Rubin Museum of Art

1976 reviews

150 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011

rubinmuseum.org

+12126205000

About

Rubin Museum of Art is a Art museum located at 150 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011. It has received 1976 reviews with an average rating of 4.6 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday11AM-5PM
Tuesday11AM-5PM
WednesdayClosed
ThursdayClosed
FridayClosed
Saturday11AM-5PM
Sunday11AM-10PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Rubin Museum of Art: 150 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011

  • Rubin Museum of Art has 4.6 stars from 1976 reviews

  • Art museum

  • "Wonderful museum focused on Buddhist art across Asia"

    "I've been here 2 times this year"

    "Beautiful curation, amazing, important art, horrible management of personnel"

    "I visited this museum today using a culture pass"

    "I feel angry to see the prayer room"

Reviews

  • Fileve Tlaloc

Wonderful museum focused on Buddhist art across Asia. There are about 5 floors. I recommend going in order from bottom to top. 1st is the lobby (obviously). 2nd floor provides a crash course in the symbology of Buddhist art around the believing world. Colors, gestures, figures are explained. As an artist and maker, my favorite part was the break down of traditional artists showing the step by step process. Moving up the floors are exhibits on focused on different regions and a floor solely dedicated to experiencing meditative and karmic practices developed by artists and reproduced by curators. At the time of our visit, the top floor hosted an exhibition on death, which juxtaposed Tibetan Buddhist art on death and Medieval Christian art on the same topic. Some of the symbols overlap but it's interesting to see the difference in philosophy. My one concern in museums showing sacred art is how did they get these items? Having studied, toured, and worked in China and visiting places like 10,000 Buddhist Caves, only to see stone statues completely cut out of the hillsides in which they were carved, or with their faces cut off and then visiting the Met and realizing "HOLY SMOKES, this is loot stolen from the places I visited!" makes me wonder. Additionally, having known some African Art collectors and having seen how they get their collections of sacred objects (including human remains) always makes me skeptical of the legality of the trade, of which museums often take part. Something to think about and unpack. All in all a good place to visit, especially on a rainy day.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$11–15

  • Melissa P

I've been here 2 times this year. The first time I went when there was a meditation session. The entire place is very clean and cozy. The desk staff and security are very nice and professional. There's no wait unless I'm too early. I paid for the meditation session and it also came with admission to the museum. The meditation session was lovely, with room for questions and answers after. The gift shop has a lot of nice things in it. Some things are rather expensive but other things are reasonably priced. Something for everyone. The cafe isn't much of a cafe at all, really. Just some prepackaged snacks that can be bought, and I suppose drinks can be bought as well. They take credit card and Google Pay. Last night I went to the K-2 Party, which was free. They had a table with free snacks, right next to the cafe. We went upstairs and looked at the exhibits. Eventually we saw the tour guide and listened to her. She's an excellent tour guide, and maybe next time I'm there I will follow her for the entire tour. Very informative and friendly. Some floors have interactive exhibits. Someone shouted at us to read the instructions, in a very authoritative manner, but they weren't in uniform and I don't think they were an employee. LOL. I'm a very by-the-book person but I'm going to let my friend experience the exhibit her way, you know? The museum has 3 elevators and 2 bathrooms. Bathrooms are always clean. There's a spiral staircase in the middle, that goes from the top of the museum to the bottom.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Spencer Murphy

Beautiful curation, amazing, important art, horrible management of personnel. Staff and patrons are permitted to be loud in a space that should be, if not silent, at least reverent, and their conduct should reflect that. The place is a giant cement tube; sound travels, and without any effective form of sonic treatment, one can hear people yelling from several floors away. It didn’t used to be this way - what changed? I should not be responsible, as a patron, for ensuring the appropriate behavior of my fellow patrons - or the docents, some of whom seem all too willing to make noise. Further, in the one space in the museum in which it is appropriate to make noise, the gong exhibit, one is told “these are not instruments, hit them only once.” They are, however, instruments, whose capacity for the production of sound may never be fully appreciated by most patrons thanks to the docent staff. Likewise, beyond the micromanaging assertion otherwise, they are instruments, yet they are allowed by docents to be pummeled by ignorant patrons as nauseum. The whole thing is shameful. What happened? This used to be a temple to art, now it feels like little more than a poorly-managed cash grab.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$16–20

