All modern art museums to visit in New York State

Experience the dynamic world of modern art at 60 museums in New York State. These museums showcase modern works that push the boundaries of creativity and expression.

Are you passionate about music and its history? Are you a fan of contemporary creativity? These are the modern art museums you should visit in New York State:

  1. Online discount!The Metropolitan Museum of Art1

    The Metropolitan Museum of Art

     New York, NY
    The Metropolitan Museum of Art, colloquially known as The Met, is the largest art museum in the United States. It is situated on the eastern side of Central Park in Manhattan, New York. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.
  2. Moma2

    Moma

     New York, NY
    The Museum of Modern Art, commonly known as MoMA, is situated in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, New York. It is conveniently located at the intersection of 11 West and 53rd streets, nestled between Fifth and Sixth Avenue. This central location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.
  3. Guggenheim Museum3

    Guggenheim Museum

     New York, NY
    The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, located in New York City, is maintained by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. The museum is named after Solomon Robert Guggenheim, the founder of the foundation and the museum itself. It is a part of the Guggenheim Foundation's global network of museums, which includes the Guggenheim Bilbao, the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum in Las Vegas, the Deutsche Guggenheim in Berlin, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice.
  4. Whitney Museum of American Art4

    Whitney Museum of American Art

     New York, NY
    The Whitney Museum of American Art, located at 99 Gansevoort Street in New York, is a renowned institution specializing in 20th-century American art. The museum's collection includes over 18,000 works, making it a significant destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike. The museum is known for its focus on showcasing the work of living artists and preserving a vast permanent collection of works from the first half of the century.
  5. Museum of Sex5

    Museum of Sex

     New York, NY
    The Museum of Sex, colloquially known as MoSex, is situated at 233 Fifth Avenue, at the intersection of East 27th Street in Manhattan, New York City. This location is easily accessible and central, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city.
  6. Brooklyn Museum6

    Brooklyn Museum

     New York, NY
    The Brooklyn Museum, situated at 200 Eastern Parkway in the borough of Brooklyn, is a significant art museum in New York City. It holds the position of being the second most important art museum in the city, following the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This museum is a part of the Cultural Institutions Group (CIG) and is a notable destination for art enthusiasts visiting the city.
  7. Corning Museum of Glass7

    Corning Museum of Glass

     Corning, NY
    The Corning Museum of Glass, also known as CMoG, is situated in Corning, New York. It was inaugurated in 1951 and holds the title of being the largest glass museum in the United States. This museum is a testament to the rich history and evolution of glass, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in this unique material.
  8. The Museum At Fit8

    The Museum At Fit

     New York, NY
    The Museum at FIT, originally founded as the Design Laboratory in 1969, boasts collections of clothing, textiles, and accessories. The museum's permanent collection has grown over the years and now includes more than 50,000 garments and accessories, dating from the 18th century to the present day. This extensive collection provides a comprehensive overview of fashion history and trends.
  9. Cooper–hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum9

    Cooper–hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

     New York, NY
    The Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, located in New York, is a unique institution in the United States. It is the only museum in the country that is solely dedicated to the history of design and contemporary design. This makes it a unique destination for those interested in understanding the evolution and impact of design in various aspects of life and society.
  10. New-york Historical Society10

    New-york Historical Society

     New York, NY
    The New-York Historical Society is renowned for its large-scale historical exhibitions. These exhibitions cover a wide range of subjects, including the founding father of the United States Alexander Hamilton, New York abolitionist, the Hudson River School, Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War, Louis Comfort Tiffany's stained glass, and the September 11 attacks.
  11. Rockwell Museum11

    Rockwell Museum

     Corning, NY
    The Rockwell Museum, located in downtown Corning, New York, is a Smithsonian Affiliate museum of American art. This prestigious affiliation signifies the museum's commitment to preserving, interpreting, and sharing the rich history and culture of America through its diverse collections. The museum is situated in the Southern Tier region of New York, making it easily accessible for visitors from various locations.
  12. Neue Galerie New York12

