MoMA (Museum of Modern Art): Collection and Exhibitions
The Museum of Modern Art, universally known asMoMA, is one of the most important and influential modern and contemporary art museums in the world. Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, between Fifth and Sixth Avenue, MoMA houses an extraordinary collection that tells the story of art's evolution from the late 19th century to the present day. From Van Gogh's Starry Night to Andy Warhol's famous Campbell's soups, and including works by Picasso, Matisse, and Dalí, MoMA is a fascinating journey through the avant-gardes and movements that have forever changed the way we conceive of art. This guide will help you discover the museum, with tips on must-see works, how to navigate, temporary exhibitions, and practical information.
A Bit of History
MoMA was founded in 1929 by three passionate collectors: Abby Aldrich Rockefeller (wife of John D. Rockefeller Jr.), Lillie P. Bliss, and Mary Quinn Sullivan. The idea was to create a museum dedicated exclusively to modern art, a revolutionary concept for the time. The museum opened its doors in a few rented rooms and, thanks to donations and acquisitions, quickly grew to become the institution we know today. The current building, designed by Philip Johnson and later expanded by Yoshio Taniguchi and Diller Scofidio + Renfro, is itself a work of modern art.
The Permanent Collection: What to Absolutely See
The permanent collection of the MoMA is vast and covers painting, sculpture, photography, drawing, architecture, design, film, and performance. Here is a selection of absolutely unmissable works.
The Fifth Floor: The Heart of Modern Painting
The fifth floor houses the masterpieces of modern art and is the essential starting point.
Vincent van Gogh, "The Starry Night" (1889):The museum's icon. The swirling sky, the cypress tree, and the imaginary village create a unique emotional experience. It is the most famous painting at the MoMA, and the line to see it is always long.
Pablo Picasso, "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" (1907):The work that revolutionized 20th-century art. With its fragmented figures and faces inspired by African art, Picasso paved the way for Cubism.
Salvador Dalí, "The Persistence of Memory" (1931):The famous melting clocks that dissolve into the dreamlike landscape. An icon of Surrealism.
Henri Matisse, "The Dance" (1909):One of the versions of the famous painting depicting five figures dancing in a circle, symbolizing joy and movement.
Claude Monet, "The Water Lilies" (1914-1926):The MoMA owns several canvases from Monet's water lilies series, displayed in a dedicated room that allows appreciation of the immersive quality of his painting.
Andy Warhol, "Campbell's Soup Cans" (1962):Thirty-two identical canvases, each depicting a different Campbell's soup. The work that established Pop Art and its relationship with consumerism.
Frida Kahlo, "Self-Portrait with Monkey" (1938):An intense self-portrait of the Mexican artist, featuring her recurring symbols (the monkey, the vegetation).
Piet Mondrian, "Broadway Boogie Woogie" (1942-43):The last work completed by Mondrian, inspired by the syncopated rhythms of jazz and the urban grid of New York.
Umberto Boccioni, "Unique Forms of Continuity in Space" (1913):The quintessential futurist sculpture, capturing the movement and dynamism of the human body.
Other Floors and Collections
The museum spans multiple floors, each dedicated to different periods and techniques.
Fourth Floor:Art from 1940 to 1970, featuring works by Jackson Pollock (dripping), Mark Rothko, Willem de Kooning, and Francis Bacon.
Third Floor:Art from 1970 to 2000, with installations, video art, and contemporary works.
Second Floor:Photography, prints, and illustrated books.
Ground Floor and Atrium:Site-specific installations and impactful temporary exhibitions.
The Sculpture Garden (The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden):An oasis of peace in the heart of the museum, featuring sculptures by masters like Rodin, Miró, and Picasso. Perfect for a break.
Temporary Exhibitions
The MoMA is also famous for its temporary exhibitions, always cutting-edge and curated with great care. The exhibitions range from the great masters of the twentieth century to emerging contemporary artists, from photography to design, from cinema to architecture. Check the official website before your visit to see which exhibitions are scheduled and if they require an additional ticket.
How to Navigate and Plan Your Visit
The Dimensions
The MoMA is large, but not as immense as the Met. With good planning, it is possible to see the best in a few hours. The fifth floor (the masterpieces) is the most visited.
How Much Time to Dedicate
1-2 hours:A quick visit focused on the fifth floor (the masterpieces) and a quick look at the sculpture garden.
2-3 hours:Add the fourth floor (abstract expressionism) and a temporary exhibition.
3-4 hours:An in-depth visit that also includes the lower floors (photography, design) and a break at the café.
Maps and Audio Guides
At the entrance, pick up a map. The audio guide (included with the ticket or available via app) is very helpful for contextualizing the works. You can download the MoMA app on your smartphone.
Recommended Paths
The Masterpieces Path:Follow the signs to the most famous works. Start from the fifth floor and then go down.
The Chronological Path:Start from the upper floors and go down following the chronological order: from post-impressionism to contemporary.
The Thematic Path:If you have a specific interest (photography, design, an art movement), focus on the dedicated sections.
Tickets and Hours
Tickets
Adults:about 25 dollars.