  • Cherishe Cumma-Clarke

I visited this museum today using a culture pass. This pass is a perk given to Library card holders who go online and reserve and retrieve tickets via the culture pass website. In my personal opinion this museum is a mix of sophistication and simplicity at its best . You have to visit this museum at least once to understand what I mean. Upon entering you will stumble upon the hostess desk. The women at this desk are accommodating but not friendly. My date and I were taking care of swiftly and then left to figure out how to navigate the museum on our own. Today we were able to access almost every floor except the second because it was under construction. Nevertheless my date and I had fun navigating through each floor . One thing we did notice was that security guards were in plain sight at all times. At first we honestly felt like we were being followed. All in all I had a great time at this museum . It took my date and I an hour to get through 5 floors of art , and when we finished we felt full of art and ready to go home and rest our feet.

  • Nina Xiao

I feel angry to see the prayer room. It is installed like a tourist attraction. I don’t think it is decent to worship a god you do not know. It is better if the museum does not engage people in the process of worshiping. The meditation center on top floor is such a joke. Membership programs for art, meditation, etc. makes me feel western gaze. This is like always attending Christian gatherings for free dinner without thinking of getting to know the religion. But it does a better job than MET to make sure no one touch the installations. In MET you can literally see some stone status in Asia section are touched too much that they display a different texture, while the guards make sure that you do not get too close in medieval section. Maybe I just feel offended by looting from the last century, and I do not know how the museum can go better. This is just a random comment anyways.

  • Nicole Montana

The Rubin Museum is truly a beautiful place that houses a collection of art from the Himalayan region. The sculptures and other artifacts are magnificent. I came in on a Thursday and was able to participate in the mindfulness meditation session which was lovely. The Mandala Lab is an absolute must see and a sensory experience very much unique to the museum. For $19 a ticket (including the meditation) the Rubin is well worth a visit. They also offer a delicious lunch that is provided at an additional charge. I highly recommend this. The Rubin is truly a wonderful museum that everyone should visit!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$16–20

  • Nathan Larson

The Rubin is a very special place, and one of the key check-in spots I frequent around town. A spot to be inspired, filled with awe, to meet friends, to meditate. The Mandala Lab is one of a kind...and the custom gong exhibit is magical. So lovely to tap those gongs and dip them in the water...transforming anger. The Rubin manages subjects that could veer into the cheesy and gives them artful grace. My 80yr old mom loves this place...one of the nicest afternoons I've enjoyed was with her here at the Rubin Museum. Everything they do is thoughtful and classy. Their podcast AWAKEN is fantastic. Highly suggest getting a membership to this NYC institution, it's an incredible value and something to cherish!! Thank you!

  • Mira Crudel

highly enjoyed the museum. the main exhibits are on the top two floors and the rest are interactive experiences that invoke thoughtful meditation. it was very relaxing, especially playing with the sand to remind us of the impermanence of everything. an exhibit just opened up so it was free admission, which im thankful for seeing as the budget isnt so great lately. even the location i heavily enjoyed since its only like a 6min walk from the 14th St Station. really glad i came. it only took me about an hour and a half to go through most of the prints and sculptures.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20

  • Charise Rosado

I was not too happy with my visit to the Rubin Museum of Art, except for my favorite part - 'A Monument For The Axious and The Hopeful' - Closes Jan 7th 2019, so go check it out soon!!! I went on an organized tour. The docent focused too much on the teaching and history of Buddhism rather than that of the actual art. I was also under the impression the museum would have variety, not that is was soley focused! on Buddhism. I learned a lot, but would have rather just stood at the Hope & Anxiety wall. Also, the wood exhibit was pretty cool - "A Lost Future" by Shezad Dawood, The Otalith Group & Matti Braun - closes Feb 4th 2019.

