Did You Say Picasso? A trip through Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
MoMA is not just “a museum you should visit.” It’s a place that shows you how to view the last 150 years of visual culture as an ongoing conversation. People describe it as a greatest-hits collection, and while that’s true, if you only see it as a checklist, you miss the real value: the Museum of Modern Art is designed to help you see how modern and contemporary art continually reinvents what “art” can mean.
[Warning: Spoilers from the Museum of Modern Art are below!]
Where to begin in the Museum of Modern Art
Let’s start with the obvious. Yes, you’ll want to see the iconic pieces. You’re looking for rooms that feel like stepping into a textbook, with works you’ve seen on tote bags, in dorm posters, and in countless slideshows. MoMA provides that rush better than many other places since it doesn’t hide the famous pieces in a maze. But a smarter approach is to treat these well-known pieces as anchors, not endpoints. Let them guide you, then explore beyond to discover things you didn’t know you would enjoy. MoMA is also one of the best indoor experiences you can have in New York when the weather is unpleasant. It’s centrally located and easy to enter if you have reserved tickets. You can spend just 90 minutes on highlights and leave satisfied, or you can invest half a day and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface.
The layout matters too. MoMA’s galleries are designed for easy flow. Even when it’s busy, the museum usually avoids the cramped spots that make other large museums feel overwhelming. You find moments of openness, clear sight lines, and enough space to step back and appreciate a canvas. This may sound simple, but in New York, “space” is a luxury, and MoMA knows how to use it effectively. What I appreciate most about MoMA is that it caters to both beginners and experts. If you’re not familiar with art history, the labels and arrangement still provide a narrative: movements, disruptions, new technologies, new politics, new styles. If you do know art history, you can recognize the curatorial decisions, the contrasts, and how one room interacts with another. It’s not neutral; it actively makes statements about what matters.
The key to enjoying the Museum of Modern Art is having a plan. If you try to “see it all,” you might end up feeling fatigued and have blurry memories. Choose a focus: painting, sculpture, photography, design, film, or contemporary art. Then decide on your energy level: do you want a slow, reflective visit or a fast-paced exploration? The museum accommodates both approaches, but planning ahead helps you have a better experience.
MoMA is popular for a reason, and the busy areas will feel crowded. If you prefer a quieter visit, aim for early entry times and try to go on weekdays when you can. Friday evenings have extended hours, and MoMA offers free admission for New York State residents during “Uniqlo Friday Nights,” but these free tickets must be reserved in advance, so it’s not a last-minute option.
Now, regarding tickets. This museum requires some planning. The official Visit page clearly explains how to book tickets, making it the easiest way to skip the longer wait. You also find information on hours, ticket prices, and what admission covers (galleries and special exhibitions).
Expect to be swept away in MoMA
Let’s discuss the emotional experience. MoMA is one of the best places in the city to feel “scale shock.” It’s that moment when a piece you’ve seen in pictures suddenly strikes you differently because it’s right in front of you. Brushstrokes become real, colors become tangible. And modern art, often dismissed as “easy,” suddenly reveals itself as a serious discipline when you’re standing in front of it and recognizing the intention behind every detail. MoMA also encourages a sense of playfulness. Design objects, typography, industrial materials, photo experiments, film installations—this museum reminds you that “art” isn’t just about oil paint and marble. It encompasses how humans shape experiences. That’s the aspect that tends to resonate with people, even if they can’t recall a single artist afterward.
In my opinion, MoMA is worth visiting even if you think modern art isn’t for you. In fact, it’s especially valuable in that case. You’ll find enough variety to discover an entry point. You might dislike one room but love the next. That’s normal and part of the experience. The museum isn’t asking for your loyalty; it’s inviting you to recognize your own tastes as they develop.
If you want a single “best approach” for MoMA, here it is: Enter with curiosity, not obligation. Choose three floors or three themes, take breaks, and let at least one artwork surprise you. You’ll leave feeling like you didn’t just see New York—you engaged with it.
Hours of operation: Mon–Thu 10:30 AM–5:30 PM; Fri 10:30 AM–8:30 PM; Sat–Sun 10:30 AM–5:30 PM.
Tickets: Purchase by reserving timed entry through MoMA’s “Book tickets” option on the official Visit page; it’s recommended to do this in advance.
When was the last time you visited the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)? What’s your favorite piece from the museum? Share your thoughts on social media and tag @bsb.insider to continue the conversation!
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