Seniors (65+):about 18 dollars.
Students:about 14 dollars.
Children under 16 years:free.
Friday evening (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM):Free admission for everyone (offered by Uniqlo). The attendance is very high at this time, but it's a can't-miss opportunity to visit the museum for free.
Hours
Sunday - Friday:10:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday:10:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Closed on Tuesday(check, because in the past the closing day was Tuesday, but it may vary; always check the official website).
How to Buy
It is highly recommended to purchase tickets online on the official MoMA website. You will avoid the line at the ticket counter (although you will still need to go through security checks). For free Friday evenings, the line can be very long; arrive early.
Practical Tips
Start from the fifth floor:It is the most crowded. Arrive early and go straight to the fifth floor to see The Starry Night before the lines form.
Comfortable shoes:You will be walking a lot.
No flash:Photography is allowed (without flash and tripods) in most galleries. Some temporary exhibitions may prohibit it.
Breaks:The museum has several dining options: the café on the ground floor (overlooking the garden), the restaurant The Modern (Michelin-starred, reservation recommended), and a bar on the fifth floor.
Bookstore:The MoMA store is famous for its design gadgets, art books, and cult items. It's worth a visit even if you don't enter the museum (the store has a separate entrance).
Clothing:The museum is air-conditioned. Bring a sweater even in summer.
The MoMA and the Met: Differences
Visitors often wonder whether to choose the MoMA or the Met. Here are the main differences:
MoMA:Dedicated to modern and contemporary art (from 1880 to today). More focused collection, famous for 20th-century masterpieces. Quicker visit (2-4 hours).
Met:Encyclopedic museum with 5,000 years of history. Covers all eras and all civilizations. Much longer visit (at least 3-4 hours, but it could take days).
La risposta? Visitali entrambi! Sono due esperienze diverse e complementari. Se hai poco tempo, scegli in base ai tuoi interessi: arte moderna = MoMA; arte antica e classica = Met. Moma Web Site
FAQ MOMA
How much does a ticket to the MoMA cost?
The adult ticket costs about $25, with discounts for seniors and students. Children under 16 enter for free. On Friday evenings (4-8 PM), admission is free for everyone.
What are the most famous works at the MoMA?
Must-see works include: "The Starry Night" by Van Gogh, "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" by Picasso, "The Persistence of Memory" by Dalí, "Water Lilies" by Monet, "Campbell's Soup Cans" by Warhol, and "Broadway Boogie Woogie" by Mondrian.
How long does it take to visit the MoMA?
For a visit to the main works (fifth floor), it takes about 1-2 hours. For a more in-depth visit that includes the fourth floor and a temporary exhibition, plan for 2-3 hours.
What day is the MoMA closed?
The MoMA is usually closed on Tuesdays. Always check the official website before your visit, as hours may vary.
Can you take photos at the MoMA?
Yes, photos without flash and tripods are allowed in the permanent collection. Temporary exhibitions may have restrictions.
Is the MoMA free on Friday evenings?
Yes, every Friday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, admission is free for everyone. The turnout is very high, so be prepared to wait in line.
How to get to MoMA?
MoMA is located at 11 West 53rd Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenue. Subway: E, M lines to Fifth Avenue-53rd Street; B, D, F, M lines to 47th-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center.
Where is The Starry Night at MoMA?
The Starry Night is located on the fifth floor, in gallery 5. Follow the signs to the masterpieces.
What is the difference between MoMA and the Met?
MoMA is dedicated to modern and contemporary art (from 1880 to the present). The Met is an encyclopedic museum covering 5,000 years of art history from around the world.
Can you exit and re-enter MoMA?
Yes, with the same ticket you can exit and re-enter on the same day. Keep your ticket with you.
Does MoMA have a coat check?
Yes, there is a free coat check where you can leave jackets and bags (no luggage). Large backpacks must be left here.
Are there guided tours at MoMA?
Yes, MoMA offers free guided tours (included with the ticket) at various times. You can check the schedule at the entrance or on the app.
Where to eat at MoMA?
There are several options: the café on the ground floor (informal, overlooking the garden), the bar on the fifth floor, and the restaurant The Modern (elegant, with a Michelin star).
Is MoMA suitable for children?
Yes, MoMA offers programs and activities for families. However, very young children may get bored. The sculpture garden is a good place for a break.
What to see around MoMA?
The MoMA is very close to Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD), and Central Park. You can easily combine your visit with a tour of Midtown.
Emotions and reflections
The Museum of Modern Art is a must-see experience for anyone who loves art and creativity. Entering the MoMA means immersing yourself in the works that have defined our collective imagination, from Dalí's dreamlike landscapes to Warhol's explosive colors. Whether you have a few hours or a whole day, the MoMA will provide you with emotions and reflections. Plan your visit, choose the works you absolutely want to see, and take the time to get lost among its galleries. And if you can, take advantage of the free Friday evenings to experience the museum in a special atmosphere. With thisguide to the Museum of Modern Art, you are ready to have an unforgettable experience in one of the temples of contemporary art worldwide.
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Review date: March 2026