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Writer's pictureTaleen Krug

Discover New York's Fun Museums: Art, History & More

Updated: Jul 9, 2023


So, you've seen most of New York's tourist attractions that are some of the best in North America including Coney Island, Ellis Island, the Natural History Museums, the American Museum of Natural History, Central Park, and of course, Times Square.


And with the kids in tow, you've already explored Madam Tussauds, the Brooklyn Children's Museum, Staten Island, Queens Botanical Gardens, Prospect Park, and the Guggenheim Museum with some of the largest collections of art. You've also spent time at the Museum of American Finance, the Whitney Museum, the Morgan Library & Museum, the Leslie-Lohman Museum, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, with its beautiful garden.


Time was well spent at the Jewish museums, learning about Latin America in others, and checking out the tenement museums, Queens Museum, and the Courtesy Museum ... so, maybe it's time for some fun?


If you're seeking the most entertaining museums in NYC, look no further. Yes, exploring the vast array of enjoyable museums in New York City can be rather daunting; from classic options to contemporary attractions to the largest museums as well as the cool museums, and those in Museum Mile, this list of NYC’s best to help you decide where to go.


Lots of See

New York City has 83+ museums with plenty of museum exhibitions, current exhibits, and special exhibits offering a multitude of fascinating museum experiences. Many have permanent collections, and interactive exhibits and others are filled with more extensive collections like the Guggenheim Museum which offers vast collections as well as private collections to "oh and ah" at all day when visiting.


The challenge? Choosing which ones to visit can feel overwhelming, but that's where this list comes in.

Whether you find a certain museum enjoyable can depend on your interests be it the Queens Botanical Garden for a quiet day or a visit to the Museum of Ice Cream, as some museums have a less than exciting reputation.


But have no doubt, NYC has plenty of museums to explore – so start learning about them! If you're looking for entertaining museums in New York City, there are some amazing locations to visit on your trip. Here are the most fun museums in NYC! Let's get going!


The Museum of Ice Cream: A Popular Attraction

Topping the roster of pleasant museums in NYC is the Museum of Ice Cream, a treat for all ice cream lovers. Touring the Museum of Ice Cream in NYC is for everyone who loves the cold treat. Who doesn't relish ice cream?


Here you will see delicious culinary experiments and partake in fun activities if you're in search of great food, desserts, and more.


This amazing pop-up museum in NYC is full of fun, but availability might be limited throughout the year. Make sure the dates in your travel plan are correct before getting excited about visiting this great museum in New York City.


Color Factory NYC

Color Factory NYC is a museum that focuses on the sensory world of color. It's truly marvelous and there is no other place like it in New York City, that's why it's considered to be one of the best fun museums in NYC.


NYC has this incredible interactive museum that will bring you joy and amazement. You won't want to miss this unique experience it's sure to be a great time!


Furthermore, you'll enjoy yourself here, and be sure to take a look at the Instagram page to get a better view of what this place has to offer, and you'll realize why it's amusing!


The Skyscraper Museum

The Skyscraper Museum of New York City is a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable museum experience. It allows for spectacular views of NYC's iconic skyline and is renowned for its impressive skyscrapers.


The Empire State Building is one of the top exciting museums in New York City, full of remarkable skyscrapers and captivating displays, and observation decks. It's no wonder why it's famous and is part of American history. New York City is home to this museum focusing on the design and construction of skyscrapers.


If you've seen the iconic image of people on Top of the Rock, then you'll surely love this quirky museum.


Intrepid Museum of Sea, Air, and Space

Aviation aficionados will adore the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum as its one of the coolest museums in the state with many permanent exhibitions. It's an outstanding Air & Space Museum with genuine planes, enthralling tales, immersive experiences, and intellectually stimulating activities.


Visiting the Intrepid Museum of Sea, Air, and Space, a National Historic Landmark in New York City, that's an amazing experience taking you aboard a historic aircraft carrier.


Conjuring Arts Research Center

Then visit the Conjuring Arts Research Center in NYC if you're looking for a fun time - even if you don't believe in magic!


This fascinating museum in New York City contains secrets about magic and secrets that professional magicians won't disclose to you. This NYC fun museum has amazing guides who will teach your family tips and tricks for performing magic. It's a great choice for an enjoyable day out.


