Quick Overview

Address: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019 (between 5th & 6th Ave).
Main Entrances: 11 W 53rd St (primary), and 18 W 54th St (additional access).
Closest Subway: F/M to 47–50 St Rockefeller Center · E/M to 5 Av/53 St · B/D/F/M to 47–50 St. Short walk from N/R/W at 57 St and 1 at 50 St.

Best First-Time Route

Take the E/M to 5 Av/53 St and walk one block west to 53rd St; MoMA is mid-block between 5th & 6th Ave.

From Rockefeller Center

From 47–50 St Rockefeller Ctr (B/D/F/M), walk 5–7 minutes east along W 50–53rd St toward 5th/6th Ave. Clear museum signage.

Book Timed Entry Before-Hours Tour

Option 1 — From Times Square / West Side

Great if you’re near Times Square, Port Authority, or Broadway theaters.

  • Subway (fast): From Times Sq–42 St, take B/D/F/M to 47–50 St Rockefeller Ctr, then walk 5–7 minutes to MoMA.
  • Alternative: N/R/W to 57 St; walk 7–10 minutes south/east to W 53rd St.
  • Walk: 15–18 minutes along 6th Ave (Avenue of the Americas) north to W 53rd St, then east mid-block.

Paying for Transit

Use contactless OMNY or a MetroCard. Daily fare capping applies when tapping the same card/device.

Option 2 — Subway (Fastest for Most)

5 Av/53 St (E/M)

Exit toward 53rd St; walk one block west. MoMA’s main entrance is mid-block between 5th & 6th Ave.

47–50 St Rockefeller Ctr (B/D/F/M)

Walk east on 50–53rd St toward 5th Ave (5–7 minutes). Wayfinding is well-marked around the Rock Center area.

From Penn Station / Port Authority

Take B/D/F/M from 34 St–Herald Sq to Rockefeller Ctr, or E to 5 Av/53 St. Walking from Penn is ~20–25 minutes.

From Grand Central

Take the 7 to 5 Av–Bryant Park and transfer B/D/F/M uptown one stop, or walk ~15–18 minutes via 5th Ave.

Wayfinding

Look for signs to W 53rd St exits and head mid-block between 5th & 6th Ave. MoMA’s plaza and banners are prominent.

Option 3 — Buses & Scenic Walks

Crosstown and uptown buses along 53rd/54th St, 5th Ave, and 6th Ave stop near MoMA. Walking is often quickest in Midtown traffic: from Rockefeller Center (5–7 min), Central Park South (10–12 min), or Times Square (15–18 min).

  • From 5th Ave: Walk one short block west on 53rd St; MoMA entrance is mid-block.
  • From 6th Ave: Walk one short block east on 53rd St; look for the sculpture garden side and banners.

Photo Tip

Enter via W 53rd St for views of the lobby and design store; the Sculpture Garden is especially photogenic in daylight.

From NYC Airports

JFK

AirTrain JFK → Jamaica; then E to 5 Av/53 St (one-block walk). Or LIRR to Penn Station → subway as above.

LaGuardia (LGA)

Q70 SBS to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Av → E/F to Midtown; exit at 5 Av/53 St or 47–50 St Rockefeller Ctr.

Newark (EWR)

AirTrain Newark → NJ Transit to Penn Station → B/D/F/M or E to Midtown (see options above).

Rideshare/Taxi

Request drop-off near 11 W 53rd St (between 5th & 6th Ave). Note Midtown traffic and restricted curb space at peak times.

Luggage

Large suitcases are cumbersome on Midtown sidewalks and museum floors. Consider luggage storage near Penn/Grand Central if needed.

Driving, Parking & Bikes

Driving

Midtown congestion and limited curb space make transit preferable. If driving, plan extra time for drop-off on 53rd/54th St.

Parking

Paid garages operate around 53rd–55th St and Rockefeller Center. Check garage hours and height limits; street parking is scarce.

Citi Bike

Docks line 53rd/54th St and 6th Ave. Park only at designated docks; riding on sidewalks is prohibited.

Accessibility

MoMA is fully accessible with step-free routes and elevators. Wheelchairs available; ask staff at entry for assistance.

Practical Tips

Arrive Early

Weekends and holidays are busy. Arrive near opening or book a before-hours tour for quieter galleries.

Timed Entry

Many tickets are timed; keep your QR ready. Most GetYourGuide tickets offer free cancellation up to 24h before.

Plan Your Route

Subway is fastest. From Central Park/5th Ave, it’s a pleasant 10–15 min walk to MoMA via 53rd St.

Check Times & Prices MoMA + Walking Tour

Getting There Cheatsheet

Closest Stations

5 Av/53 St (E/M) · 47–50 St Rockefeller Ctr (B/D/F/M) · 57 St (N/R/W)

Typical Walk Times

Rockefeller Ctr → MoMA: 5–7 min • Times Sq → MoMA: 15–18 min • Central Park South → MoMA: 10–12 min

Wayfinding

Head to W 53rd St between 5th & 6th Ave; look for MoMA plaza and banners mid-block.

Crowd Strategy

Weekday mornings are calmest. For highlights without crowds, consider a before-hours small-group tour.

Accessibility

Elevators, step-free routes, accessible restrooms; wheelchairs available. Ask staff on arrival.

Nearby Essentials

Cafés, restrooms, and MoMA Design Store on site; additional options on 5th Ave and Rockefeller Center.

Browse All Options Book Before-Hours Tour

Ready to Visit MoMA?

Ride the subway to 5 Av/53 St or Rockefeller Center, follow signs to W 53rd St, and step into one of the world’s great art museums.

See MoMA Tickets & Experiences