MoMA Skip-the-Line Tickets: How Entry Really Works

Last updated: January, 2026

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is one of the busiest museums in New York City. Ticket lines can be long, security is mandatory, and timed entry is often misunderstood. This guide explains exactly what skip-the-line tickets mean at MoMA, what you actually skip, how entry works today, and when priority access is worth booking.

What skip-the-line means at MoMA

Skip-the-line tickets for MoMA allow you to bypass the on-site ticket purchase line. They do not allow you to skip security screening.

• ✔️ Skip the ticket purchase line
• ✔️ Guaranteed timed entry
• ❌ Security screening is never skipped

All visitors must pass a bag check and metal detector before entering the galleries.

Do you really need skip-the-line tickets?

For most visitors, yes.

• Peak season (March–December): Strongly recommended
• Weekends: Almost always busy
• Late mornings and early afternoons: Longest queues
• Weekday early mornings: Sometimes manageable without priority

Skip-the-line tickets are especially useful if you have limited time or are visiting during popular exhibition periods.

How entry works step by step

1. Arrive at the main entrance on West 53rd Street
2. Security screening
3. Ticket scan or purchase
4. Access to permanent collection and exhibitions

Timed-entry tickets help spread crowds but do not remove security queues.

How long does a visit take?

• Highlights visit: 1.5–2 hours
• Full museum visit: 3–4 hours
• Special exhibitions: Add 30–60 minutes

Ticket options explained

• • Standard admission: Buy on-site, longest waits
  • Skip-the-line ticket: Timed entry, skip ticket line
  • Guided tour: Timed entry plus curated highlights
  • Combo tickets: Combine MoMA with nearby attractions such as the Empire State Building, One World Observatory, or the Statue of Liberty

Ticket comparison

Ticket type	Skip ticket line	Timed entry	Guide included
Standard admission	No	No	No
Skip-the-line	Yes	Yes	No
Guided tour	Yes	Yes	Yes

Typical waiting times

• Without ticket (peak hours): 30–75 minutes
• With skip-the-line ticket: 10–20 minutes (security only)

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming skip-the-line skips security
• Arriving outside your timed entry window
• Underestimating how large the museum is
• Trying to see everything in one short visit

FAQ

Is MoMA free?

No. General admission is paid, except during limited free-entry times.

Does skip-the-line mean no waiting at all?

No. Security screening is mandatory for everyone.

Do tickets sell out?

Yes. Timed-entry slots often sell out during peak periods.

Is a guided tour worth it?

Yes if you want context and a curated experience rather than navigating alone.

Final advice

If you want predictable entry and minimal waiting, skip-the-line tickets are the safest option. They save time at ticketing, not at security, and work best when combined with an early or late visit. Plan enough time inside to avoid rushing one of the world’s most important modern art collections.