As the self-proclaimed capital of culture in America, it is hardly surprising that New York City can boast of world class museums and art galleries. Whether you want to learn a little more about the city's unique history, soak in some incredible paintings by renowned art masters or even learn about the natural history of the world, this urban metropolis has it all. Here are the 10 most popular and well known museums and galleries in all of New York City:
1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art: This is perhaps the best known art museum in the city. It houses works by Monet, Rembrandt and Vermeer, along with ancient art from Egypt and Asia.
2. The Cloisters: In uptown Manhattan you'll find this smaller facility, bursting with French artefacts and medieval art.
3. The Museum of Modern Art: Affectionately referred to as "MOMA" by art enthusiasts the world over, this museum is the most extensive collection of modern art on earth. View world famous paintings like Van Gogh's "Starry Night" as well as "Les Demoiselles d’Avignon" by Picasso.
4. The American Museum of Natural History: In Manhattan's Upper West Side is the best known museum in the city, and perhaps even in the world. The ideal location for children, you will find displays and exhibitions on animals, geology and even dinosaurs.
5. The Intrepid Sea, Space and Air Museum: This museum has a truly interesting location, on a pier in the Hudson River. Take a look at boats, planes and even a giant air craft carrier called the Intrepid.
6. The Whitney Museum of American Art: You will find this museum on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, and it houses primarily contemporary American art by modern day painters.
7. The New York Hall of Science: This hands on and child friendly museum is found in the borough of Queens. It is located where the New York World's Fair was once held, and is full of exhibitions and displays to explore.
8. The Guggenheim Museum: This museum in the Upper East Side is perhaps better known for it's stunning architecture than for the contents. However, it does in fact hold some amazing art, many of the displays temporary so they are always changing and certainly worth a visit.
9. The Brooklyn Museum of Art: As the second largest art museum in Brooklyn, this space holds thousands of fascinating pieces, including sculptures from Oceania and Africa. There is a large emphasis on international art.
10. The Transit Museum: In the heart of Brooklyn there is an abandoned station which has been transformed into an exciting museum. Children and adults alike will love the touring the old subway cars and seeing the mechanical progress made in the last 100 years in New York City.