    Neue Galerie New York

     New York, NY
    The Neue Galerie New York is a museum dedicated to early twentieth-century German and Austrian art and design. It is situated in the William Starr Miller House at 86th Street and Fifth Avenue in New York City. This location is part of the city's renowned Museum Mile, making it easily accessible for tourists and art enthusiasts.
  13. The Studio Museum In Harlem13

    The Studio Museum In Harlem

     New York, NY
    The Studio Museum in Harlem, an American fine arts museum, is located in Harlem and was established in 1968. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the heart of Harlem, showcasing a vast collection of Afro-American art from the 19th and 20th centuries. It also features works from the Caribbean and Africa.
  14. Buffalo AKG Art Museum14

    Buffalo AKG Art Museum

     Buffalo, NY
    The Albright-Knox Art Museum, located in Buffalo, New York, is internationally recognized for its extensive collections of 19th and 20th century art. The museum houses works from renowned artists such as Van Gogh and Jasper Johns. One of the most notable pieces in the collection is The Yellow Christ by Paul Gauguin.
  15. American Folk Art Museum15

    American Folk Art Museum

     New York, NY
    The American Folk Art Museum, located in New York City, is recognized as the most significant institution for Naive Art in the United States. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and appreciate this particular art form, which is characterized by its simplicity and lack of formal artistic training.
  16. Asia Society16

    Asia Society

     New York, NY
    The Asia Society's headquarters in New York houses the Rockefeller Collection of Asian Art. This collection includes some of the most important artistic masterpieces from various Asian countries such as China, Japan, India, Korea, Tibet, Nepal, Cambodia, and Indonesia. These works of art provide a glimpse into the rich and diverse cultures of these countries.
  17. Storm King Art Center17

    Storm King Art Center

     Firthcliffe, NY
    The Storm King Art Center, often simply referred to as Storm King, is an open-air museum situated in New Windsor, New York. The name of the museum is derived from its close proximity to Storm King Mountain. This unique museum is a popular destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike, offering a unique blend of nature and art in a serene setting.
  18. Dia Beacon18

    Dia Beacon

     Beacon, NY
    Dia Beacon is a museum that houses the Dia Art Foundation's collection of art from the 1960s to the present. It is one of the 12 locations and sites managed by the foundation. The museum is a testament to the evolution of art over the decades and offers a unique perspective on the changes and trends in the art world.
  19. Storefront For Art and Architecture19

    Storefront For Art and Architecture

     New York, NY
    The Storefront for Art and Architecture is a non-profit organization that was established in 1982. Its main aim is to promote innovative artistic positions. This makes it a unique destination for tourists who are interested in exploring new and creative artistic perspectives.
  20. El Museo Del Barrio20

    El Museo Del Barrio

     New York, NY
    El Museo del Barrio is a museum located in East Harlem, Manhattan, New York City. It is dedicated to showcasing art from Latin America and the Caribbean. The museum was founded in 1969 as a response to the lack of cultural diversity in New York City's educational offerings. It is situated on Fifth Avenue and 104th Street at the northern end of the Museum Mile.
  21. Memorial Art Gallery21

    Memorial Art Gallery

     Rochester, NY
    The Memorial Art Gallery, located in Rochester, New York, is a civic art museum that was established in 1913. It is an integral part of the University of Rochester and has been a significant center for fine arts in the region for over a century. The gallery was founded as a memorial to James George Averell and has since grown to house a vast collection of artworks.
  22. Salmagundi Club22

    Salmagundi Club

     New York, NY
    The Salmagundi Club, sometimes referred to as the Salmagundi Art Club, is a renowned fine arts center. It was established in 1871 in the Greenwich Village section of Manhattan, New York City. Since 1917, the club has been situated at 47 Fifth Avenue, making it a significant part of the city's cultural landscape for over a century.
  23. Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art23

    Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art

     New York, NY
    The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art (LLMA) is a unique institution located in the vibrant neighborhood of SoHo in Lower Manhattan, New York City. The museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and exhibition of visual arts created by LGBTQ artists or art that explores LGBTQ+ themes, issues, and people. This focus makes it a distinctive destination for art enthusiasts and those interested in LGBTQ+ history and culture.
  24. Albright-knox Art Museum24

