Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Overview

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) houses the world's most important collection of modern and contemporary art, from Van Gogh's Starry Night to Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans, in a sleek, recently expanded Midtown building.

Highlights

• The Starry Night: Van Gogh's iconic 1889 masterpiece, permanently displayed on the 5th floor and arguably the single most sought-out painting in New York.
• Architecture Gallery: MoMA's rare architecture collection includes actual building components and original architectural models by Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van der Rohe.
• The Sculpture Garden: The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden, an elegant outdoor oasis displaying works by Picasso, Rodin, and others.

History

Founded in 1929, MoMA was the first museum dedicated exclusively to modern art. It was revolutionary in treating photography, film, industrial design, and architecture as serious art forms alongside painting and sculpture.

Visitor Tips

• Free Friday Evenings: MoMA offers free admission every Friday from 4–8 PM, sponsored by Uniqlo — expect long lines.
• 5th Floor First: Start at the top (5th floor) with the masterworks and work your way down.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.