American Folk Art Museum
New York City, NY
Artists without formal training produced the 7,000-plus works in the collection at the American Folk Art Museum, New York City’s only museum dedicated to folk and self-taught artists. The permanent collection—spanning four centuries and many mediums, from paintings and photographs to sculptures and textiles—portrays everyday American life. Diverse exhibitions change every few months.
The basics
You don’t need a ticket to visit this free museum—just pop in when it's open and spend about an hour browsing the small galleries and gift shop. For more context behind the current exhibitions, join a drop-in gallery tour, held every few days and announced on the website. Extend your visit with one of the museum’s art talks or jazz nights, or drop in after an Upper West Side stroll around Central Park.
Things to know before you go
- Upon arrival, the museum inspects visitors’ bags and asks that large bags be worn in the front or placed in a free locker.
- Eating and drinking are prohibited inside the museum.
- The museum's restrooms are suitable for people who use wheelchairs.
How to get there
The museum is in Lincoln Square on the Upper West Side, a short walk from Manhattan mainstays like Central Park and the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts. To get there on the subway, take the 1 or 2 train to 66th Street-Lincoln Center. Several bus lines serve the area, as well.
When to get there
The American Folk Art Museum is open from Wednesday–Sunday from late morning to evening. It’s busiest on Saturdays, and crowds are generally at their thinnest near closing hours. The museum also offers free tours and special events, such as panel discussions and live music, at select times—check the website for the schedule.
Make it a museum day
The Upper West Side has no shortage of museums for a cultural day. Combine a quick visit to the American Folk Art Museum with a look at the New-York Historical Society Museum and Library, which tells American history through art, clothing, furniture, and more. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan has five floors of interactive exhibits, while the American Museum of Natural History draws visitors of all ages with its dinosaur skeletons, Hall of Primates, and other scientific delights.
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