A local’s guide to NYC's under-the-radar museums

New York City has many big-league museums: The Met, MoMA, the Guggenheim, the Whitney… the list goes on. But don’t just hit the iconic institutions and leave—there’s so much more to see. As a born-and-raised New Yorker, design writer, and former Time Out editor, I've swiped into many of the city’s museums and galleries over the years. Yet, what I really love is exploring the few that aren’t on everyone's radar. A lesser-known gallery might take you to neighborhoods or boroughs to which you normally wouldn’t venture, or inspire you to learn a new hobby. These are the museums that I consider best-kept secrets.

Believe it or not, you actually can slow down in New York. Head north of Midtown Manhattan to Washington Heights. Perched on a hilltop in Fort Tryon Park, The Met Cloisters offers a peaceful, quiet respite amidst the chaotic, fast-paced city. You’ll be transported back to the Middle Ages as you wander through this four-acre estate dedicated to architecture and art from that period. Although the centerpiece is a replica of a medieval monastery, parts of the structure are original—keep an eye out for doorways, columns, and arches from 12th-century abbeys. The gardens (especially the one in the courtyard) are gorgeous, too.

Within the building’s stone hallways and galleries, you’ll find more than 2,000 medieval artifacts, such as textiles, metalwork, and paintings. I usually spend about four hours here, leaving time to linger on the terrace overlooking the Hudson River. But, if you’re in a rush, three hours will do. You can also follow the two-hour audio guide, with commentary from museum curators and educators.

Tip: Combine a trip to the Met Cloisters with a stop at Wave Hill in the Bronx, a quick 10-minute taxi away. Flower-filled gardens, ponds, greenhouses, and forest paths are spread across this 26-acre property along the Palisades. Beyond guided walking tours, there’s a roster of environmental programs and cultural events, including sunset concerts in the summer.

Fotografriska, a contemporary photography museum in Gramercy Park, has garnered a lot of buzz. Expect rotating exhibitions of big, vivid images—I wish I could display a couple of them in my living room. Despite its four floors of art, you won’t be overwhelmed. I only spent about 20 minutes on each level taking in conceptual works and landscape shots to portraits and documentaries.

It might surprise you, but the best part about this museum is the gift shop. Trust me, don’t save it for last. This store has so many fun items to sort through–and I'm not talking about rubber fridge magnets. Its walls are lined with quirky books, posters from past and current exhibitions, prints that deserve to be framed, film cameras, and more.

Tip: In comparison, Fotografriska has much less on display than, say, MoMA for the same general admission price ($28). I recommend going on the second Sunday of every month, when tickets are only $10. I recently went on one such evening, and the crowds settled down between 7 and 9 p.m. (I almost forgot it was a discounted day.)

Not many museums are relaxing—usually you’re waiting in long lines and wrestling for a front-row spot to the most popular paintings. But, if you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a rare, zen gallery. That’s how I feel when I step inside the Noguchi Museum in Queens. Designed and created by the Japanese-American artist and landscape architect Isamu Noguchi, this museum is a study on minimalism. Its tranquil gardens and spacious galleries are dotted with massive monoliths. I always meander through these stone sculptures and pause for reflection. As a vintage curator, I’m obsessed with mid-century modern pieces, which is Noguchi’s specialty. Although I've seen his famous structures in design books, they're more impactful in person, peering back at you at eye level.

Make sure to sit for a bit in the reading room. I love flipping through Noguchi's books, and learning more about his work. Downstairs, the basement gift shop has an array of Noguchi pieces, including Akari sculpture lamps and local ceramics.

Tip: Hour-long tours happen daily at 2 p.m. and are included with admission. (Reserve a ticket in advance for free entry on the first Friday of every month.) Want more art? Tack on a visit to the quirky Socrates Sculpture Park, just across the road by the East River.

Surely you’ve heard of the American Museum of Natural History. Now with its new wing, the Gilder Center, there’s even more to do. Check out the Hall of Gems and Minerals, the redesigned library, and my personal highlight: the butterfly vivarium, home to 80 different species. Don’t forget to stop in the stunning atrium, which was designed to mimic a curved canyon. This Gaudí-esque entrance is an awe-inspiring work of art in itself.

Tip: Have kids in tow? Little ones will love the 12-minute immersive exhibit, Invisible Worlds, where projections of animals, landscapes, and microscopic cells cover the walls and ground. Stand in the back for the best sound and 360-degree experience. Adults can also let out their inner child on a scavenger hunt: Try to find the Andy Warhol butterfly print hidden inside an alcove.

Tucked inside a historic Upper East Side townhouse, the Emma Scully Gallery is super intimate. Whenever I come here, I’m warmly welcomed by the eponymous owner. It really does feel like a family friend is inviting me over to browse her latest design collection. At any given time, thought-provoking pieces from the show-on-view are scattered about the main room—a large embossed cabinet, a cast iron and bronze chair by Chen Chen & Kai Williams.

It’s my favorite place to take in experimental design, and the ever-changing exhibitions are focused on themes like sustainability, local manufacturing, and social justice. The main room closes occasionally to set up installations, so check the website before you go.

Tip: While you’re in the neighborhood, stroll 15 minutes north—through Central Park of course—and grab a creamy latte at a coffee shop hidden within a historic church. For something a bit stronger, consider Melody's Piano Bar (the craft cocktails are insanely good).

Though it’s not exactly a secret, this museum doesn’t get as much attention as its shinier sisters in Manhattan—and that’s a shame. After all, the Brooklyn Museum is one of the oldest institutions in the country. (Fun fact: It’s celebrating its bicentennial in 2024.) From Egyptian antiquities and African textiles to contemporary pieces by current trending artists, you could easily spend an entire day roaming these corridors. But if you only have an hour, don't miss the 1897 Beaux-Arts Court on the third floor and the Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art on the fourth. The latter features unique works that celebrate influential women and suffragist history.

Tip: The energy at the Brooklyn Museum's First Saturdays is unmatched. For 25 years, it has hosted monthly evening programs, such as poetry slams, artist talks, and live music. Free reservations are snatched up quickly, so subscribe to the museum’s newsletter to be notified about future events.

If you’re a nostalgic person like me, Poster House should be at the top of your list. Created by a group of avid poster collectors, this museum pays tribute to the history of advertising. It shows the evolution of design (the Art Deco boards were my favorite) and global movements like climate change.

It’s also very efficient to get through; you can explore its two floors in under an hour and still have time to spare at the Poster House shop. Peruse the posters, stationery, and a large selection of books about advertising, typography, and graphic design.

Tip: When hunger strikes, walk 15 minutes east to Gramercy Park to get lunch at Bedford Cheese Shop, where you can’t go wrong with any of the sandwich options. Follow that with gelato at Caffè Panna (don't fuss, the line moves quickly).