New Museum of Contemporary Art: New York’s contemporary art museum
The New Museum of Contemporary Art is a New York museum entirely dedicated to contemporary art. Expect to be surprised!
What is the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York?
- The New Museum of Contemporary Art is a contemporary art museum founded in New York in 1977. It’s located in the Lower East Side neighborhood, south of Manhattan, between Little Italy, SoHo, and the East Village.
- Despite its name, the New Museum is no longer new in the traditional sense. Today it ranks among New York’s major museums. A classic that keeps reinventing itself.
- The museum was originally created by Marcia Tucker, an art historian and critic. Her goal was to champion living artists and support emerging artistic practices. She directed the museum until 1999, a few years before her death in 2006.
- The New Museum remains true to its founder’s vision. The museum describes itself as “a leading destination for contemporary art and new ideas,” in the words of its leadership. Expect to be surprised—even challenged—by what you see.
- Since 2007, the museum has occupied a striking new building with a futuristic design. The structure was created by Japanese architecture firm SANAA, led by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa. The building resembles stacked white boxes offset from one another, wrapped in a metal mesh. The tower stands out dramatically among the older buildings of the Lower East Side.
- In March 2026, the museum reopened following a major expansion designed by architecture firm OMA. This addition doubled the museum’s floor space.
What to See at the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York
- Visit the New Museum if you love contemporary art. The museum showcases consistently creative and surprising work. Consider visiting after the MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art, to continue your journey through modern and contemporary art.
- The New Museum has no permanent collection and shows only temporary exhibitions. Exhibitions typically run 5 to 6 months, from March to August and then September to January. The museum promotes both American and international artists.
- The museum explores all forms of artistic creation. You’ll find painting, sculptures, photographs, monumental installations, video, and digital works. Showing at the New Museum has launched many contemporary artists’ careers. The museum was among the first in the world to feature Jeff Koons, now famous for his Inflatable Rabbit and Balloon Dogs. Come discover tomorrow’s major names.
Practical Information
- Address: 235 Bowery, New York. The museum faces Prince Street, between Stanton Street and Rivington Street.
- Subway: Bowery (J and Z lines), Prince St (4 and 6 lines), or 2 Av (F line).
- Hours: Open daily except Mondays, 11 am to 6 pm. Until 9 pm on Thursdays.
- Admission: $25 for adults, $22 for seniors 65+, and $19 for students. Free for children and teens under 18. Note that the New Museum is not included in New York tourist passes, including the New York Explorer Pass or the New York City Pass. You’ll need to buy a separate ticket.
- Tip: Every Thursday, you can reserve a “pay what you wish” ticket to visit the museum between 7 pm and 9 pm. Keep in mind that “pay what you wish” doesn’t mean free—you must contribute something. This program is designed for people who want to visit but have limited budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to visit the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York?
You can see the highlights in about 1.5 hours if you skip the text panels. The actual time depends on your interests and how long you spend with each work. Plan for about 2 hours for a leisurely visit. You can stay as long as you like.
What's the difference between the New Museum of Contemporary Art and the MoMA?
The MoMA, or Museum of Modern Art, focuses on the history of modern art, while the New Museum focuses on contemporary artists. At the MoMA you’ll see works by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein. At the New Museum, you’ll see only works by living artists. The two museums complement each other perfectly.
When is the best time to visit the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York?
Visit the New Museum as part of a day exploring the Lower East Side, SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown. Start with the Lower East Side and the museum, then have lunch in Little Italy before continuing your exploration.
Photos of the New Museum in New York
