Queens Museum

The Basics

The Queens Museum is housed in the New York City Building, which was originally built for the 1939 World’s Fair, and today includes several galleries that host rotating exhibits and permanent collections; highlights include the impressive display of Tiffany Glass. To get the most out of your trip to Queens, book a private tour and add Queens Museum to your outer borough itinerary. Private tours typically include transport so you can avoid the hassle of public transit.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Fans of urban planning will love the museum's Relief Map of New York's water supply system, and to-scale model of New York City.

• The museum offers free guided tours in English and Spanish on Sunday afternoons.

• The museum hosts educational programs for the community at large, so check the calendar for events and classes.

• Museum amenities include a café and Wi-Fi.

• The Queens Museum is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.

How to Get There

You'll find the museum in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in the Flushing neighborhood. For public transit access, take the above-ground 7 train to Mets-Willets Point. Alternatively, hop-on hop-off bus tours tend to stop at the museum. Driving is also a viable option, since the museum is conveniently located off the Long Island Expressway at exit Exit 22B.

When to Get There

The Queens Museum is open Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-5pm, and is closed on major holidays. It's a great rainy day destination since most of the exhibits are indoors, and the museum hosts several rotating exhibits annually. Weekends are busiest so visit during the week to avoid the crowds.

How to Learn About the World's Fair

A unique feature of the Queens Museum is its visible storage display of World’s Fair art objects and ephemera. The Queens Museum site originally hosted New York’s World’s Fair pavilions—in 1939-40 and 1964-65—and now provides a home to around 10,000 objects. More than 900 World’s Fair-related objects, from the larger collection, are permanently on display.

Ways to explore

The Queen Museum’s galleries host many rotating exhibitions, which celebrate the borough’s arts and diversity. It’s also worth exploring its permanent collection, devoted to topics such as the history of the World’s Fair, as well as scale maps and models.

To get the most out of your trip to Queens, book a private tour and add the Queens Museum to your outer-borough itinerary; just be sure to reserve a timed entry ticket before your visit (the museum operates pay-as-you-wish admission). Private tours typically include transport, so you can avoid the hassle of public transit.

Accessibility

The museum is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available for loan. It offers a range of accommodations for visitors with disabilities, including braille brochures and assistive listening devices. Service animals are welcome.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Small handheld bag, camera

What to wear

Wear weather-appropriate layers and walking shoes to make your visit comfortable.

Not allowed

Large bags and luggage (there is no coat check), disruptive behavior

Amenities

Café, gift shop, free smartphone guide

Address

The Queens Museum is in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. You can travel via the subway, or you can take a taxi or a rideshare service. You can also drive to the museum or book a tour that includes transportation.

Driving

The Queens Museum is accessible via the Grand Central Parkway. Limited free on-site parking is available. Alternatively, take taxis or rideshare services.

Public transportation

To get to the Queens Museum using public transportation, take the 7 train to Mets-Willets Point or 111th Street—both are roughly 15 minutes away on foot.

Best times to visit

The Queens Museum is open from 11am on weekends and 12pm from Wednesday to Friday; arrive around opening time to make the most of your visit. Closing time is 5pm daily.

Best days to visit

The Queens Museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Expect weekdays to be quieter than weekends.

Best months to visit

Aim for spring or autumn to avoid the summer high-season crowds, but still enjoy good weather for exploring the Unisphere and other Flushing Meadows Corona Park attractions.

Special events

Time your visit to coincide with the Queens Night Market, hosted near the museum on Saturdays from April to October. The US Open is also held in the park from late August to early September.