Specialty Museums in New York City

THE 10 BEST New York City Specialty Museums

Specialty Museums in New York City

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What travelers are saying

  • Stephen D
    Boston, MA104 contributions
    I didn't expect to be so moved by the museum. We'd been to the memorial before, but this was our first time in the museum itself. The impact of that loss, particularly of all those first responders rushing in when everyone else was rushing out, stays with you.
    Written March 19, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Divmercy
    Naples, FL52 contributions
    We took a tour of this library that is free. Check out their website to find out details on how to get tickets. We learned so much history and details about the library and what it contains inside. I don’t want to ruin some of the details, so take the tour. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and funny.
    There is a great exhibit going on at this time that is also free to tour. The library also has a fantastic store and coffee shop.
    Written March 19, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gustavosrr
    Sao Jose Dos Campos, SP30 contributions
    MUST GO activity if you´re addictive to aviation.

    Fantastic to see so many well preserved aircraft and also to understand how a Air Carrier works and how people lived there...

    Listen to the veterans talking about their experience was fantastic and emotional ! Take your time to talk with all of them... Will enrich a lot your visit.
    Written March 2, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kelly Umholtz
    Houston, TX2 contributions
    Visiting the 9/11 workshop museum was a highlight of my trip to NYC. Gary’s stories and photographs brought the devastation and grief in the aftermath of 9/11 to life in such an honoring way to the first responders and also the victims and their families. His workshop carry’s the raw emotion and legacy of this devastating attack on our country and helps people ,like me, get a taste of what many experienced in the days and months following of 9/11. Don’t let the small size of the museum fool you. There is a lot of material, artifacts and stories to see. I spent 2 hours there! It was an honor to meet Gary while at the museum with his warm welcome and friendly demeanor.
    Written March 13, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mike R.
    Brooklyn, NY83 contributions
    I'm not going to lie! Harry Potter easily influenced me into visiting this. I had seen pictures of the place and always said, "Wow!, I want to visit this Harry Potter attraction and little did know that it wasn't technically linked to him. Nonetheless, this museum is a great visit. The Library? I mean look at it just look at it. It's a world I entered imagining something greater than reality. This is architecture that makes you feel and gives you emotion. This is architecture hat has depth and poise, simply timeless!
    Written February 8, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mohit
    1 contribution
    It’s a lovely place for couples and even friends. It has more experiences for women than men. Some games were not working but the history and facts that this place offers are exceptional.
    Written March 19, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Banjo1957
    Fremont, CA71 contributions
    I love the podcast, The Bowery Boys, (history of New York City and it’s boroughs). Their Episode #246, focuses on the Tenement Museum, located on the lower east side. During a recent trip to Brooklyn to visit my nephew and his wife, I made a point of this visiting this fascinating time capsule. The original building at 97 Orchard St. is currently undergoing preservation, but access to the temporary historic apartments at 103 Orchard St. is well worth the trip. The small group tours provide a time capsule into the lives of tenement residents, as the guides shared poignant stories of the many families who resided in these buildings from the 1860’s to 1980’s. There’s also a very fun and eclectic museum shop where you check in for the tours.
    Written January 15, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Philippe b
    1 contribution
    I enjoyed each moment I stayed in.
    I felt living in a movie as soon as I entered.
    Thanks very much 🥰
    Written October 14, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Deaf_Leopard
    Trondheim, Norway435 contributions
    The kind of museum that you have to visit. That said the museum in itself feels like a missed opportunity for a great museum.
    Some cool info, but its lacking in variety and depth.
    Written March 8, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Laura H
    1 contribution
    I'm from New York but don't live here anymore. I was in the neighborhood for some errands and wanted to do something touristy. This fit the bill perfectly.

    When I was greeted by a wonderful security guard and front desk man. Admission was a worthwhile $15 and masks are required to be worn while in the museum. They asked if I wanted a docent tour (which was included in the price) and mentioned it would be one on one. When I said yes I got to meet the kindest docent who I had the honor of spending an hour with.

    The docent took me around and had so much knowledge. I enjoyed getting to learn about the synagogue and the process of restoration. The tour starts by explaining the "why" of Jews being in the neighborhood and continues to how there was funding for the synagogue and explaining how the synagogue functioned both day to day and on special days. He had great stories that I found entertaining too.

    I think the tour and history makes this worth going to, however the space is also absolutely breathtaking. It is stunning just to look around.

    I'm so glad I finally made it here and am sure I will end up coming with others on a future visit!
    Written March 3, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Adventure Diva
    Manchester, CT1,945 contributions
    You get to experience years of history here with the museum's exhibits, collections and films. We saw the "I'll have what she's having...the Jewish Deli" exhibit and enjoyed the experience. It showed how Jewish delicatessens became a cornerstone of American food.
    Written March 14, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ashely Fang
    New York City, NY231 contributions
    While tickets are a bit pricey, the overall experience was super fun. The SPYSCAPE museum offers some games you can do at home in advance of the visit, and the Batman experience has a section to play in advance of your visit and hours more of playtime for after your visit. The games may be a bit frustrating for younger children, but all-in-all it was fun to challenge myself to do well and to beat my friend. I would definitely be open to visiting again. I advise against getting VIP tickets - they are expensive and unless you want the nice baseball hat that comes with it. The bracelet that comes with VIP tickets is not worth the money.
    Written August 15, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jonathan C.
    La Jolla, California, USA338 contributions
    It's only one floor, but offers some great insight into the First Nations who lived on Manhattan, their culture, and how they contributed to New York City.
    Written August 5, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Adventure Diva
    Manchester, CT1,945 contributions
    Saw "Elizabeth Haines: Along her own lines" exhibit. It was a contemporary view of style. Elizabeth was also an author and activist who encouraged women to dress in an open- minded way.
    Written March 14, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CaesarBrutus
    Boston, MA311 contributions
    We visited Nov 2019, but Trip Advisor app won’t let me go back that far.
    Important museum to visit; we went due to the Auschwitz exhibit, but also visited the museum itself. I signed up for emails from the Museum and have attended virtual events. I am not local, so I appreciate being able to attend virtually.
    So much to learn and the museum store has a lot to offer. We will definitely be back here when back to New York.
    If you can, you should visit and bring others. If not, ‘like’ their Facebook page, check out their website, and sign up for emails. There are virtual evens you will most likely be able to attend.
    Written January 28, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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