    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.
  25. Parrish Art Museum25

    Parrish Art Museum

     Water Mill, NY
    The Parrish Art Museum is an art museum situated in Water Mill, New York, to the east of New York City on Long Island. This location makes it a convenient destination for art enthusiasts visiting the city or residing in the nearby areas. The museum's location also offers a serene environment that complements the artistic experience.
  26. National Academy of Design26

    National Academy of Design

     New York, NY
    The National Academy Museum and School, also known as the National Academy of Design, is a prestigious association of American artists. It was established in 1825 by notable figures such as Samuel F. B. Morse, Asher Brown Durand, Thomas Cole, Martin E. Thompson, and others. The primary aim of the academy is to promote fine arts in the United States through instruction and exhibition. This makes it a significant destination for tourists interested in the history and development of American fine arts.
  27. Burchfield Penney Art Center27

    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.
  28. Cedarmere-Clayton Estates28

    Cedarmere-Clayton Estates

     Roslyn, NY
    The Clayton-Cedarmere Estates, located in Roslyn Harbor, New York, are recognized for their historical significance and are listed jointly on the National Register of Historic Places since 1986. This recognition highlights the estates' historical and architectural value, making them an interesting destination for tourists interested in history and architecture.
  29. Bronx Museum of the Arts29

    Bronx Museum of the Arts

     New York, NY
    The Bronx Museum of the Arts, often referred to as BxMA, is a significant cultural institution situated in the Concourse neighborhood of the Bronx, New York City. This museum is a hub for contemporary and 20th-century artworks primarily created by American artists, although it has also hosted exhibitions from Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
  30. Queens Museum of Art30

    Queens Museum of Art

     New York, NY
    The Queens Museum houses a collection that includes modern art and two large-scale models of the city's infrastructure. A notable part of the collection is the Tiffany glass collection from the Neustadt Collection of Tiffany glass, which has been on display since 1995.
  31. The Drawing Center31

    The Drawing Center

     New York, NY
    The Drawing Center, located in Manhattan, New York City, is a museum and nonprofit exhibition space that specializes in the exhibition of drawings. These include both historical and contemporary pieces, providing a comprehensive view of the art form. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of drawings, showcasing the diversity and evolution of this medium over time.
  32. Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art - Cornell University32

    Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art - Cornell University

     Ithaca, NY
    The Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, also known as The Johnson Museum, is situated on the main campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors who are touring the university or the city. The museum is a significant part of the Arts Quad, located on the northwest corner, adding to the cultural and artistic richness of the area.
  33. Arkell Museum33

    Arkell Museum

     Canajoharie, NY
    The Arkell Museum, located in Canajoharie, New York, is home to a vast collection of American paintings, primarily from the period of 1860–1940. In addition to this, the museum also features historical exhibits that delve into the history of the Mohawk River Valley and the Beech-Nut baby food company. This combination of art and history provides a comprehensive insight into the cultural and industrial heritage of the region.
  34. Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center34

    Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center

     Poughkeepsie, NY
    The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, often referred to as The Loeb, is a teaching museum, a significant art repository, and an exhibition space located on the campus of Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York. It serves as a platform for education and exploration of various art forms, making it a unique destination for art enthusiasts.
  35. Albany Institute of History and Art35

    Albany Institute of History and Art

     Albany, NY
    The Albany Institute of History Art (AIHA) is a museum located in Albany, New York. It is dedicated to the collection, preservation, interpretation, and promotion of the history, art, and culture of Albany and the Upper Hudson Valley region. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of this region through its extensive collections and exhibitions.
  36. Everson Museum of Art36

    Everson Museum of Art

     Syracuse, NY
    The Everson Museum of Art, situated in Downtown Syracuse, New York, is a significant museum that primarily focuses on American art. Founded in 1897 by art historian George Fisk Comfort, the museum has a rich history and has been a cornerstone of the city's cultural scene for over a century. The museum's collection includes approximately 11,000 pieces of art, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and video art.
  37. Nott Memorial37