  • Avena Sanassie

It's a beautiful Asian Art Museum with breath-taking art work and a lot of interactive installations. There are 6 floors filled with statues, paintings, silk art and limited time installations. I was here for an evening event, it was interesting and very well executed. The staff members are very helpful. The gift shop has so many unique treasures and the staff is exceptionally knowledgeable and helpful. Overall, it was a great trip and I learned so much in terms of history and art. You should definitely check it out. They also offer specials and a lot of different interactive events for families.

  • April Lauren

I went on their Free Fri DJ nights within their last hour of closing. The music was loud throughout the museum as expected but if you wanted to experience parts of the museum for total enjoyment it was hard to read, listen, and engage in their exhibitions. I’ve been in the Himalayas a couple of times and have deep respect for their art and rich culture. They have done a great job capturing the essence and its appeal, along with the rare treasures they have.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Juliana

The building and neighborhood are lovely. The art is ok, it’s a bit repetitive and there actually isn’t much of it. The subject matter just didn’t excite me. It reminds me of medieval art because every painting/sculpture has a religious context and you see a lot of the same motifs over and over. It’s just not my taste I suppose. There are also only 4 toilets in the whole museum which is a little odd. They do have a nice big cafe with lots of space to sit, which could be good for working.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Marion Manzo

Always an interesting and inspiring visit to the Rubin. Small but impressive permanent collection of Buddhist art and informative temporary exhibitions. Sad they've shortened their opening days/hours and are no longer featuring in-person meditation sessions on Wednesdays. Just received a reply/update from the Rubin advising the in-person meditation sessions are back (on Thursdays) - with thanks - looking forward to our next visit )
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$16–20

  • Marina Rimsha

This is a very deep dive into Buddhist culture. A lot of statues, everything is well explained. Visiting this exhibition feels like a very great blessing. After being the whole eternity among statues and pictures you can get slightly grounded in a cafe. They serve Indian food, salads, coffee and whatever else you want. Also you can have a craft class and make your own print with wooden forms. There’s a lot of books and buddhism related items in the shop. Even puzzles with mandalas. Definitely worth visiting, especially if you’re interested in Buddhist culture.

  • Rochile

Had an incredible time here. It’s free on Friday evenings so you can walk right in. Loved the wall of anxiety vs hope. Really unites us all as humans. The exhibits about Buddhism were beautiful and pretty interesting. The restaurant food was really good (surprising for a museum restaurant). They have good cocktails available. The curry salmon was cooked well. The matcha ice cream included some biscuit and candied ginger and the combo was delicious- i would recommend to anyone looking for a sweet treat for just $5. Overall a lovely visit!

  • Jorge Enriquez

I came in with a friend looking for a experience of Art that was interactive as well as educational. This museum offered all I was looking for. Filled with ancient art from the Himalayas and surrounding countries. I was blessed with a abundance of beauty and also was able to enjoy a quiet sit in the Temple space they have there for all to see. I really had a nice time and when done, one can enjoy a nice tea with a meal or a drink and a meal on the lobby level. Gift store has lots if goodies to peek at and a great book store as well.

  • Shawn

The Rubin Museum of Art offers many beautiful works of art and wonderful interactive exhibitions with plenty of informative and instructional information to allow the guest to truly understand what they are experiencing. One of the highlights of my visit was the exhibit the allows guests to strike various gongs and then lower them into a pool of water. Each gong was specifically designed by various artists. After striking and lowering the gong designed by Peter Gabriel, the sound is reminiscent of the deep sea calls of whales.

