Overwhelmed and don’t know where to start planning your next NYC getaway?  With literally thousands and thousands of things to see and do, it can make even the most detailed planner manic.  In this series, we’ll devour the big apple one little bite at a time.This time around, let’s experience the cultural side of the city and explore the Museums of Manhattan.

1 – Metropolitan Museum of Art

Greek & Roman Wing

Located at 1000m 5th Avenue on prime Central Park real estate, the Met opened in 1880 and now offers more than 2 million square feet of galleries, exhibitions, and events.  You could literally spend days here and as such, this is a stop every time we visit the city.  We explore a new area each time and revisit our favorites as well.  So much to see and do, but don’t miss these galleries and exhibitions:

 

  • Egyptian Art
  • Temple of Dendur (this is a jaw-dropping installation)
  • The Costume Institute
  • Greek and Roman Art
  • American Art
  • Roof Garden (Seasonal – don’t miss one of the best views of Central Park and Midtown)

As you wander, you’ll find yourself face to face with these masterpieces (to name a few)

  • Autumn River: Number 30 by Jackson Pollock
  • Van Gogh’s Portrait with a Straw Hat
  • Leutz’ Washington Crossing the Delaware
  • A variety of Monet’s Waterlilies
  • Degas’ Dance Class

The Met does one of the very best jobs with the installations of temporary exhibits that this Wanderer has ever seen,  These can be crowded but always worth the wait – besides, it is always fun to be in a room with other people that are eager and excited to see something new,

2 – The Guggenheim New York Museum

Frank Llyod Wright’s Masterpiece

Just up and across the street at 1071 5th Avenue is the Guggenheim.  This iconic Frank Lloyd Wright Building stands as a beacon and draws you into this 7 story masterpiece.  Each level is accessible from the grand sloping ramp which is this museums hub.

You’ll see many recognizable pieces from Picasso, Gauguin, Manet and more. To me, the building is the start here.

3 – American Museum of Natural History

Located across Central Park on Central Park West and 79th street is the American Museum of Natural History.

This is an NYC must see.  You will feel like you’ve been there before and rightly so.  The museum has been showcased in countless films and images.  Give yourself the better part of the day if you want to take in everything. But don’t miss:

  • The dioramas are incredible!  There are whole wings dedicated to these and they are fascinating
  • The Rose Center for Eartha and Space,  This wing of the museum is basically a giant glass box filled with an installation called the Scales of the Universe with illustrates the vast range of sizes in space, including the planets. The 9-foot diameter model of Jupiter and Saturn with rings 17 feet in diameter are awesome.  The centerpiece is the Hayden Sphere which houses the planetarium.
  • The Human Origins and Cultural Halls
  • Fossil Halls – you will be hard pressed to ever see as many fossils as you will see here
  • Biodiversity and Environmental Halls – especially great for teaching people of all ages a little more about why care for our planet is paramount to our longevity

4 – Museum of Modern Art

26 blocks south in Midtown at 11 W 53rd Street you’ll find the Museum of Modern Art.  Another outstanding collection full of pieces which include fan favorites, such as:

  • Van Gogh’s Starry Night
  • Matisse’s – Dance
  • Monet’s Water Lillies
  • Andy Warhol’s – Campbell Soup Cans
  • and so many more

Beyond these 4 you’ll find an incredible world of art and artisans across Manhattan and the other boroughs.  Carve out time during every NYC visit to wander the halls of these incredible institutions and remember to Be Forever Wandering But Not Lost.  Here is the short list of other incredible halls of art and history to wander while in NYC:

 

Matt Emerson Wandering But Not Lost MY Transit Museum

Vintage Subway Car from the 1960’s at the NY Transit Museum in Brooklyn

The Met

Museum of Natural History

The Guggenheim Museum

MOMA, NYC