Walk down any street in New York City, the art capital, and find yourself in the midst of art in some form or another. Whether it’s the countless museums, the bustling Broadway theatres, the graffiti-covered buildings, or even just the cityscape itself, it’s impossible to escape the fact that New York is a city defined by its art of many faces.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
There’s an endless variety of art in New York City. For starters, there are more than 80 museums , including world-famous institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art.
But art isn’t just confined to museums in NYC; you can find it everywhere you go. Graffiti is one of the most prevalent forms of street art in the city, with colorful murals and tags adorning buildings in almost every neighborhood.
And, of course, let’s not forget about Broadway! Home to some of the most popular and well-loved musicals and plays in existence, a trip to see a Broadway show is a must for any art lover visiting NYC.
New York City – A World Capital of Art
It would be impossible to visit every art museum in New York City in one lifetime – there are simply too many. With hundreds of museums dotting the five boroughs, it’s no wonder that New York is often referred to as the “capital of the world” when it comes to art.

For the Record: 6 Art Capitals Compared to New York City
1. Los Angeles – Too Much plastic surgery
2. Paris – Too much of a tourist trap
3. London – Too rainy
4. Berlin – Too cold
5. Tokyo – Too crowded
6. New York City – Just perfect
World-Renowned Museums
If you’re looking for world-class museums, you’ll find them in abundance in New York City.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most famous museums in the world, and it’s just one of the dozens of must-see art museums in NYC.
Whether you’re interested in modern art, Old Master paintings, or anything in between, you’re sure to find a museum that meets your needs. And with so many museums within walking distance of each other, you can easily spend an entire day (or more!) exploring all that NYC has to offer.
Along with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the American Museum of Natural History, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and the Whitney Museum of American Art are some of the best museums in New York City.

A Diverse Array of Artists
Not only does New York City have a diverse array of artists, but those artists come from all over the world. This diversity makes for a rich and vibrant arts scene that is constantly evolving.
Whether you’re interested in seeing the latest installation by a young up-and-comer or checking out classic works by masters like Picasso and Matisse, you’re sure to find something that piques your interest.
- See also: Discovering Art in New York City
Art That’s Accessible to Everyone
One of the great things about the arts scene in New York City is that it’s accessible to everyone, regardless of budget. While there are certainly plenty of high-end galleries and auction houses, there are also countless free or low-cost options for seeing great art. For example, many museums offer free admission on certain days or evenings, and there are always plenty of public art installations to enjoy throughout the city. No matter what your budget may be, you can find ways to enjoy the arts in NYC.
Finally, the Art Capital of the World
New York City is a true capital of art for people all over the world.
With its countless world-renowned museums, a diverse array of artists, and accessibility for everyone, it’s easy to see why NYC is such a mecca for art lovers.
Whether you’re spending a day exploring museums or taking in public art installations, you’ll find plenty to appreciate.
No matter what your taste in art may be, there’s something for everyone in New York City. So what are you waiting for? Come and experience the art capital of the world for yourself.