The Museum of Modern Art (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is The Museum of Modern Art?
What makes it 94% Solo-Friendly: The vast modern-art collection, free multilingual audio guide, film screenings, and quiet garden corners let a solo traveler enjoy hours of self-paced exploration with easy elevator access.
Positives:
- Easy Navigation: Bloomberg Connects map and audio guide help you move confidently through galleries.
- Solo-friendly Seating: Benches in the Sculpture Garden and gallery alcoves offer restful solo stops.
Challenges:
- Bag Restrictions: No large bags or outside food allowed; use nearby lockers or carry a small daypack.
- Crowds at Starry Night: This work attracts groups; visit early or late to avoid peak congestion.
What is The Museum of Modern Art?
- An art museum in Midtown Manhattan dedicated to modern and contemporary art
- Houses over 150,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs, prints, architectural models, and design objects dating from the 1880s to the present
- Features a landscaped sculpture garden and an architecturally significant complex combining original 1939 galleries with subsequent modern expansions
What is so special about The Museum of Modern Art for solo trip?
- Navigate the collection at your own pace with a free digital guide
- Find quiet moments in the Sculpture Garden benches
- Catch daily film screenings for a unique solo activity
- Shop modern design items without gallery admission
- Skip lines by booking tickets online
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time to see key artworks, use the audio guide, and pause in the Sculpture Garden at a relaxed solo pace.
Solo-Friendly Activities in The Museum of Modern Art
Self-guided Highlights Tour:
Use Bloomberg Connects to follow curated audio routes through major works like Starry Night and Water Lilies.
Tip: Download the app and audio files before arrival to avoid in-museum Wi-Fi delays.
Stroll the Sculpture Garden:
Explore the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden between gallery visits.
Tip: Visit late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds on the benches.
Film Screening at Titus Theater:
Catch silent classics or modern docs with an adult ticket.
Tip: Pick up your free general-admission voucher at the information desk before the show.
Shop the MoMA Design Store:
Browse art books and unique objects on Floors 1 and 6 without entering galleries.
Tip: Members save 10%; check items’ carry-on dimensions for easy transport.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The Museum of Modern Art
- Buy Tickets Online: Reserve in advance to skip the ticket line and enter at your chosen time.
- Top-Floor First: Start at the top galleries and work downward to prevent backtracking.
Reviews of The Museum of Modern Art
Meredith Langston
MoMA is a must-visit in NYC. The art collection is incredible — from Van Gogh’s Starry Night to bold modern pieces that really make you think. The museum is well laid out, easy to explore, and the sculpture garden is a quiet gem in the city. Staff were helpful and everything felt smooth and organized. Even if you’re not an art expert, you’ll find something inspiring here. Totally worth the visit!
Maggie Kiara
Excellent museum with notable pieces across decades. There is such a vast variety of works that I'd recommend visiting even if you aren't a huge modern art fan. I would definitely plan to spend at least 1.5 hours here but preferably more. In my opinion, the MoMA is best experienced when you have plenty of time to savor and appreciate its incredible collection. The museum is reasonably crowded duri...
Eva Luna Torreblanca
One of my favorite museums in the world and I know many. I come here every 2 years aprox. This time I missed a lot of works that had been removed. I loved the Andy Warhol collection and now they only had a few cans of campbells. I’m chilean so I wanted to see the Roberto Marta paintings and they weren’t there anymore. And I’m not a fan but the most of Frida Kahlo works were removed and the only le...
nupur desai
This is an absolute gem of a museum, very well located. Grab a bagel and coffee before you go in because you’re going to be there for many many hours. I wish I’d done my research well beforehand because I had no idea what I was getting into. If you’re in a time crunch just don’t go because you can spend an entire day on one floor alone! This place and all that it offers is massive!! You will need ...
S P
MoMA is always such an inspiring experience. There were many people tho.. thought it would be pretty empty given it was a weekday afternoon. guess there were many travelers since it's last week of August/Labor Day weekend. I always love seeing the works of Edward Hopper — his art captures quiet, everyday moments so beautifully. Standing in front of Monet’s Water Lilies felt almost meditative, and ...
When is the best time to visit The Museum of Modern Art (New York, United States)?
Weekday mornings are quieter. Summer weekends and holiday periods get busy. Late afternoons bring calmer lighting in the Sculpture Garden.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission ticket | USD 25 |
| Coffee at Café 2 | USD 5 |
| Souvenir from Design Store | USD 20 |
| Total Estimated | USD 50 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of The Museum of Modern Art
Address: 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, USA
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides The Museum of Modern Art (New York)?
About The Museum of Modern Art
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+1 212-708-9400Average price
Explore Popular Things to Do
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
Average price