The Rubin Museum of Art in New York is a cultural hub devoted to the collection, exhibition, and preservation of works of art and cultural artifacts of the Himalayas, the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia, and other parts of Eurasia, with a special emphasis on Tibetan art.
Rubin Museum of Art in a Nutshell
Handy information
| ⏰ Suggested Duration: | 2 hours |
| ☀️ Best Time to Visit: | Early Morning |
| 🚄Closest Metro Station: | 14th Street Station |
| 💜 Must Do: | Mandala Lab |
Must-see at Rubin Museum
- Mandala Lab
- Art of the Week
- Himalayan Art Exhibits
Getting There
The Rubin Museum of Art, 150 West 17th Street
New York - USA
Get Directions
Opening Hours
Rubin Museum is open on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM and it is open on Fridays from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Closed on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
Why is Rubin Museum of Art worth visiting?
- The Museum hosts special exhibitions featuring art styles that vary from ancient to contemporary, including photography, film and concerts.
- Its permanent collection galleries feature a wide variety of artwork from the Himalayan region and include guided audio tours like “Gateway to Himalayan Art” and “Honoring Nepal”
- Rubin Museum hosts a variety of frequent thematic series, ranging from talks on mind science to family art-making workshops.
- Mandala Lab, located on the third floor of the museum provides an interactive space for ethical, social and emotional learning.
- The Rubin provides guided family tours, self guided tours and special tours for educators.
Highlights of Rubin Museum of Art
1Mandala Lab
The Mandala Lab, inspired by profound Buddhist teachings, has five thought-provoking, engaging experiences—including videos, scents, sculpture, and handpicked percussion instruments—that lead you on an inner journey centered on self-awareness and awareness of others. Explore the area by seeing, smelling, touching, and breathing your way through it, which is intended to promote connection, empathy, and learning.
2Art of the Week
Every Friday, the Rubin Museum of Art features a new "Art of the Week" exhibit that showcases a single artwork from the museum's collection. The exhibit includes in-depth information about the artwork's history, significance, and symbolism. It's a great way to get a closer look at some of the museum's most fascinating pieces. This exhibit is not confined to just the Museum's collection of Himalayan art. It also features contemporary pieces of artistic significance.
3Himalayan Art Exhibits
The Rubin Museum is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive collections of Himalayan art. The museum showcases a diverse range of art from the Himalayan region, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and ritual objects. You can explore the rich artistic traditions of Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, India, and other neighboring countries. The collection is particularly renowned for its Buddhist art, which reflects the region's deep spiritual and philosophical traditions.
4K2 Friday Nights
Every Friday night, the museum hosts K2 Friday Nights, a series of after-hours events that feature live music, drinks, and gallery tours. Visitors can explore the museum's exhibitions while enjoying a cocktail or glass of wine, and the museum often features performances by local musicians and DJs. It allows you take a peak into local artists' works in NYC and makes for a fun and lively way to experience the museum's collection.
Best Time to Visit the Rubin Museum of Art
The best time to visit NYC is during the spring season from the month of May till September. The weather is pleasant and the city is bustling with tourists. We recommend visiting the Rubin Museum of Arts early in the morning when the crowd is relatively less. You will have time to patiently stroll through the many mesmerizing artifacts in the museum.
Rubin Museum Opening Hours
- Monday- Closed
- Tuesday- Closed
- Wednesday- Closed
- Thursday- 11 AM–5 PM
- Friday- 11 AM–10 PM
- Saturday/Sunday- 11 AM–5 PM
- The Museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
- The Museum closes at 5 PM on the Friday before Memorial Day, Labor Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve.
Getting There
Bus
You can take the M6, M7, M20 to the corner of 7th Avenue and 18th Street M5, M6, M7 to the corner of 6th Avenue and 18th Street to reach the Rubin Museum by bus. The nearest bus stop is 7 Ave/W 15 St which is only a minute's walk from the museum.