  • Spencer Owen

Really great museum tucked away in Chelsea. I was really pleased with the entire museum and thought that everything was displayed in a way that was incredibly flattering to the art itself as well as to the building as a whole. The museum is all centered around a beautiful staircase that spirals up the center of the building. There were a great amount of interactive exhibits and some very helpful staff!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$11–15

  • Sonia

I am very grateful to Rubin museum for bringing this to London. It was a beautiful experience for me, I love the interactive approach. I admire the attendents’ grit of sticking to it and being helpful and friendly in the chilly atmosphere of Canary Warf, an island of beauty and warmth surrounded by huge metal-glass behemoths and construction sites. They sure got themselves a challenge. Thank you
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Esther Tow

The Rubin museum is a must ! The Buddhist Tibetan art is beautiful! The mandala lab and art is amazing ! So spiritual. Truly enlightening! I was able to take a sound healing class and a guided meditation at the museum. The gift shop has great jewelry and cards and books and sound bowels! I am delighted my mandala collection is sold at this beautiful shop. My mandalas are my children and I know they are in good homes from the wonderful community that shops there..Put the Rubin museum on your New York City list !

  • K Velasquez

I spent 1.5 hours in this museum but I think a good amount of time to see everything would be 2 hours. We had to leave before because the museum was closing. Anyway, I really learn a lot about the Hindu art, meaning and techniques of art. I definitely recommend this museum. I did not pay for entrance because you can get one free ticket through the cultural pass with you NY library card.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Raymond Moya

Beautiful space, interesting history of the building, beautiful staircase, sculptures and paintings gives the space zen vibes. The cafe is quite serene, plenty of space, peaceful music, nice selection of treats. Interesting selection of Himalayan and Tibet Buddhism art; including Nepal, India, China. The Mandala Lab is a casually fun experience, enjoy the bongs, let go of your anger.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Sanjay Gupta

This houses a collection of beautiful colorful paintings and sculptures from the Himalayan region - India, Tibet, Bhutan. Once you enter the museum the first thing you see is a wonderful Lord Ganesha statue. It is so peaceful inside-especially the shrine room, you will almost forget you are in the bustling New York City. They also have a Mandala Lab. Each and every exhibit is very well explained. They have free Friday evenings and this is also part of Bank of America's free weekends. A must-visit.

  • C J

Been here a few times. Never too busy. Always something new. Enjoyable museum if you want to avoid the bigger ones. Entry is free on Friday Nights from 6pm - 10pm. Pre-covid, on Friday nights, the cafe turned into a lounge, complete with cocktails and music. I believe they stopped, but will be returning on April 29th,2022, as per their website. Always a great time.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$16–20

  • Katie Y

Great museum! Love the sculptures and blend of classic and modern works along with the scent display. My six year old loved the gongs and scent sequences- I love that it encouraged my autistic child to read and write in a non-academic setting. Your security and docents were great with my kid, especially the black bald guy on the second floor working on Friday night 1/20.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Keturah S.

Gorgeous museum with a lovely exhibit! We went to the K2 Friday night event which was a free event. ( Be sure to get a ticket online for it!) It's interactive and there's also music! The street level has places to sit so you can enjoy a drink or conversation with friends. A very nice event to attend on Fridays after a weekday brunch or before a late dinner.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Mao Fong Lim

Interesting museum with a focus on Tibetian art - both modern and ancient. I went on a Friday evening and admission was free. Check out their website for K2 nights - where they have a series of music performances and a live DJ. You might be tempted to take the elevator up and work your way down the stairs - but it's much better to go up in order. The first floor offers basic guides to understand Tibetian Buddhist art and will set the context for the rest of the visit.

  • Joey St-Pierre

This museum is great, audio guide available so it's great for solo travelers like me. I wish the café had a little bit more to often, basic drinks and chips... I would have gladly stopped halfway to grab a coffee and biscuits to tide me over, but i found the selection lacking. Still great, still recommend
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$16–20

  • Joshua Fagan

Beautiful, contemplative art museum. Himalayan Buddhist art adorns the walls, including gorgeous tapestries from over 500 years ago. The second floor is more interactive, providing Buddhist lessons alerting one to the transience of existence and shaking one from complacency and habit. There is an elegant gong to strike, hanging over placid water. Note, sadly, that the cafe was inexplicably still closed as of my visit.

  • Vazken Kalayjian

The Rubin presents art is a great place to see Buddhist art. Along with the Asia Society and the Met its a treasure in NYCT that traverses Asia’s diverse cultures, regions, and narratives. The Museum’s special exhibitions celebrate art forms that range from ancient to contemporary, including photography and multimedia, while its permanent collection galleries are focused primarily on art from the Himalayan region.

