This roundup of the best interactive museums in New York City was written by Alejandro Beltran, co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps) and a NYC local.
Let’s be honest – not everyone is drawn to traditional museums with ancient artifacts and pricey paintings, and that’s perfectly fine. Fortunately, in the Big Apple, there’s a whole array of interactive museums that cater to those who prefer immersive experiences over gallery strolls.
These museums offer a chance to play, explore, and learn in ways conventional museums don’t permit. They’re perfect for family outings, dates, or even solo adventures. But I’m getting ahead of myself – how about we dive into the best interactive museums in NYC?
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Interactive Museums in New York City
Table of Contents: Best New York City Interactive Museums
Table of Contents: NYC Interactive Museums
Museum of Ice Cream
Website: Museum of Ice Cream
Neighborhood: SoHo
Address: 558 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
The Museum of Ice Cream may be deemed a museum but it feels more like a playground. You get to learn all about the world of ice cream through colorful exhibits. The star of the show is a toss up between the 3-story slide (longest indoor slide in NYC) and the sprinkles pool. Although folks of all ages enjoy the Museum of Ice Cream, I think young kids will love it best.
A big part of the museum’s draw are the endless photo-ops, I mean just look at their Instagram. With so much to explore (and a chance to sample ice cream) it’s no wonder this is one of the most popular interactive museums in NYC. The experience takes between an hour or two, and tickets are available online.
ARTECHOUSE
Website: ARTECHOUSE
Neighborhood: Chelsea
Address: 439 W 15th St, New York, NY 10011
ARTECHOUSE stands out as one of the most unique interactive museums in New York City. While technically classified as an art museum, it deviates from the traditional with its unique approach – instead of conventional artwork on walls, vibrant projections envelop the entire room. The name “art + tech house” perfectly encapsulates this fusion. Picture a complete 360° experience, with walls, ceilings, and floors alive with meticulously designed lights and video projections.
The museum keeps things fresh by frequently changing its theme, providing locals with plenty of reasons to make return visits. The current cutting-edge theme, “World of AI·magination,” offers an immersive journey blending both human ingenuity and AI.
Museum of Broadway
Website: Museum of Broadway
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: 145 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
The Museum of Broadway is a must-visit for theater enthusiasts and those passionate about the dramatic arts. Recognized as one of the best interactive museums in NYC, it unravels the magic of Broadway, offering an exclusive peek behind the curtains.
Engaging snapshots and exhibits meticulously delve into the illustrious history of some of the greatest Broadway productions. The museum provides an intimate encounter with memorabilia from the original runs of these iconic shows, showcasing scripts, props, and fragments of costumes for unique photo opportunities.
As you progress through the exhibits, a glimpse into the intricacies of backstage work, including lighting and set design, awaits. Before you leave don’t forget to check out the gift shop at this interactive New York City museum. It’s fully stocked with merch from both new and old Broadway hits and is a great place to find a souvenir!
Color Factory
Website: Color Factory
Neighborhood: SoHo
Address: 251 Spring St, New York, NY 10013
Alive with vibrancy and energy, the Color Factory stands out as one of New York City’s one of a kind interactive museums. True to its name, it revolves around the theme of color, offering a plethora of opportunities for captivating selfies. Within the museum, visitors can engage in interactive segments that allow them to express their artistic abilities through drawing and other exciting activities.
A standout feature is the silent disco exhibit, introducing an unexpected and unique dimension to the fun experience. There’s also a ball pit, a slide, and various exhibits that evoke a delightful sense of childhood nostalgia. While this interactive NYC museum has broad appeal, it’s particularly well-suited for kids.
Madame Tussauds New York
Website: Madame Tussauds New York
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: 234 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036
Encountering celebrities in NYC is not uncommon, but there’s an unwritten rule to avoid approaching them. If you’re eager to capture a picture with your favorite star, Madame Tussauds is the go-to spot. Situated in Times Square, it’s a wax museum renowned for its incredibly lifelike figures, making it one of NYC’s top interactive museums. With nine floors featuring realistic wax figures sprawled across 80,000 square feet, there’s plenty to explore. Plan on dedicating approximately an hour and a half to take in all the exhibits.
Here is a short list of some of the life-like celebrities you’ll find at this interactive NYC museum:
- The Avengers
- The Royal Family
- Rihanna
- Taylor Swift
- Selena Gomez
- Marilyn Monroe
- Former presidents
The Friends Experience
Website: The Friends Experience
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: 130 E 23rd St, New York, NY 10010
Few TV shows set in New York City boast the same level of fandom as Friends. With a whopping 62 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, it’s safe to say it was an exceptional show.