Metro
You can take A, C, E to 14th Street (at 8th Avenue), 1 to 18th Street (at 7th Avenue), 2, 3 to 14th Street (at 7th Avenue), F, L, M to 14th Street (at 6th Avenue), N, Q, R, 4, 5, 6 to 14th Street-Union Square to get to the Rubin Museum of Art. You can reach the nearest subway station to the Rubin Museum at 14th street in just 2 minutes.
Train
You can take the PATH trains to 14th Street or 23rd Street to the Rubin Museum by communal train.
Insider Tips to Visit Rubin Museum of Art
- The spiral staircase and surrounding balconies can hurt unattended children. Please watch them carefully.
- Follow signs at the Museum as some staircases have one-way access only.
- For entry to the Museum on K2 Friday Nights purchase your tickets in advance to secure your spot.
- Bring a camera to capture the beauty of artifacts.
Restaurants Near Rubin Museum of Art
Located inside the Rubin Museum of Art, Cafe Serai serves a mix of Himalayan and American cuisine. The menu features dishes such as momos, curry bowls, and sandwiches. It's a convenient option for visitors to the museum who want a quick and tasty meal.
The Donut Pub offers a wide variety of freshly made donuts in flavors ranging from classic glazed to more adventurous options like maple bacon and peanut butter cup. They also serve coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and other baked goods. The Donut Pub is just a 10-minute walk from the Rubin Museum.
As the name suggests, Burger & Lobster specializes in two things: burgers and lobsters. The menu offers a choice of three dishes: a burger, a whole lobster, or a lobster roll. Each dish comes with fries and a salad. The restaurant also has a bar with a selection of cocktails, wine, and beer.
Da Umberto is a family-owned Italian restaurant in the Chelsea neighborhood. The menu features classic Italian dishes such as pasta, seafood, and veal Milanese. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list with over 500 selections. Da Umberto is a cozy and romantic spot for a date or a night out with friends.
Places to Stay Near Rubin Museum of Art
Things to Do Near Rubin Museum of Art
One of New York City's most iconic buildings, the Empire State Building offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation decks on the 80th, 86th, and 102nd floors. You can also explore the building's exhibits, historical displays, and gift shop.
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This observation deck, located on the 93rd floor of One Vanderbilt, offers 360-degree views of the city, including the Empire State Building, Grand Central Terminal, and more. You can enjoy the interactive exhibits at this multi-level observatory. Grab some food and drinks at the on-site cafe Apres.
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The Museum of Modern Art is home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by famous artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Andy Warhol, and Pablo Picasso. The museum also features a sculpture garden, film screenings, and special exhibitions.
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Located on the 100th, 101st, and 102nd floors of One World Trade Center, the One World Observatory offers breathtaking views of the city for up to 45 miles in each direction from its observation deck. You can learn about NYC's history and design by taking an interactive guided tour at One World Observatory.
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The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long elevated park built on an abandoned railway line above the streets of Manhattan's West Side. Visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the city, art installations, gardens, and food vendors while strolling along the elevated walkway.
FAQs
The Rubin Museum of Art is a museum dedicated to the art and culture of the Himalayas, India, and neighboring regions. It features a collection of over 3,800 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and ritual objects.
The Rubin Museum of Art is located in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, at 150 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011.
The museum is open from 11 AM to 5 PM on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. And 11 AM to 10 PM on Friday. It remains closed from Monday to Wednesday.
Admission to the museum is $19 for adults, $14 for seniors and students, and free for children under 12.
The museum hosts a variety of exhibitions and installations throughout the year, featuring traditional and contemporary art from the Himalayan region and beyond. Exhibitions may explore themes such as Buddhism, yoga, and mindfulness, as well as contemporary art inspired by these traditions.
Yes, the museum offers guided tours led by knowledgeable docents.
Yes, the museum is fully accessible to people with disabilities. It has wheelchair ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
