When it’s pouring rain and outdoor activities aren’t an option, there’s nothing better than a visit to a museum to while away a few hours. Luckily there are a lot of great museums in my area and I’ve put together a list of the very best to visit on a rainy day.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as the Met, is one of the largest and most renowned art museums in the world. Located in New York City, it is home to over 2 million works of art, from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. The Met’s collection includes everything from paintings and sculptures to photographs and decorative art. With such a large and diverse collection, there is something for everyone at the Met.
American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is another iconic museum in New York City and a must-see for anyone interested in science, nature, and history. Exhibits include everything from fossils and meteorites to dioramas of animals from around the world. The museum also features a planetarium where you can experience stunning visual displays of the cosmos.
Museum of Modern Art
If you’re more into contemporary art, then the Museum of Modern Art, or MoMA for short, is the place for you. MoMA houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by some of the most famous artists of the 20th century such as Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock and Pablo Picasso.
Whitney Museum of American Art
For a deeper dive into American art, visit the Whitney Museum of American Art. Located in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, the museum focuses on 20th- and 21st-century American art, with a special emphasis on works by living artists. Whitney’s collection includes paintings, sculpture, videos and installations, making it a great place to explore the latest trends in contemporary art.
The Frick Collection
For a more intimate museum experience, visit the Frick Collection on the Upper East Side. Housed in a beautiful manor house, the Frick houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures and decorative arts from the Renaissance to the 19th century. The museum’s cozy galleries and beautiful gardens make it a perfect spot for a rainy day.
The Morgan Library and Museum
Located in Midtown Manhattan, the Morgan Library and Museum is a hidden gem well worth a visit. The museum is located in the former private library of J.P. Morgan and has an impressive collection of rare books, manuscripts and works of art. Highlights of the collection include a Gutenberg Bible, a copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio, and drawings by artists such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
The Brooklyn Museum
If you want to explore a different part of the city, visit the Brooklyn Museum. Located in the heart of Brooklyn’s Cultural District, the museum has an extensive collection of art from around the world, with a special emphasis on African, Oceanic, and Native American art. The museum’s rotating exhibitions always offer something new to see, and its beautiful Beaux-Arts building is a work of art in itself.
The Queens Museum
For a more local experience, visit the Queens Museum. Located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, the museum is dedicated to showcasing the art, history and culture of Queens. The permanent collection includes works by local artists as well as artifacts from the 1939 and 1964 World’s Fairs held in the park.
The New-York Historical Society Museum and Library
Located near Central Park, the New-York Historical Society Museum and Library is a treasure trove of American history. The museum’s collection includes everything from George Washington’s personal belongings to Civil War-era photographs to contemporary art that reflects the city’s vibrant cultural diversity. The museum’s interactive exhibits make it a great place for families with children.
The Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim Museum on the Upper East Side is a work of art in itself. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the museum’s spiral structure is a marvel of modern architecture. Inside, the museum’s collection includes works by modern and contemporary artists from around the world, including Kandinsky, Calder and Picasso.
The National Museum of the American Indian
Located in Lower Manhattan, the National Museum of the American Indian is a Smithsonian-affiliated museum dedicated to presenting Native American history and culture. The collection includes everything from traditional clothing and pottery to contemporary art that reflects the ongoing vibrancy of Native American culture.
The new museum
For cutting-edge contemporary art, visit the New Museum on the Lower East Side. The museum’s rotating exhibitions always showcase the latest and greatest contemporary artworks, with a particular focus on emerging artists from around the world. The New Museum’s unconventional architecture and experimental exhibitions make it a must-see for anyone wanting to explore the avant-garde.
The Ruby Art Museum
The Rubin Museum of Art in Chelsea is dedicated to showcasing the art and culture of the Himalayas and neighboring regions. The collection includes everything from traditional paintings and sculptures to contemporary works that reflect the enduring influence of Himalayan art and culture.
The Museum of the City of New York
Located on the Upper East Side, the Museum of the City of New York is dedicated to showcasing the city’s history and culture. The collection includes everything from paintings and photographs to clothing and furniture, reflecting the city’s rich cultural heritage. The museum’s interactive exhibits make it a great place for families with children.
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Located on the west side of Manhattan, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is dedicated to showcasing the history and technology of sea, aerospace and aerospace. The museum’s collection includes everything from vintage aircraft and spacecraft to an aircraft carrier used in World War II. The museum’s interactive exhibits make it a great place for both children and adults.
In summary, there are many great museums in my area, perfect for a rainy day. From iconic institutions like the Met and the American Museum of Natural History to hidden gems like the Frick Collection and the Morgan Library and Museum, there’s something for everyone. Whether you are interested in art, history, science or culture, these museums offer the opportunity to discover, learn and be inspired. So next time it starts to rain, visit one of these museums and discover something new.