  • Steven C

Went to see Amanda Palmer's life After series talk which was pretty cool to listen to perspectives from an artist to be believed in, the museum also had a Death isn't the End exhibit in conjunction displaying thought provoking Buddhist and Christian treatments of death. A good time. Amanda performed a song on her ukulele.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Sarah Kostelac

I've seen very little art from the Himalayan region in other museums so I was happy to discover this place. The beginning walks you through all the symbolism in the artworks so when you get to later exhibits you'll know how to "read" the pieces. And a pretty low ticket price for what you get.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$16–20

  • Alyana

The atmosphere is spectacular. The art is just breathtaking. Each time I visit, I seem to always see something new that’s how interesting each piece is! My favorite is the prayer room. Also, Fridays are open to the public! They always have a great DJ and delicious food/drinks!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$11–15

  • Info Source

My favorite place to go end of the day and recharge myself silencing the mind. They have wide variety on display and a meditation place in addition to few activities one could try. Gift/bookstore is very nice. Museum also has a cafe. Highly appreciative of their TGIF free admission nights!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Camila de Oliveira Savoi

I loved my experience at this museum! It has both ancien works of art and a section of contemporary works. It is neither too big nor too small. In fact, it is just the right size for you to visit and leave satisfied, without getting tired. I have been there three times and I try to go back every time I go to New York.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

  • Rima Biswas

A hidden gem in Manhattan. Our daughter found out that it has free admission on Fridays. So we went there to check it out. A beautiful collection of Arts and mostly sculptures from Tibetan plateau, Nepal and India. Very well organised portrayals of Buddhism in that Himalayan region and influence of Hinduism on it. Thought provoking, serene and very peaceful. Must see

  • Nick Felker

In about three hours I walked up and down the entirety of the Rubin. The museum exhibits artwork and artifacts from Hindu and Buddhist culture mainly. Some of the exhibits are interactive. Overall it is an interesting place to visit.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$16–20

  • Rosemary (nycstylecannoli)

Wonderful museum with fantastic gift shop and cafe. The bao buns are a must try. Gift shop has wonderful unique items. they have many activities available so check their website. Smaller museums are lovely because you can go through the whole place in less than a day. The gift shop has so many unique items for gifts or yourself especially wonderful books.

  • Stacey O'Neil

This 6 story spiral museum focuses on Himalayan art. The exhibits are amazing and balance interactive exhibits that focus on concepts of Buddhism and historical art. The exhibit comparing Christian concepts of the afterlife to the afterlife in Buddhism was stunning. You can spend a few hours here and it is well worth the visit and the admission price.

  • Mike VA

I didn't expect this museum to be so good, but it was great. Its exhibition on Himalayan Buddhism was thoughtfully done and very interesting when compared with religions and cultures around it. Definitely worth a visit.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$16–20

  • Cindy Joan

Beautiful museum with an interesting design that takes you through several floors with a winding staircase. Elevator is also available with benchs in front of elaborate paintings and sculptures allowing vistors to spend time admiring them. The shop also is worth checking out. It has interesting items and coffee shop as well. More

  • Satyaki Mitra

This museum is really unique with its specific focus on Himalayan/Tibetan art and Buddhist culture. It is also more experiential than a typical museum as the exhibits are really immersive and thought provoking.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$16–20

  • Scarlett

I’ve been in NYC for years but I did not know about this museum. It was totally beyond expectation. Love the concepts it was showing and the ideas they are expressing. Glad I discovered the place.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
30–60 min
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Mariya R

The Rubin is one of my favorite museums in the city. There are usually not many people there on weekdays, and on Fridays they stay open late. I particularly enjoy visiting the meditation room and temple. The architecture is also amazing.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Brian

Great warm and welcoming space inside and (as New Yorkers will appreciate) the only clean, public restroom in blocks around. Gift shop has great selection of cards and stationary, candles and knick knacks. Pictures of dining/waiting area, where you can hang out and write, or drink coffee, or order food from the menu.

