Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) NYC – About, History & Visitor Information (2025)

Discover the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City — a global hub for modern and contemporary art. Learn about its founding, evolution, must-see masterpieces, current exhibits, and essential visitor details for your 2025 trip.

About the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Founded in 1929, MoMA stands in Midtown Manhattan as one of the most influential art museums in the world. Its collection spans from late 19th-century modernism to cutting-edge contemporary art, photography, film, and design. With over 200,000 artworks, MoMA offers visitors an unparalleled window into the evolution of creativity.

What You’ll See

Masterpieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, Matisse, Warhol, Kahlo, Pollock, and many more fill MoMA’s bright galleries. You’ll find icons like The Starry Night, Campbell’s Soup Cans, and Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.

Why It’s Special

MoMA revolutionized how we view art — celebrating experimentation and new media. From abstract expressionism to video installations, it remains a space where the past meets the future of creativity.

History & Milestones

  • 1929: Founded by Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, Lillie P. Bliss, and Mary Quinn Sullivan with just 8 prints and 1 drawing.
  • 1939: Moved to its permanent home on 53rd Street, designed by Goodwin and Stone — a modernist landmark in itself.
  • 1960s–1990s: Expanded to include photography, film, architecture, and design — establishing MoMA as a multidisciplinary leader.
  • 2004: Reopened after a major renovation by Yoshio Taniguchi, doubling gallery space and adding minimalist design features.
  • 2019–2025: The latest expansion integrated new galleries and public spaces — a $450 million transformation for the next century of art.

Did you know? MoMA’s first director, Alfred H. Barr Jr., envisioned it as a “laboratory” — a place where the public could see the world’s newest art before it was widely accepted. That mission continues today.

Tours & Ticket Options

Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket

Enjoy direct entry to MoMA’s galleries and sculpture garden. Explore at your own pace and skip long lines during peak hours.

MoMA Before-Hours Tour

Experience the museum before it opens to the public. A small-group guided tour with an art expert offers a calm, focused introduction to MoMA’s highlights and hidden gems.

MoMA + Manhattan Walking Tour

Combine your MoMA visit with a guided walk through Manhattan’s cultural core. See architecture, street art, and landmarks that complement MoMA’s creative spirit.

Tip: Most GetYourGuide MoMA tickets include free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit and accept mobile e-tickets — no printing required.

What You’ll Experience

Galleries & Collections

The museum’s six floors feature diverse art — from early modern paintings to interactive installations. Don’t miss the sculpture garden, photography galleries, and design innovations that shaped our modern world.

  1. See over 200,000 works across 6 levels.
  2. Explore film screenings, digital art, and live talks.
  3. Relax at The MoMA Sculpture Garden — an oasis amid Midtown.

Learning & Innovation

MoMA is also a center for art education — with programs, lectures, and the MoMA Design Store, which celebrates creativity through products inspired by art itself.

Photography & Etiquette: Personal photography is allowed (no flash or tripods). Be respectful of other visitors and artworks.

Visitor Information

Address

11 West 53rd Street, New York, NY 10019, between Fifth and Sixth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.

Opening Hours

Typically open 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily; extended hours on weekends or special events. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Getting There

Nearest subway: E/M trains to Fifth Ave–53rd St or B/D/F/M to 47–50 St Rockefeller Center.

Facilities

Wheelchair accessible, restrooms, cafés, gift shop, and Wi-Fi throughout. Audio guides available for multiple languages.

Duration

Allow 2–3 hours to explore comfortably; longer if you include film screenings or the MoMA Design Store.

Nearby Attractions

Central Park, Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Times Square are all within a 10-minute walk.

Plan Your Visit to MoMA, New York City

Discover the world’s most iconic modern art museum. From timeless masterpieces to bold new exhibitions — book your MoMA tickets and tours easily online for 2025.