The best museums in Buffalo in December 2023

These are the top 20 best museums in Buffalo, United States, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2023. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Buffalo, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Buffalo.

Looking for the best museums in Buffalo? These are the best ones:

  1. Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens1

    Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

    Buffalo, NY
    The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens are a beautiful and serene location situated within South Park in Buffalo, New York. This location is not just a garden, but a living museum that offers a unique blend of art, history, and nature. The gardens are a product of the combined efforts of landscaping architect Frederick Law Olmsted, glass-house architects Lord & Burnham, and botanist and plant-explorer John F. Cowell.
  2. Buffalo Zoo2

    Buffalo Zoo

    Buffalo, NY
    The Buffalo Zoo, established in 1875, is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. It is situated at 300 Parkside Ave in Buffalo, New York. This historic zoo has been a significant part of the city's heritage and continues to be a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
  3. Karpeles Manuscript Library3

    Karpeles Manuscript Library

    Buffalo, NY
    The Karpeles Manuscript Library Museums are a private collection of more than a million manuscripts and documents in the United States, the largest such collection in the world. It was founded in 1983 by California real estate magnates David and Marsha Karpeles, with the goal of stimulating interest
  4. Darwin D. Martin House4

    Darwin D. Martin House

    Buffalo, NY
    The Darwin D. Martin House, a significant project of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School phase, is located at 125, Jewett Parkway in Buffalo, New York. Built between 1903 and 1905, the house was the residence of Isabelle and Darwin D. Martin, a Buffalo entrepreneur who played a key role in selecting Wright as the architect for the Larkin Administration Building.
  5. Albright-knox Art Museum5

    Albright-knox Art Museum

    Buffalo, NY
    The Albright-Knox Art Museum, situated in Buffalo, New York, is renowned globally for its extensive collections of 19th and 20th-century art. The museum's collection ranges from the works of Van Gogh to Jasper Johns, with its most prized possession being The Yellow Christ by Paul Gauguin.
  6. Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center6

    Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center

    Buffalo, NY
    Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center, located in Buffalo, New York, is a non-profit art organization that has been in operation since 1974. The center was established by a group of artists with the aim of showcasing the work of contemporary artists from diverse backgrounds. The center has a rich history and has been a significant part of Buffalo's cultural scene for over four decades.
  7. Burchfield Penney Art Center7

    Burchfield Penney Art Center

    Buffalo, NY
    The Burchfield Penney Art Center, also known as the Burchfield Penney, is an arts and educational institution that is part of Buffalo State University. It is conveniently located adjacent to the main campus in Buffalo, New York. This center is dedicated to the art and vision of American painter Charles E. Burchfield and was originally founded in 1966 as the Charles E. Burchfield Center.
  8. Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site8

    Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site

    Buffalo, NY
    Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site preserves the Ansley Wilcox House, at 641 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo, New York . Here, after the assassination of William McKinley , Theodore Roosevelt took the oath of office as President of the United States on September 14, 1901. A New York hi
  9. Buffalo History Museum9

    Buffalo History Museum

    Buffalo, NY
    The Buffalo History Museum is situated at 1 Museum Court in Buffalo, New York. It is nestled in the northwest corner of Delaware Park, a location that is easily accessible and offers a serene environment for visitors. The museum's location is not only strategic but also historical, adding to the rich tapestry of Buffalo's past.
  10. Mark Twain Room - Buffalo & Erie County Public Library10

    Mark Twain Room - Buffalo & Erie County Public Library

    Buffalo, NY
    The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library houses significant collections, including the original, hand-written manuscript of Mark Twain's 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn', which was donated by Twain himself in 1885. Another notable collection is the 'Milestones of Science', which comprises first editions announcing major advancements in Western science. These collections offer a unique insight into literary and scientific history.
  11. 11

    Steel Plant Museum

    Buffalo, NY
  12. Nash House Museum12

    Nash House Museum

    Buffalo, NY
    The Rev. J. Edward Nash Sr. House, located in Buffalo, Erie County, New York, is a historic home that offers a glimpse into the past. This house, built in 1892, is a significant part of the local history and culture, having been the residence of Rev. J. Edward Nash Sr., a prominent leader in Buffalo's African American community.
  13. Dr. Edgar R. Cofeld Judaic Museum13

    Dr. Edgar R. Cofeld Judaic Museum

    Buffalo, NY
    Temple Beth Zion, located at 805 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo, New York, is a Reform synagogue. It is a significant religious site that offers a unique insight into the Jewish faith and its practices. Visitors can appreciate the architectural design of the synagogue and learn about its history and significance in the Jewish community.
  14. 14

    Buffalo Fire Historical Society Museum

    Buffalo, NY
    The Buffalo Fire Historical Museum is situated in Buffalo, New York, specifically at the intersection of William and North Ogden Streets. This location is easily accessible and provides a convenient spot for tourists interested in learning about the history of the Buffalo Fire Department.
  15. 15

    Buffalo Transportation Pierce-arrow Museum

    Buffalo, NY
    Seated in a modern brick building, this museum is a heaven for automobile maniacs who can admire and learn about historic cars.
  16. 16

    Cepa Gallery

    Buffalo, NY
    If you are interested in any kind of photography, visit this gallery exhibiting photos of many motives, mostly cultural and aesthetic.
  17. 17

    El Museo Francisco Oller Y Diego Rivera

    Buffalo, NY
    Contemporary Latin American and Caribbean artists have their works displayed in this gallery. Come to see colorful paintings!
  18. 18

    Big Orbit Gallery - CEPA Gallery

    Buffalo, NY
    A gallery displaying mainly contemporary art created by young people. If you are into this kind of artistic production, come here!
  19. 19

    UB Anderson Gallery

    Buffalo, NY
    Led by the University of Buffalo, this gallery is a home to about 1,200 artworks and also educates people about art.
  20. 20

    Buffalo Religious Arts Center

    Buffalo, NY
    Both religious and non-religious tourists will be amazed by this museum where stained-glass windows and various artworks are displayed.

All museums in Buffalo