We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
All 1,703 New York City Attractions »

Rubin Museum of Art

150 W 17th St, New York City, NY
Got a photo?
Add it.
Ranked #75 of 707 attractions in New York City
4.5 of 5 stars 23 Reviews
Type: Museums, Art Museums
Update attraction details
Write a Review

23 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    17
    6
    0
    0
    0
Date Rating
New York City, New York
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012 NEW

The Rubin Museum is one of NYC hidden gems. Not overcrowed like the Metropolitan Museum or MOMA. It has a small, but impressive collection of religious art from the Himalayan region. They have great free tours, which explain the meaning and symbolism behind the artifacts. Very informative. Their restaurant, Setai, serves great wine, teas and eastern influence foods. The museum... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
New Haven, Connecticut
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2012

I love Asian Buddha sculptures, but I never understood what they really meant until I went here. The museum is super informative and really helps to appreciate the meaning of Tibetan Buddhist art. The selection itself is not the most beautiful (go to the Met for the real gems), but the temporary exhibits are great.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by No t for New York City
NY
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Housed in what was the original Barney's NY Dept store, the Rubin is a wonderful small collection of eastern art. There are several opportunities for free entrance such as on Friday evenings or Bank of America card member free weekends etc. We ateat the very nice museum cafe Setai, which is also accessible with entering the museum. Setai is great... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by SBFINCT for New York City
Sandusky, Ohio
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 March 2012
1
person found this review helpful

"The Rubin Museum of Art has the largest Western collection of religious art from cultures of the Himalayan mountain range, including those of Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan as well as the interrelated traditions of India, Mongolia, and China." Why I enjoy this museum: 1. Very peaceful. You can quietly take in the art of various mediums. 2. Not overwhelming in... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Cary, North Carolina
Top Contributor
106 reviews 106 reviews
Reviews in 27 cities Reviews in 27 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 March 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Full disclosure: I am an art curator, so I am highly likely to check out a lot of art institutions when I visit New York, probably more than the normal visitor. A couple of years ago I visit the Rubin for the first time and was totally overwhelmed by how wonderful it is. It's a little out of the way... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 9 more reviews by jendasal for New York City
New York
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
34 helpful votes 34 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Great tohave a museum that does focuses on an entirely different area/ culture than European /Western in a neighborhood that is not Museum Mile. Tibetan eastern art/ culture shown in its colorful comfortable exciting way.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

This museum has the best atmosphere in all of NY. It's quiet and the walls are the colors of jewels. It feels like a sacred space. There is a spectacular spiral staircase from when the building housed Barney's. Either you are into Himalayan art (mostly, but not exclusively Buddhist), or you aren't, but the exhibitions are fascinating if you are.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Cambridge39 for New York City
New York
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

A unique and beautiful museum, created by 1 couple, with magnificent art from all countries bordering the Himalayas, not just Tibet. Each work of art is well-curated, explaining the significance of each piece, and providing a background for any subjects portrayed in the paintings. The restaurant has good food, appropriate for its setting. On Friday nights, it's open free for... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by TravellerDon for New York City
NYC
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

The Rubin Museum of Art is a perfect bite-sized art and culture experience. The collection and exhibitions are devoted to the art of the Himalayas. The special exhibitions are well-conceived and beautifully installed. (The building was originally a high-end retailer, but it has been adapted to showcase art.) The public programs are especially rich and interesting, so plan your visit... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 7 more reviews by NYCBookMark for New York City
Staten Island, New York
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 January 2012

What a great Museum...you can leisurely spend an afternoon...This museum features artwork of the Himalayas. Mostly pieces from Tibet The top floor has some modern pieces from regional artist. What a trip! Don't forget to leave some time to have a cup of tea or glass of wine. The afternoon I visited a local floutist played for over an hour.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by japjv for New York City

Travellers who viewed Rubin Museum of Art also viewed

Frick Collection
4.5 of 5 stars 709 Reviews
New York City, NY
Manhattan Skyline
5 of 5 stars 1,000 Reviews
New York City, NY
 
The Cloisters
4.5 of 5 stars 428 Reviews
New York City, NY
Museum of Arts and Design
4.5 of 5 stars 23 Reviews
New York City, NY
 

Been to Rubin Museum of Art? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Rubin Museum of Art, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family holidays start here.

Best beach houses of 2012 »