Whitney Museum of American Art Hours & Best time to visit

Whitney Museum

The Whitney Museum is open Wednesday through Monday, with extended hours on Fridays. It’s closed on Tuesdays and major holidays. Timed-entry tickets help manage visitor flow, especially during busy periods.

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS
Monday (Today)	10:30–18:00
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	10:30–18:00
Thursday	10:30–18:00
Friday	10:30–22:00
Saturday	10:30–18:00
Sunday	10:30–18:00

Whitney Museum of American Art Hours & Best time to visit

Fridays: The museum is open until 10pm, with free admission from 5pm. Plan to wrap up your visit before 5pm for a quieter experience.

Closed days: The museum is closed on Tuesdays and major holidays, so plan your visit accordingly.

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Best time to visit the Whitney Museum

Weekday vs Weekend

Weekdays (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursday): Expect a quieter experience with fewer crowds, making it easier to enjoy exhibits and navigate the museum.

Weekends (Friday to Sunday): The museum sees higher visitor numbers, especially on Saturdays, making it busier and more crowded. Fridays can be particularly crowded in the evening due to free admission.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Closed

Peak season vs low season

Peak Season (May to September): The museum is busier from late spring through summer, with higher visitor numbers and ticket prices. The weather is pleasant, and New York City is bustling with tourists, leading to longer lines and crowded exhibitions.

Low Season (November to March): Winter months offer a quieter experience with fewer tourists. Although the weather is colder, you’ll encounter fewer crowds, lower ticket prices, and shorter wait times. The city is less crowded, making for a more relaxed visit.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

How long should I spend at the Whitney Museum?

For a comprehensive experience, set aside 3 hours to appreciate the museum fully. Start on the 4th floor, home to a rich collection of contemporary works by artists such as Kerry James Marshall and Julie Mehretu. Then, explore the 5th and 6th floors in greater detail, taking time to engage with the art and read the accompanying descriptions. Continue to the 7th floor, which features theme-based exhibitions that delve deeper into American art movements. Finally, stop by at the Studio Café on the 8th floor, where you can unwind at the outdoor terraces catching views of the city and the Hudson River.

If you're short on time, aim to spend about 1.5 hours for a quick walkthrough. Focus on the 5th and 6th floors, where you’ll find iconic works by artists like Edward Hopper and Georgia O'Keeffe, alongside other contemporary pieces in rotating exhibitions.

Frequently asked questions about Whitney Museum opening hours

What are the opening hours for the museum?

The Whitney Museum is open from 10:30am to 6pm, Monday and Wednesday through Sunday, with extended hours until 10pm on Fridays. The museum is closed on Tuesdays.

Are there extended hours or special openings?

The museum is open until 10pm on Fridays. They also offer free admission from 5pm to 10pm on Fridays. If you prefer a quieter visit, aim to wrap up your visit before 5pm to avoid the larger crowds.

Is the museum closed on holidays?

The Whitney Museum is closed on New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. On other holidays such as Memorial Day and Labor Day, the museum is open during regular hours.

Do museum hours change based on seasons?

No. There are no seasonal changes in operating hours throughout the year. However, the museum tends to be busier during peak tourist seasons, especially from May to September.