Skip the Line and Elevate Your MoMA Experience

Updated: September 2025

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City is busier than ever. In 2024, tens of thousands visited every week, with Fridays and weekends seeing the largest surges. During peak times, wait lines for general admission can take 30 to 60 minutes, and on extremely busy days (especially during special exhibitions or free admission periods) the line can extend even longer.

By purchasing skip-the-line tickets, you avoid the regular ticket-queue, enter via priority access, and walk straight into the galleries. With online booking, you receive a mobile ticket that’s scanned upon arrival, no need to queue to buy admission.

MoMA Ticket Options in 2025

Standard Admission

Price: $30 adult, $22 senior, $17 student
Free: Children 16 and under
Downsides: Wait 30–60 minutes in line at peak times.

Skip-the-Line Ticket

Price: from $35
Includes: Priority admission with minimal wait (10–15 minutes), mobile entry (no printing required), access to all current exhibitions, plus same-day entry to MoMA PS1 within 14 days.
Best for: Travelers short on time who want a seamless visit.

Combo Packages

Price: from $55+
Includes: MoMA skip-the-line entry + another NYC highlight such as the Empire State Building or One World Observatory.
Advantage: Save money and avoid lines at multiple attractions. 

How to Avoid Crowds at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in NYC (2025)

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is one of the busiest museums in New York City, welcoming over 3 million visitors annually. With blockbuster exhibitions and global tourism on the rise in 2025, crowds are heavier than ever—especially on weekends and during free admission hours. Luckily, there are smart ways to avoid the chaos and make your visit smooth and enjoyable.

– Book Skip-the-Line Tickets in Advance

The number one way to avoid crowds at MoMA is by buying skip-the-line tickets online before your visit. Priority entry cuts wait times down to 10–15 minutes, compared to 30–60 minutes in the regular admission line. Many tickets also include same-day access to MoMA PS1 in Queens, giving you two museums without the wait.

– Visit During Off-Peak Hours

Timing is everything at MoMA:

• Early mornings (10:30 a.m. opening): Best chance to enjoy quieter galleries before tourist groups arrive.

• Late afternoons (after 4 p.m.): Visitors thin out before closing at 5:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. on Fridays).

• Weekdays: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are consistently less crowded than weekends.

– Avoid Free Fridays if You Want Peace

MoMA offers free admission on Fridays from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m., which draws thousands of extra visitors. While a great option if you’re budget-minded, it’s the worst time if you want a calm museum experience. For quieter evenings, stick to Thursday or Friday afternoons before 5 p.m. with a skip-the-line ticket.

– Explore Temporary Exhibitions Early

Major temporary exhibitions, such as retrospectives of Picasso, Rothko, or contemporary artists, create surges in attendance. Crowds peak in the final weeks of a show. Visit as early in the exhibition run as possible, ideally on a weekday morning, to avoid long queues.

– Use Guided Tours for Priority Access

Several guided tour options include skip-the-line entry plus expert commentary on MoMA’s masterpieces. Tours typically start at quieter times and let you bypass general admission lines, combining efficiency with deeper insight.

– Combine With a New York City Pass

If you’re exploring multiple attractions, consider a New York City Pass or attraction bundle that includes MoMA. Many passes feature express or timed entry, saving you both time and money.

– Take a Strategic Break

If you’re visiting during busy midday hours, plan a break at MoMA’s on-site cafés or sculpture garden. Many visitors leave around lunchtime, so re-entering galleries in the early afternoon often means fewer crowds.

Final Tip

With millions of annual visitors, crowds at MoMA are unavoidable, but they don’t have to ruin your trip. The best strategy is a combination of skip-the-line tickets, off-peak timing, and smart planning. By arriving early or late and avoiding peak days, you’ll maximize your time with MoMA’s masterpieces and minimize time spent waiting in line.