New York Historical 🇺🇸

Step into American history at the New York Historical, New York City’s oldest museum, founded in 1804 on the Upper West Side of Manhattan along Central Park West between 76th and 77th Streets. Housed in a landmark granite building designed by York & Sawyer, this destination explores the deep story of New York and the nation. When you visit, you will encounter remarkable permanent holdings and well-researched exhibitions covering topics ranging from George Washington and Alexander Hamilton to slavery in New York and the history of the Constitution.

You can explore an art collection featuring over 1.6 million works, including all 435 of John James Audubon’s preparatory watercolors for The Birds of America, Hudson River School masterpieces, American portraits, and an encyclopedic array of American sculptures. Decorative art highlights include one of the world's largest collections of Tiffany lamps, George Washington’s camp bed from Valley Forge, and over 550 late 19th-century board games. Upstairs in the second-floor library, don't miss the striking historical stained glass windows.

With its interactive children’s museum, extensive research library, and rich historical artifacts, the museum offers you an engaging, lifelong learning experience right next to Central Park.

What to see at New York Historical

• All 435 preparatory watercolors for John James Audubon's The Birds of America
• George Washington's Valley Forge camp bed and Clement Clarke Moore's desk
• One of the world's largest collections of Tiffany lamps and glasswork
• Hudson River School paintings by Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church
• Historic second-floor library stained glass windows by Mr. Calvert and Mary Elizabeth Tillinghast

Visiting tips

Be sure to head to the second floor of the library to view the historic stained glass windows by Mr. Calvert and Mary Elizabeth Tillinghast.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

New York Historical is easy to reach on Manhattan’s public transport, and pairs naturally with National September 11 Memorial & Museum and Trinity Church. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Manhattan travel guide.