Unsurprisingly, the Friends Experience stands out as one of the most sought-after interactive museums in NYC. Fans can savor a drink at Central Perk, chill in Monica & Rachel’s apartment, and more. The exhibit showcases an extensive collection of props and costumes recognizable to die-hard fans. You can even recreate the iconic pivot scene in one of the rooms by grabbing each end of the couch with a friend.
It’s worth noting that this interactive NYC museum may not appeal to everyone. The folk who’ve seen the show are sure to love it; otherwise, many references may go over your head.
Museum of Illusions
Website: Museum of Illusions
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
Address: 77 8th Ave, New York, NY 10014
If you’re up for some mental gymnastics, the Museum of Illusions stands out as one of the best interactive museums in New York City. It might take a moment to wrap your head around some exhibits, but the experience is undeniably enjoyable.
True to its name, the museum is filled with mind-bending displays and installations. From full illusion rooms to deceptive images and installations that can leave you cross-eyed, the journey through the exhibits is a captivating one. The Museum of Illusions has earned its reputation as one of the top-rated interactive museums in NYC, boasting an impressive 4.6-star rating on Google from an astounding 11 thousand reviews.
The Sloomoo Institute
Website: The Sloomoo Institute
Neighborhood: SoHo
Address: 475 Broadway, New York, NY 10013
I’m still amazed at how much little kids adore slime. Apart from an iPad, it’s the one thing that can keep youngsters entertained for hours. That’s why I confidently label the Sloomoo Institute as one of the top interactive museums in NYC for kids. The institute offers a fully immersive experience, allowing children to play with slime in various colors, scents, and textures.
This saves parents the time (and the mess!) of making slime at home, providing kids with an endless supply for play. Even if you don’t have children, slime has been shown to have therapeutic benefits. Its smooth texture has a calming effect, and who wouldn’t want to let their inner child run wild at one of the most unique interactive museums in NYC?
Hall des Lumières
Website: Hall des Lumières
Neighborhood: Tribeca
Address: 49 Chambers St, New York, NY 10007
Set within a Beaux-Arts building that boasts over a century of history, a visit to the Hall des Lumières promises a complete experience. Translating from French to the Hall of Lights, it ranks among the finest interactive museums in NYC.
Much like ARTECHOUSE, this museum utilizes technology to showcase art. Visitors navigate through rooms adorned with art displayed on all surfaces. With new exhibits every few months, there’s always a chance for a fresh experience, making a return visit worthwhile. The range includes abstract exhibits that engage the mind and photographs that transport you to picturesque locations.
Catacombs by Candlelight
Website: Catacombs by Candlelight
Neighborhood: SoHo
Address: 266 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012
If you’re into the macabre then touring the Catacombs by Candlelight could be right up your alley. Under the Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral are the only Catholic catacombs in New York City, and you can visit them. Although not technically an interactive NYC museum, the catacombs are immersive enough to warrant a spot on this list. The tour lasts 80 minutes and actually begins outside, in the basilica’s graveyard.
To enter the catacombs you have to do so through the inside of the church, which you might recognize from the baptism scene in The Godfather (1972). From there you go underground, to the 200 year old catacombs. I won’t ruin the tour, all I’ll say is it’s quite memorable. If you’re looking for a unique immersive experience in New York City the Catacombs by Candlelight tour should be at the top of your list.
NYC Interactive Museums (Post Summary)
- The Museum of Ice Cream
- ARTECHOUSE
- Museum of Broadway
- Color Factory
- Madame Tussauds New York
- The Friends Experience
- Museum of Illusions
- The Sloomoo Institute
- Hall des Lumières
- Catacombs by Candlelight
Further Reading for Museums in New York City
Best Museums With Kids: 10+ Great Kids Museums in NYC
Top Museums in NYC: 15 Exciting Museums in New York City (& What to See at Each)
Things to See at the MET: 20 Epic Things to See at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) in NYC
AMNH Things to See: 15 Best Things to See at the American Museum of Natural History
Exploring New York City
Unique Things to Do: 25 Unique (Non-Touristy) Things to Do in New York City
Free Things to Do: 20 Unique Free Things to Do in New York City to Keep Your Wallet Happy!
Best Things to Do in NYC: 30 Best Things to Do in New York City
Interactive Museums in New York City (Map)
Frequently Asked Questions
An interactive museum is a dynamic and engaging cultural institution where visitors actively participate in exhibits, often through hands-on activities, multimedia displays, and immersive experiences.
Interactive museums are excellent for kids as they provide hands-on learning experiences, stimulate curiosity, and foster engagement with educational content in a fun and dynamic environment.
Interactive museums offer educational benefits by promoting hands-on learning, sparking curiosity, enhancing critical thinking skills, and providing immersive experiences that make information more memorable and engaging for visitors.
And there it is! I hope you enjoyed this roundup of the best interactive museums in NYC. Enjoy the immersive experiences in New York City and let us know which was your favorite. Until next time, cheers!
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