Coney Island Museum

After enjoying Coney Island's attractions, don't forget to visit the remarkable museum there. Stop by for a bite to eat and then experience this fantastic NYC spot.


The Coney Island Museum is a great attraction for those who appreciate the history of the island, and it's worth checking out if you're a fan. Housing interesting items like scaled models and fun house mirrors, this museum should not be overlooked and no doubt, you'll have a great time here.


Museum of the American Gangster

The Museum of the American Gangster in NYC brings you a captivating experience of the world of American gangsters. Fascinated by their lifestyle? Pay a visit to this fun museum in New York City and learn about the secrets of New York City's notorious criminal underworld in this fascinating documentary featuring never before seen information.


If you're looking for a great museum best this place has it all from Bugsy Malone to John Dillinger.


Museum of Sex

If you're an adult looking for a fun museum, this is one of the best-recommended places to visit in New York City, although it may not be suitable for children.


This museum is both entertaining and educational, giving you insight into the physiological aspects of sex. Joking aside.


The quirky displays at this museum in NYC make it a great destination for adults. It’s not the best option for children, but there are lots to see and do for those old enough to appreciate the museum’s fun atmosphere!


Museum of Street Art

Exploring art is a great activity in New York City and there is even a museum devoted to it, especially for people visiting NYC on a budget. The street art museum is a great place to go and it's free!


NYC's vibrant mural museum aka the Museum of Street Art will inspire you to take up painting and create your street art masterpieces. New York City is an excellent destination if you're after fascinating museums, especially those dedicated to street art.


The American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog

Dog lovers should add the AKC Museum of the Dog in New York City to their must-visit list. This museum houses not only beautiful dog sculptures and art but also teaches people the value of human-dog relationships.


NYC is the ideal destination to satisfy your inner animal lover; you may come across some furry friends in other forms so, don't forget to bring your camera.


The Museum of New York Public Transportation

Visitors to New York City can explore the fascinating and entertaining New York Transit Museum. The museum in Downtown Brooklyn educates visitors about New York City's transportation history.


The interesting museum in New York City takes guests on a journey through time, highlighting the oldest subway carts and other modes of transport to show how far humanity has come.


Museum of Food and Drink

If you have a passion for good food and drinks, then the Museum of Food and Drink (MoFAD) in NYC is the perfect place to visit. It will teach you all about NYC's culinary culture, its cooking, eating, and drinking.


If you plan your visit correctly, you may even be able to sample some of the products. Make sure you check the business's website for event dates as those can change.


Morbid Anatomy Museum

NYC offers the Morbid Anatomy Museum as a fascinating place to visit if you're interested in the human body. However, it isn't for those who dislike or are uncomfortable with bodies.


From a human-hair scrapbook to an exploded skeleton, this is one of the most entertaining museums in New York City for those with a fondness for morbidity. While not suitable for children, adults should check it out.


Elevator Historical Society Museum

Day to day, we often take elevators for granted, but they have a rich past. Because of this, the Elevator Historical Society Museum in NYC is a great place to learn and have fun.


The elevator museum in NYC is a must-see for those interested in mechanics, or just looking for a fun, educational experience. Visitors will learn about the creation and controls of elevators.


Overall, there are plenty of museums to explore whether it's special exhibitions, current exhibitions, or 18th-century or 21st-century as there's plenty to see in the Big Apple and beyond.


We hope this compilation of fun museums in New York City has been great for providing you with plenty of ideas. Be sure to make reservations at some of these venues and purchase entry ticket reservations, advance tickets, and adult tickets.

Making NYC Home

If you're looking to relocate to New York, be sure to hire professional Realtors like Taleene and Ritchie Krug Jr. who can find you exactly what you're looking for in terms of the best home, house, condo, or townhome.


Lifelong residents of Long Island, are part of a team with more than 40 years of combined Real Estate experience. They have a deep understanding of how Real Estate has evolved through the years which results in a team with unique dynamics and expert negotiating skills being put to work on your behalf. With 20 Offices Spanning Brooklyn Queens & Long Island, nobody is better equipped to handle your real estate needs.

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