the 1970s, with bold postwar movements like Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art.
Continuing down, Floors 2 and 3 are where things get surprising. These floors are filled with contemporary art, photography, design, and media that many visitors rush past but really should not. Meanwhile, Floor 6 hosts changing special exhibitions and a lovely terrace café. Finally, on the ground level, the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden offers a calm outdoor escape.
The Must-See Masterpieces at MoMA
With so much art on the walls, it helps to know the true showstoppers before you go. The good news is that most of the biggest names are gathered on Floor 5, so you can see them early before the crowds build.
The undisputed star is Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night, the swirling night sky that stops nearly every visitor in their tracks. Nearby, you will find Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, a groundbreaking work that helped kick off Cubism, along with Claude Monet’s Water Lilies, displayed in a serene gallery made for quiet reflection.
From there, the icons keep coming. You can gaze at the melting clocks of Salvador Dalí’s The Persistence of Memory, admire Henri Matisse’s Dance, and take in Piet Mondrian’s Broadway Boogie Woogie.
When you head down to Floor 4, look out for Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans and Gold Marilyn Monroe, plus powerful abstract works by Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and their peers.
Beyond the Paintings: Garden, Design, and More
While the famous paintings steal the spotlight, MoMA is so much more than pictures on a wall. Taking time to explore these extras is what turns a good visit into a great one.
A highlight for many is the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden, a leafy courtyard dotted with works by artists like Picasso and Rodin. It is a wonderful spot to rest, take photos, or enjoy a coffee, and it feels especially magical in spring, autumn, or near sunset.
Beyond the garden, the collection stretches far and wide. You can explore groundbreaking photography, design objects, architecture, and short films, as well as immersive installations that challenge what art can be.
And no visit is complete without a browse through the MoMA Design Store, a paradise of stylish gifts, home décor, and clever finds that make perfect souvenirs.
MoMA Tickets and Free Entry
With so much to see, it helps to know your ticket options before you go.
The standard admission ticket covers all six floors and the sculpture garden, and tickets come at different rates for adults, seniors, and students, while children under 16 always get in free.
There is also a brilliant money-saving perk worth knowing about. New York State residents can visit for free every Friday evening, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, as part of MoMA’s UNIQLO Friday Nights. You will need to reserve a free ticket in advance and expect bigger crowds, since Friday evenings are the busiest time of the week.
If you fancy seeing even more art, your MoMA ticket also gets you into MoMA PS1, the museum’s contemporary sister site in Queens.
When it comes to buying, the easiest way to sort your MoMA tickets is to book online in advance. With Thrillark, you get to grab a timed slot and skip the long entry line, which is a real time-saver in busy Midtown.
Planning Your Visit to MoMA
Once your tickets are sorted, a little planning goes a long way. Here is what you need to know at a glance:
Opening hours:
- Open daily, usually 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
- Fridays stay open later, until 8:30 pm
- Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas
How long to stay:
- Around 2 to 3 hours for the highlights on Floors 4 and 5
- 4 to 5 hours to enjoy all six floors and the garden
Best time to visit:
- Right after opening on a weekday is the quietest
- Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are especially calm
- See The Starry Night early before the crowds arrive
Handy tips:
- Start on Floor 5 and work your way down
- Backpacks must be worn on the front or carried at your side
- Only pencils are allowed for sketching in the galleries
- Grab the free audio guide via the Bloomberg Connects app
- The museum is wheelchair accessible, with a free Hey Kids! activity guide for families
Getting There and Where to Eat
Reaching MoMA is refreshingly easy, since it sits right in the middle of Midtown Manhattan on West 53rd Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
Getting there:
- Take the subway to Fifth Avenue-53rd Street (E or M lines)
- Or hop off at 47-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center (B, D, F, or M lines)
- It is an easy walk from Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park
- Enter through the main doors on 53rd Street
Where to eat:
- The Modern, an elegant Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking the garden
- Café 2, a casual, family-friendly spot with Italian-inspired dishes
- Terrace Café on Floor 6 for coffee, pastries, and light bites
- Countless Midtown restaurants are just a short stroll away
Curious about what else New York offers it’s guests? Just check out our complete New York Guide.
At the end of the day, MoMA is where the story of modern art truly comes to life, from Van Gogh’s glowing night sky to Warhol’s playful soup cans and a garden full of sculptures in the middle of the city. Whether you are a devoted art lover or simply curious to see the classics in person, it is a New York experience you will never forget.
So do not just admire it in books; go and see it for real. Book your tickets on Thrillark, skip the line, and step straight into a world of masterpieces.
Frequently Asked Questions About MoMA
What is MoMA, and where is it located?
MoMA, or The Museum of Modern Art, is a world-famous museum in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Founded in 1929, it sits on West 53rd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, just steps from Rockefeller Center. It is dedicated to modern and contemporary art from the 1880s right up to today.
What are the must-see artworks at MoMA?
The must-see artworks at MoMA include Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, and Monet’s Water Lilies. You should also look out for Dalí’s The Persistence of Memory, Matisse’s Dance, and Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans. Most of the biggest names are gathered on Floor 5, making them easy to find.
How is MoMA laid out across its floors?
MoMA spreads its collection across six floors, with the most famous works on Floor 5, covering the 1880s to the 1940s. Floor 4 continues with postwar art, while Floors 2 and 3 hold contemporary pieces, photography, and design. Floor 6 hosts special exhibitions, and the ground-floor sculpture garden offers a peaceful outdoor break.
Where is The Starry Night at MoMA?
Van Gogh’s The Starry Night is displayed on Floor 5 at MoMA, in the museum’s celebrated permanent collection galleries. It is one of the most popular works in the building, so the area around it gets busy quickly. Visiting early in the day gives you the best chance to see it without a big crowd.
How long should I spend at MoMA?
Most visitors spend around 2 to 3 hours at MoMA to see the highlights on Floors 4 and 5. If you want to explore all six floors and the sculpture garden, allow 4 to 5 hours. How long you linger really depends on how much you enjoy reading about each work.
What are MoMA’s opening hours?
MoMA is generally open daily from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm, with later hours until 8:30 pm on Fridays. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is always worth checking the latest times before you set off.
Is MoMA free at any time?
Yes, MoMA offers free admission to New York State residents every Friday evening, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, as part of its UNIQLO Friday Nights. A free ticket must be reserved in advance, and proof of residency is required. Children under 16 also visit for free at any time, though Friday evenings are the busiest slot of the week.
Is MoMA good for kids?
Yes, MoMA can be a fun and inspiring visit for children, with colourful, recognisable works that spark curiosity. Families can pick up a free Hey Kids! activity guide with drawing and writing prompts to do in the galleries. Admission is also free for anyone under 16, making it easy on the family budget.
How do I get to MoMA by subway?
Getting to MoMA by subway is simple, thanks to its central Midtown location. You can take the E or M lines to Fifth Avenue-53rd Street, or the B, D, F, or M lines to Rockefeller Center. From either stop, the museum is just a short and well-signed walk away.
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