Museum of Chinese in America

The basics

A landmark museum that casts light on the lives of members of the Chinese-American diaspora, the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) is a must-visit for anyone wishing to learn more about the community in New York City’s Chinatown. Boasting a collection of more than 85,000 objects—which range from photographs and historic documents to clothing and other artifacts—this intimate and accessible museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, author talks, and musical performances that further bring the area’s history to life.

MOCA is easy to visit during an independent day out in Chinatown and Lower Manhattan. It also features on a number of New York sightseeing excursions—including Chinatown walking tours—and is included in the cost-saving New York Pass scheme, which offers discounted admission to a range of museums and cultural institutions.

Things to know before you go

• The museum is completely accessible to wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.

• Flash photography and mobile phone conversations are not permitted at the museum.

• The museum does not currently operate a café, and food and drinks are not allowed.

• Baby strollers are welcome in the museum.

How to get there

The Museum of Chinese in America is located on Centre Street on the northern edge of Chinatown. If using the subway, take the N, Q, R, or W; the J or Z; or the 6 to their respective Canal Street stations, all of which are just a short walk away. You can also take the B and D to nearby Grand Street. Alternatively, bikes, taxis, and rideshare services also make getting to the museum easy.

When to get there

The Museum of Chinese in America is open Wednesday–Sunday. Though the museum is generally operating from morning to early evening, on Thursdays it opens early in the afternoon and closes later in the evening; and on Sundays, it closes late in the afternoon. MOCA is closed annually on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

What to do in New York City’s Chinatown

Once you’ve visited the Museum of Chinese in America, don’t end your Chinatown excursion there. You can continue to neighborhood landmarks like Columbus Park and the Mahayana Buddhist Temple (home to the city’s largest Buddha statue), shop for gifts at the Pearl River Mart flagship store, and dine on everything from dumplings and hand-pulled noodles to Peking duck and egg yolk buns.

Ways to explore

Count on around an hour for visiting the museum, which features informative and interactive exhibits detailing the history of Chinese immigration to the United States and Chinese-American heritage today. While most visits are self-guided, MOCA offers a guided tour of its core exhibit on certain weekends; check their website for an up-to-date calendar. Workshops, talks, and performances by resident artists and musicians are also held regularly.

Neighborhood walking tours of Chinatown and nearby Little Italy may also stop here; if not, a private, customizable option will let you include a visit.

Accessibility

The museum is wheelchair accessible via its entrance at 215 Centre Street. Loan wheelchairs are available. ASL-interpreted tours can be requested—email the museum two weeks ahead of your visit to book. Guided tours can be arranged for visitors who are blind or have low vision, while tactile and touch objects can be provided.

Age limits

None, and children under 12 enter for free.

What to pack

Camera, smartphone (for accessing info about MOCA on the Bloomberg Connects app)

What to wear

Anything goes, but you can never go wrong wearing comfortable shoes suitable for sightseeing.

Not allowed

Flash photography, phone conversations in galleries, eating or drinking, smoking

Amenities

Research archive and learning center, bookshop and gift shop

Address

MOCA is located in Chinatown near SoHo and Little Italy. The entrance is at 215 Centre Street between Howard and Grand Streets, one block north from Canal Street. It can be easily reached by car, taxi, or public transportation.

Driving

Driving in New York City can be hectic, plus parking is expensive and limited. Travel by public transport if you can, or hail a cab or book a rideshare.

Public transportation

The nearest subway station is Canal Street, a 2-minute walk away, which is served by the N, Q, R, Q, J, and Z trains. Alternatively, take the B or D to Grand Street and continue on foot for about seven minutes. M1, M55, and M103 buses stop near MOCA, and a Citi Bike docking station is close by.

Best times to visit

Come in the late afternoon, just before closing time, then stick around for an early dinner in Chinatown or Little Italy.

Best days to visit

MOCA is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and Wednesday through Friday are typically quieter days to visit. The museum offers guided tours of its core collection on select Saturday mornings.

Best months to visit

Aim for the shoulder seasons of spring and fall when planning a trip to New York City, when you’ll find the mildest weather. January and February have the fewest crowds, but prepare for frigid temperatures.

Special events

During Pride Month in June, the museum hosts StoryJam, featuring stories from LGBTQ Asian Americans. Other talks, workshops, film screenings, and other special events are held frequently throughout the year.