  • Chris Farrell

The overall vibe of the museum is a perfect complement to the Asian and South Asian collections. One installation, a Bhuddist shrine, is a welcome respite to the sometimes stressful life of NYC.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

  • Yiyi Zhang

One of the best underrated museums in NYC! A beautiful, tranquil vibe that offers the perfect escape from the commotion of the city. Free entry on Friday evenings. It's a wonderful date spot.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20

  • van hill

The museum made me think about life, consendering the fact that I have decided to enjoy my existence more. And the lounge is pretty, too, especially on Friday from 6 to 10 when the have a DJ.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20

  • B S

Good collection of Himalayan and Buddhist art, nicely present in a spiral building which I guess is meant to be reminiscent of a stupa? A bit jarring that they had western pop music playing in the gift shop which you can hear from the galleries. I never knew I wanted Abba with my thangka paintings …

  • Aria Jiang

Very cool and fun museum on the topic of Himalayan religions and culture. I love the interactive floor with art pieces and experiments! You need at least 2 hours to go through most of it. If you are short online I highly recommend the interactive floor. Sometimes they have pay as you want entrance.

  • Victor Villacis

Really awesome place. Loved the layout, loved the exhibitions. They are interactive, educational and even help you relax. The top floor is where the "om" exhibit is located. You get to be apart of art and history by participating. They also have a nice cozy cafeteria with good selections.

  • . Chittamani .

Very quiet during the visit, which added to the calm atmosphere. Very high quality interior and interesting exhibits, but I had anticipated a larger collection.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$16–20

  • osama manzar

Private museum, beautiful, great ambience, broad and open space; you cannot only watch and experience great expos of arts artists but also sit and relax, enjoy restaurant, mouth watering food, and even have long hours of working space and enjoy the climax of Asia centric gift shop.

  • Dennis Morrison

This museum had a nice collection of Himalayan art on six floors. They have a senior ticket which helps. There was paintings and tapestries and antiques for you to see. It took us about an hour.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Graham Gibbs

Fantastic museum that provides an educational introduction to Himalayan art through its rich and extensive collection. It features both historical and contemporary work and a cafe with Himalayan cuisine (and happy hour!). Don’t miss the beautiful panorama on the lowest level.

  • Eric Severson

Incredible collection of Himalayan art across centuries, there are often new exhibits on mindfulness related themes. Free Friday evenings are wonderful and it's a great place to take a public school class. I always leave feeling more at peace than I did before entering. :)

  • Brian Twitchell

Lovely museum. Not as overwhelming as the MET and easier to navigate. Had some lovely exhibits when I was there and was sad that I had to run to catch a train so I couldn't stay longer.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Steve Barber

A uniquely wonderful museum and really a cultural center for Himalayan Buddhist art. Besides the galleries, their programming - talks, music, meditation - all top notch. Wonderful cafe and store as well. Do not miss!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

  • Raisa Brown

A friend told me about this place. Would definitely go and wonder around some more. Quiet Atmosphere, so much to read and take in
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$16–20

  • Alex George Bejan

One of our hidden treasure places in Manhattan. It's so beautiful, profound, quiet, not rushed. Like nothing else in the city.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

  • James Glazier

One of my favorite NY museums. Extensive collection and displays that teach the precepts of Buddhism. Not just displaying pieces as art. Quiet, uncrowded and calm. Low light levels and reflective glass on frames make some pieces hard to see.

  • Sophie Chen

I came to this museum due to an assignment from my Tibetan Religion class and I ended up really enjoying my visit. There are a variety of interesting artifacts and artworks and a peaceful, dark shrine room. There was a floor that showed the

  • Adventurous Mouse

I love the Rubin. Visited last year and a few weeks ago. I come because I enjoy learning about Asian history and religion. They added cool, interactive exhibits on the middle floors were you can hit gongs, do scent tests, meditate/stretch

  • Oat

Something I really like about this museum is its size. It’s not too big and not too small. You can take your time and see everything within a day.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Dennis Santella

Beautiful small museum with frequently changing exhibitions. Gift shop has large collection of books on religion, art and food. Cafe is pleasant place.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Jing Shu

We went to see death is not the end exhibit. It was very cool, and our first time visiting an Tibet focused museum.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

  • G Aquino

Nice museum dedicated to Himalayan art and culture in present-day Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Mongolia, and Northern India. The museum also provides spaces for meditation and spiritual experiences. Free admission every Friday evening.

