Museum of Ice Cream

The basics

The Museum of Ice Cream illustrates the history of ice cream with more than a dozen colorful installations, including one of the highest indoor slides in New York City and an Instagram-worthy swimming pool packed with rainbow sprinkles. Explore three floors of ice-cream-inspired rooms, sample five types of frozen dessert, and shop for ice cream cones or novelty souvenirs. Book an entry ticket to this popular attraction in advance to avoid waiting in line.

Things to know before you go

• With age-appropriate fun for kids and adults, the museum is great for families.

• The technicolor rooms inside the museum make for great photo backdrops, so bring your camera.

• Admission includes five ice cream samples, including vegan options.

• The museum is wheelchair accessible, and visitors are welcome to bring strollers.

How to get there

The Museum of Ice Cream is located on Broadway in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan and is easy to reach by subway, bus, or taxi from across New York City. You can walk to the museum from popular districts like Greenwich Village, Little Italy, and Chinatown. There’s paid hourly parking nearby if you are arriving by car.

When to get there

This popular attraction is often crowded on the weekends or school holidays, so book your visit for a weekday to enjoy the installations in relative peace and get plenty of photos, enjoying the experience without other visitors in the background. Tickets have timed entry—you must arrive within 30 minutes after your assigned time.

Other museums of ice cream

There are three permanent Museum of Ice Cream outposts worldwide, all sharing the same vibrant installations, variety of frozen treats, and palpable Willy Wonka spirit. The Austin Museum of Ice Cream is set in a bubble-gum pink building in The Domain shopping center, while Singapore’s is located in the Dempsey neighborhood. Pop-up museums occasionally appear in cities like Miami, San Francisco, and Los Angeles for a limited time.

Ways to explore

A visit includes the opportunity to explore three floors of ice cream-inspired rooms, sample five types of frozen desserts, and shop for souvenirs. Book an entry ticket (with timed entry) in advance to avoid waiting in line at this popular attraction. There are also many tour options that can complete a visit to SoHo. Before or after utilizing your timed entry to the Museum of Ice Cream, further explore the area with a neighborhood walking tour, a food-themed tour, or a street art tour.

Accessibility

The Museum of Ice Cream is wheelchair accessible, and visitors are welcome to bring strollers.

Age limits

Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

What to pack

Camera, change of clothes for kids (in case of ice cream messes)

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, clothing for photos

Not allowed

Outside food, musical instruments, luggage, skateboards, pets

Amenities

Gift shop, café with sweet treats and cocktails, restrooms, lost and found

Address

The Museum of Ice Cream is located on Broadway in SoHo. It is easy to reach by subway, bus, or taxi, and it’s a short walk from popular neighborhoods such as Greenwich Village, Little Italy, and Chinatown. Arriving by public transportation is strongly recommended over driving.

Driving

Expensive parking garages and gridlock traffic prevent many people from driving into lower Manhattan. For those who choose to drive, it is possible to try your luck with street parking or park at a garage in SoHo.

Public transportation

The Museum of Ice Cream is well-served by public transportation. Take the B, D, 4, or 6 trains to the Broadway–Lafayette St. station and continue on foot. Alternatively, take the R or W trains to Prince Street.

Best times to visit

Tickets to the Museum of Ice Cream have timed entry. The mornings tend to be quieter for those who are looking for the smallest crowds.

Best days to visit

If possible, choose a weekday to visit the Museum of Ice Cream. This destination is often crowded on weekends or school holidays.

Best months to visit

The warmer summer months may be the best time of year to enjoy the Museum of Ice Cream’s frozen treats, but this technicolor museum is an attraction all year long.

Special events

The Museum of Ice Cream is a popular venue for private events, such as birthday parties. Check the museum’s website and Instagram for public special events throughout the year.