Gyde
Open prototypeProto
Back to all New York City places

New York City, New York / Museums

Museum of the City of New York

A dynamic urban history museum on the Upper East Side dedicated to interpreting the heritage, diversity, and ongoing story of New York City and its people.

Open prototype Official site Get directions
Museum of the City of New York
www.mcny.org, og_image_www.mcny.org

What is the Museum of the City of New York known for?

It is a dynamic urban history museum that celebrates and interprets New York City's character, heritage of diversity, and ongoing story. Its exhibitions cover themes such as urbanization, activism, immigration, and arts and entertainment, as well as the city's built environment.

Where is the museum located?

The museum is located at 1220 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, on the Upper East Side. It sits at the northern end of Museum Mile, across from Central Park.

What are the hours?

The museum is open Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. It is closed on Mondays.

How much does it cost?

Suggested admission is $20 for adults, $14 for seniors and students, and $10 for members and children under 20.

Is it accessible?

Yes, the museum states that it is fully accessible.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Museum of the City of New York serves as a dedicated center for celebrating and interpreting the distinctive character of the city. Founded in 1923 by Henry Collins Brown, the institution was established to preserve the history of New York and the people who have shaped it over time. Located at 1220 Fifth Avenue on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, the museum sits at the northern end of Museum Mile, directly across from Central Park. The current building, which opened in 1932, is a neo-Georgian structure designed by architect Joseph H. Freedlander. As a private nonprofit organization, the museum receives government support through New York City’s Cultural Institutions Group. Its galleries investigate the city's built environment—including its streets, parks, and apartments—alongside themes of immigration, activism, urbanization, and the arts. The museum presents New York as a place defined by opportunity and diversity. Through its public programming and installations, it aims to reflect the complexity of the city while engaging visitors with its past, present, and future.

Visitor tips

  • Plan your visit for Thursday if you need more time, as the museum stays open until 9 p.m.
  • Note that the museum is closed every Monday.
  • Budget for suggested admission of $20 for adults, or $14 for students and seniors.
  • Take a moment to admire the neo-Georgian architecture of the building from Fifth Avenue before entering.

Nearby context

Situated at the northern end of Museum Mile on the Upper East Side, the museum is perfectly positioned for a day of culture. Its location across from Central Park allows visitors to easily transition from urban history to the city's most famous green space.

Sources

Evidence and links