    Nott Memorial

     Schenectady, NY
    The Nott Memorial is a unique 16-sided stone-masonry building that serves as the architectural and physical centerpiece of Union College in Schenectady, New York. Its distinctive and colorful Victorian architecture makes it a National Historic Landmark. The building's design and central location can be traced back to Josef Ramee's 1813 conception of the school grounds, which were the first planned college campus in the United States.
  38. Renee and Chaim Gross Foundation38

    Renee and Chaim Gross Foundation

     New York, NY
    The Renee and Chaim Gross Foundation is a non-profit organization that was established in 1989. It is dedicated to the study of the works of modern American sculptor Chaim Gross, his contemporaries, and the history of 20th-century American art. The foundation is a significant resource for those interested in understanding the evolution of American art in the 20th century.
  39. The Arnot Art Museum39

    The Arnot Art Museum

     Elmira, NY
    The Arnot Art Museum, a municipal art museum, is located at 235 Lake Street in Elmira, New York. It was opened in 1913 and has since been a hub for art enthusiasts and tourists alike. The museum's location is easily accessible, making it a convenient stop for those exploring the city.
  40. Grey Art Museum40

    Grey Art Museum

     New York, NY
    The Grey Art Museum, which was known as the Grey Art Gallery until 2023, is the fine art museum of New York University. As a university art museum, it has a mission to collect, preserve, study, document, interpret, and exhibit evidence of human culture. The museum distinguishes itself by emphasizing the historical, cultural, and social contexts of art, with experimentation and interpretation as integral parts of its programmatic planning.
  41. Nassau County Museum of Art41

    Nassau County Museum of Art

     Roslyn, NY
    The Nassau County Museum of Art (NCMA) is situated on the former Frick "Clayton" Estate, a 145-acre property in Roslyn Harbor, in the heart of Long Island’s Gold Coast, 20 miles east of New York City. This location offers a unique blend of art and nature, providing a serene backdrop for the museum's extensive collection.
  42. Dahesh Museum of Art42

    Dahesh Museum of Art

     New York, NY
    The Dahesh Museum of Art holds a unique position in the United States as the only museum dedicated to the collection and exhibition of European academic art from the 19th and 20th centuries. This focus provides a distinctive perspective on the art world during these periods, offering visitors a chance to explore a specific genre of art that is not commonly highlighted in other museums.
  43. The Brant Foundation43

    The Brant Foundation

     New York, NY
    The Brant Foundation Art Study Center is a unique destination for art enthusiasts. It is a private art collection and gallery that has exhibition spaces in New York City and nearby Greenwich, Connecticut. This allows visitors to explore a wide range of modern and contemporary art in two different locations, offering a diverse and enriching experience.
  44. Carnegie Arts Center44

    Carnegie Arts Center

     North Tonawanda, NY
    The Carnegie Library is a one-story brick structure, designed in the Classical Revival style. The interior of the building is adorned with wood paneling, intricate plaster moldings and trim, mosaic tile floors, and a large stained glass skylight. These architectural features contribute to the unique aesthetic appeal of the building.
  45. The Hyde Collection45

    The Hyde Collection

     Glens Falls, NY
    The Hyde Collection is an art museum located in the city of Glens Falls in Upstate New York. The museum is housed in the historic Hyde House, a building that is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. This early twentieth-century residence was endowed by the Hyde family and has been refurbished to accommodate the museum's extensive collection of historic furniture, books, paintings, sculptures, and pottery.
  46. Heckscher Museum of Art46

    Heckscher Museum of Art

     Huntington, NY
    The Heckscher Museum of Art boasts a collection of over 2000 works of art. The focus of the collection is on American landscape paintings and works by Long Island artists. Additionally, the museum features American and European modernism and photography. This diverse collection offers visitors a broad spectrum of art to explore.
  47. Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute47

    Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute

     Utica, NY
    Munson, previously known as Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, is a regional fine arts center that was established in 1919. It is situated in Utica, New York. This institute is a hub for art enthusiasts, offering a variety of programs and exhibitions that cater to different interests.
  48. Neuberger Musuem of Art48

    Neuberger Musuem of Art

     Town of Harrison, NY
    The Neuberger Museum of Art is situated in Purchase, New York, United States. It is a part of Purchase College, which is a component of the State University of New York system. This affiliation provides the museum with a unique academic and cultural environment, enriching its exhibitions and programs.
  49. Planetarium - Hudson River Museum49

    Planetarium - Hudson River Museum

     Yonkers, NY
    The Hudson River Museum, nestled in Trevor Park in Yonkers, New York, holds the distinction of being the largest museum in Westchester County. This museum, which originated from the Yonkers Museum founded in 1919, offers a diverse range of exhibits and collections that cater to various interests.
  50. 50

    Terrain Gallery

     New York, NY
    The Terrain Gallery, also known as the Terrain, is an art gallery and educational center located in the heart of SoHo, Manhattan, New York City. Founded in 1955, the gallery has a rich history and is known for its philosophic basis, the ideas of Aesthetic Realism and the Siegel Theory of Opposites. The gallery has been a platform for many renowned artists and has been a significant part of the New York art scene.
  51. 51

    Poster House

     New York, NY
    Poster House is a unique institution in the United States, being the first museum solely dedicated to posters. This makes it a distinctive destination for those interested in graphic design, advertising, and the history of visual communication.
  52. 52

    Alfred Ceramic Art Museum

     Alfred, NY
    The Alfred Ceramic Art Museum, located at Alfred University in Alfred, New York, is home to an impressive collection of nearly 8,000 ceramic and glass objects. These pieces are the works of internationally renowned ceramic artists, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the world of ceramics in depth.
  53. 53

    Binghamton University Art Museum

     Binghamton, NY
    The Binghamton University Art Museum boasts a diverse permanent collection of over 3,500 works. These pieces span various eras and mediums, including paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, drawings, glass, ceramics, metalwork, manuscript pages, and textiles. The collection represents a wide range of cultures, including those of Egypt, Greece, Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, and pre-Columbian societies. This diversity offers visitors a broad perspective on global art history.
  54. 54

    Art Museum at SUNY Potsdam

     Potsdam, NY
    The Art Museum at SUNY Potsdam boasts a permanent collection of approximately 1,900 objects. These objects span a wide range of art forms including post-war American and European art, contemporary art, ethnographic art, and early American and European art. This diverse collection offers something for every art enthusiast.
  55. 55

    Korean Cultural Center New York

     New York, NY
    KCCNY organizes a wide range of programs and events in various categories. These include gallery exhibitions, performing arts concerts, film festivals, and educational programs. These activities aim to introduce and promote both traditional and modern aspects of Korean culture to the New York community and beyond.
  56. 56

    Hofstra University Museum of Art

     Hempstead, NY
    The Hofstra University Museum, situated in Hempstead, New York on Long Island, serves as the art museum for Hofstra University. This location is ideal for tourists who are interested in exploring the rich art culture of the region.
  57. 57

    Yager Museum of Art & Culture

     Oneonta, NY
    The Yager Museum of Art & Culture is situated within the premises of Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York. The museum is accessible to the public throughout the academic year, with varying hours during the summer season. This information is crucial for tourists planning their visit to the museum, as it helps them to schedule their visit accordingly.
  58. 58

    Castellani Art Museum

     Lewiston, NY
    The Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University is an art museum that is centrally located on the University's main campus in the town of Lewiston. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors who are interested in exploring the rich art culture of the region.
  59. 59

    Plattsburgh State Art Museum

     Plattsburgh, NY
    The Plattsburgh State Art Museum operates on a unique concept of a "museum without walls". This means that the art collection is displayed throughout the university's campus, providing a unique and immersive art experience.
  60. 60

    Museum of Art and Origins

     New York, NY
    A lesser-known, but interesting museum that displays all kinds of art in relation to its origins. Captivating, especially for art lovers.