New York: 10 Museums for People Who Don’t Like Museums

1/ Intrepid Museum: A Museum Aboard an Aircraft Carrier

• The Intrepid Museum is unlike any other museum. It occupies a decommissioned US Navy aircraft carrier. You board as if setting sail and explore every passageway of the ship, from the command center to the flight deck and hangars, which house several exhibitions.
• On the flight deck, you’ll see fighter jets lined up as if ready for takeoff. The museum also displays a British Airways Concorde, open for tours, and a submarine you can visit as well.
• Tip: Intrepid Museum admission is included in the New York Explorer Pass and the New York Pass.

2/ Madame Tussauds New York: Selfies with the Stars

• Just steps from Times Square, Madame Tussauds New York features wax figures of the world’s biggest celebrities. Take selfies next to life-size figures of Barack Obama, Madonna, Johnny Depp, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, George Clooney and many others. You can even play guitar with Taylor Swift or deliver a speech from the US President’s podium.
• Tip: Admission to Madame Tussauds New York is included in the Explorer Pass and the New York Pass.

3/ Banksy Museum: Street Art by Banksy

• If you follow street art, you know Banksy. The anonymous British artist built his legend by leaving his mark around the world while keeping his identity secret.
• Banksy has his own museum in New York. The exhibition guides you through the artist’s most famous works. The presentation is particularly well done: you’ll feel like you’re walking the streets of London or New York.
• Book your tickets to the Banksy Museum in New York on CNEWYORK!

4/ RiseNY: An Interactive Museum About New York’s History

• RiseNY blends museum and amusement park attraction. It tells New York’s story in an interactive way. You’ll board a subway car, then explore the city’s origins. You can even test yourself against the skyscrapers. Every aspect of New York is covered: history, architecture and culture.
• The experience ends with a breathtaking finale. You’ll board a motion-controlled arm and soar over New York. Just thinking about it gives me chills!
• Tip: RiseNY is included in the New York Explorer Pass and the New York Pass.

5/ Museum of Ice Cream NYC

• Need to cool off? Visit the Museum of Ice Cream NYC. Founded in 2016, this museum celebrates ice cream and cones. It’s designed as an interactive experience with different activities and installations.
• You can play in a pool filled with the sprinkles that decorate ice cream. The museum is also perfect for photos and selfies. Great material for your social media.

6/ Mercer Labs: Art and Technology Museum

• Opened in 2024, Mercer Labs is one of New York’s newest museums. This private museum houses 15 spectacular installations that blend art and technology.
• Move from room to room and immerse yourself in 15 different worlds. Some installations are interactive, letting you influence what happens. Bring your phone to capture surreal, futuristic photos.
• Tip: Mercer Labs is included in the New York Explorer Pass and the New York Pass.

7/ Color Factory New York: The Museum of Color

• The Color Factory New York celebrates color through 16 interactive exhibition rooms. This isn’t a passive viewing experience: you can touch everything. The idea is to have fun and see the world in color.
• Color Factory is located on Spring Street in the trendy SoHo neighborhood. A perfect location, since SoHo’s facades also play with color.

8/ Skyscraper Museum

• The Skyscraper Museum is located at 39 Battery Place, facing Battery Park. Though less known to tourists, it’s well worth a visit. The museum explores the fascinating history of skyscrapers.
• The museum also features rotating thematic exhibitions. The focus is always on how buildings shape cities, using photographs, models and plans. After your visit, you’ll see New York’s buildings in a whole new way.

9/ Spyscape Museum: The Espionage Museum

• Spyscape Museum feels straight out of a spy thriller. This incredible museum is dedicated entirely to espionage. You’ll discover famous cases with rare photos and documents. Relive the greatest moments of the CIA and KGB!
• Test your own spy skills. Several challenges let you evaluate your abilities. The laser room and surveillance video room are simply impressive.
• Tip: Admission to Spyscape Museum is included in the Explorer Pass and the New York Pass.

10/ Museum of Sex: An Adults-Only Museum in New York

• If you’re 18 or older, read on. Located near the Flatiron Building, the Museum of Sex invites adults to explore sexuality through history. Rotating exhibitions are also on display: currently, the museum features an exploration of hardcore culture and photographs by Bill Berstein.
• A fun detail: the Museum of Sex calls itself MoSEX, a playful reference to the MoMA – Museum of Modern Art. But the content is very, very different.
• Tip: Admission to the Museum of Sex is included in the Explorer Pass and the New York Pass. You can enter without buying a separate ticket.