New Museum
The Bowery's contemporary art museum, reopened in fall 2025 with an OMA-designed expansion doubling its galleries.
Example
There is no permanent collection to fall back on, so checking which exhibition is running before you go decides whether the visit lands.
Related terms
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Lower East Side
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Museums
MoMA PS1
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Culture and venues
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Museums
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
America's largest art museum, spanning 5,000 years on Fifth Avenue, from Egyptian temples to the rooftop bar.
Frequently asked questions
Is the New Museum a safe bet for casual visitors?
Less than MoMA. Exhibitions rotate fully and can be challenging. Check the current show first, then decide with confidence either way.
What changed with the 2025 expansion?
A second seven-story building doubled the galleries and eased circulation, ending the cramped-elevator era. The bigger shows now breathe.
What can I combine with the New Museum?
The Lower East Side gallery blocks east of the Bowery, which are free and walkable, plus a slice at Scarr's to close a full contemporary art afternoon.
