Met vs MoMA: which should you visit?
Quick answer
Choose the Met for Egyptian Temple of Dendur, European Masters, and American Wing — allow 3–5 hours. Choose MoMA for Picasso, Van Gogh's The Starry Night, Warhol, and contemporary art — a focused 2–3 hour visit covers the fifth-floor highlights. The Metropolitan Museum of Art: $30, allow 3–5 hours; Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): $30, allow 2–4 hours.
New York City, United States
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
$30 for adults; pay-what-you-wish for NY State residents and NY, NJ & CT students
⏱ 3–5 hours
New York City, United States
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
$30 for adults; children 16 and under free
⏱ 2–4 hours
Side by side
| The Metropolitan Museum of Art | Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | New York City, United States | New York City, United States |
| Museum type | Art Museum | Modern & Contemporary Art |
| Admission | $30 for adults; pay-what-you-wish for NY State residents and NY, NJ & CT students | $30 for adults; children 16 and under free |
| Free entry | Pay-what-you-wish for NY State residents and NY, NJ & CT students (NJ/CT students in person with ID) · Children 12 and under free | UNIQLO Friday Nights: free for New York State residents every Friday, 5:30–8:30 PM (reserve ahead, proof of residency) · Children 16 and under free · SNAP/WIC recipients free plus up to 4 guests |
| Time needed | 3–5 hours | 2–4 hours |
| Closed | Wednesdays | — |
| Standout works | Washington Crossing the Delaware; Cypresses | The Starry Night; Les Demoiselles d'Avignon |
| Good for | Art Lovers, History Enthusiasts, Families, First-timers | Art Lovers, Contemporary Art, First-timers |
Facts from our verified data file (last verified 2026-09-25) — confirm on each museum's official site before travelling.
Should I visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art or Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)?
Choose The Metropolitan Museum of Art if…
Choose the Met for Egyptian Temple of Dendur, European Masters, and American Wing — allow 3–5 hours.
Choose Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) if…
Choose MoMA for Picasso, Van Gogh's The Starry Night, Warhol, and contemporary art — a focused 2–3 hour visit covers the fifth-floor highlights.
Can you visit both The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in one day?
Not realistic same-day for both at depth; pick by era interest or split across two days.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art guide → Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) guide →