When the rain comes pouring down, and outdoor activities are out of the question, there’s nothing quite like a trip to a museum to while away a few hours. Fortunately, there are plenty of amazing museums in my area, and I’ve put together a list of the very best ones that you can visit on a rainy day.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as the Met, is one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the world. Located in New York City, it’s home to over 2 million works of art, from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. The Met’s collection includes everything from paintings and sculptures to photographs and decorative arts. With such a vast and diverse collection, there’s something for everyone at the Met.

American Museum of Natural History
Another iconic museum in New York City, the American Museum of Natural History is a must-visit for anyone interested in science, nature, and history. Its exhibits include everything from fossils and meteorites to dioramas of animals from all over the world. The museum also has a planetarium, where you can experience stunning visual displays of the cosmos.
Museum of Modern Art
If contemporary art is more your thing, then the Museum of Modern Art, or MoMA, is the place to be. MoMA is home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by some of the most famous artists of the 20th century, such as Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, and Pablo Picasso.
Whitney Museum of American Art
For a deeper dive into American art, head to the Whitney Museum of American Art. Located in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, the museum focuses on 20th- and 21st-century American art, with a particular emphasis on works by living artists. The Whitney’s collection includes paintings, sculptures, videos, and installations, making it a great place to explore the cutting edge of contemporary art.
The Frick Collection
For a more intimate museum experience, check out the Frick Collection on the Upper East Side. Housed in a beautiful mansion, the Frick is home to a stunning collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Renaissance through the 19th century. The museum’s intimate galleries and beautiful gardens make it a perfect spot for a rainy day.
The Morgan Library and Museum
Located in midtown Manhattan, the Morgan Library and Museum is a hidden gem that’s well worth a visit. The museum is housed in the former private library of J.P. Morgan, and it features a stunning collection of rare books, manuscripts, and works of art. Highlights of the collection include a Gutenberg Bible, a copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio, and drawings by artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

The Brooklyn Museum
If you’re looking to explore a different part of the city, head to the Brooklyn Museum. Located in the heart of Brooklyn’s cultural district, the museum has a vast collection of art from around the world, with a particular focus on African, Oceanic, and Native American art. The museum’s rotating exhibitions always offer something new to see, and its beautiful Beaux-Arts building is a work of art in itself.
The Queens Museum
For a more local experience, check out the Queens Museum. Located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, the museum is dedicated to showcasing the art, history, and culture of Queens. Its permanent collection includes works by local artists, as well as artifacts from the 1939 and 1964 World’s Fairs, which were held in the park.
The New-York Historical Society Museum and Library
Located near Central Park, the New-York Historical Society Museum and Library is a treasure trove of American history. The museum’s collection includes everything from George Washington’s personal belongings to Civil War-era photographs to contemporary art that reflects the city’s vibrant cultural diversity. The museum’s interactive exhibitions make it a great spot for families with kids.
The Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim Museum, located in the Upper East Side, is a work of art in itself. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the museum’s spiral structure is a marvel of modern architecture. Inside, the museum’s collection includes works by modern and contemporary artists from around the world, including Kandinsky, Calder, and Picasso.
The National Museum of the American Indian
Located in Lower Manhattan, the National Museum of the American Indian is a Smithsonian-affiliated museum that’s dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of Native Americans. Its collection includes everything from traditional clothing and pottery to contemporary art that reflects the ongoing vibrancy of Native American culture.
The New Museum
For cutting-edge contemporary art, head to the New Museum in the Lower East Side. The museum’s rotating exhibitions always feature the latest and greatest in contemporary art, with a particular emphasis on emerging artists from around the world. The New Museum’s unconventional architecture and experimental exhibitions make it a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the avant-garde.
The Rubin Museum of Art
Located in Chelsea, the Rubin Museum of Art is dedicated to showcasing the art and culture of the Himalayas and neighboring regions. Its collection includes everything from traditional paintings and sculptures to contemporary works that reflect the ongoing influence of Himalayan art and culture.

The Museum of the City of New York
Located on the Upper East Side, the Museum of the City of New York is dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of the city itself. Its collection includes everything from paintings and photographs to clothing and furniture that reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage. The museum’s interactive exhibits make it a great spot for families with kids.
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Located on the West Side of Manhattan, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is dedicated to showcasing the history and technology of sea, air, and space travel. The museum’s collection includes everything from vintage aircraft and spacecraft to an aircraft carrier that was used during World War II. The museum’s interactive exhibits make it a great spot for kids and adults alike.
In conclusion, there are plenty of amazing museums in my area that are perfect for a rainy day. From iconic institutions like the Met and the American Museum of Natural History to hidden gems like the Frick Collection and the Morgan Library and Museum, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in art, history, science, or culture, these museums offer a chance to explore, learn, and be inspired. So next time the rain starts to fall, head to one of these museums and discover something new.