  • Mic Bazzini

Gift shop is great! Bought this Lotus flower. I really like the lighting. Each floor has rooms that lead to other rooms full of intricate Himalayan artifacts. Enjoyed hanging out on the first floor with a coffee from the cafe.

  • Kyuwon Lee

A stunning and full-of-surprise museum located in the charming neighborhood. Definitely a top-notch cultural hub that's more than competent enough to be coupled with any museums or galleries in the world in the similar scale.

  • L

Interesting museum for Himalayan art. We went on a tour and the topic was a big of a miss but the atmosphere of the space is very welcoming. Each floor is quite small but there is a beautiful spiral staircase in the center.

  • McBilly Sy

I was recently here for a charity event for Apex for Youth and it was great. Was able to explore the museum and they have a great collection of South Asian art. Really enjoyed them and they have great unique pieces.

  • martina puchta

Fabulous exhibit. Good tour. We enjoyed the Friday evening culture talk! Thank you
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$11–15

  • Inbal Tenzin

This place is such a treasure for the Himalayan-Buddhist culture-religion. So much to see & learn, and in a beautiful organised way. And it's even kids friendly with their special activities on Sundays for kids.

  • Dario Mendiguren

Excellent exhibition comparing two different visions of death and afterlife of Christianity and Buddhism through art pieces
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Roger Schonfeld

Culture, art, spirituality, and religions of the Himalayas, in a tranquil setting.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$16–20

  • Ericka Buyco

Beautiful museum! Came here on a Wednesday evening and it was not packed at all. We were able to leisurely enjoy every floor. I loved it and would definitely be back. Cool installations on the top floor!

  • Kayon Johns

The artwork is amazing. I suggest using a guide. You will get to hear the stories associated with each piece.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • John Taylor Ward

Def my style. Not organized like a typical museum, but you get to step into one individual’s personal taste.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Cindy Chiu

This place is so cool. There is a tibetan shrine in the 4th floor, perfect for mediation. The Himalayan art collection is very unique with pieces from India, Nepal, Bhutan, China and other countries

  • Nicole M

I absolutely love this Museum . It might not be as popular as some of the bigger museums ...but such a great place. There is always something new to experience . Relaxing and Zen. It's a must visit.

  • Richard Slubowski

A little gem of a museum, displaying works of Himalayan art. Well-organized, lots of information on provided by the placards on the walls. A very interesting and thought-provoking experience.

  • Silvia C.

Small specialized Museum in Asian art, lots of religious figures and even a shrine where some people use it as meditation site. The building is beautiful. Fridays night free entrance.

  • Tim Hand

Always a great museum to visit, with both an extensive permanent and rotating collections. Love the concept of the current staircase artwork - A Monument for the Anxious and Hopeful.

  • Arifaldi Dasril

I love the collections and how the venue treats visitors.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Cosmonaute Curieux

The Rubin Museum is a great place to see fantastic Himalayan art. There is a Tibetan Shrine Room which is really awesome too.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

  • Raj Hathiramani

Great collection of Hindu and Buddhist art over 5 floors. Cool basement lounge and delicious cafe with excellent tea selection. Hidden gem of a museum in the heart of Flatiron.

  • Binx C

Top notch museum in NYC emphasizing on Himalayan culture and art. Moreover, they put on more innovative contemporary exhibitions in contrast with classic historical artifacts.

  • Leia M

Love the art collection and the incredible cafe. The museum programming is life-changing
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Shaashi Ahlawat

The best part was the display of this making process of lost-wax bronze technique. They could do better job in sharing object credit lines.
Visited on
Weekend

  • Camellia Yang

The Tibetan Buddhism exhibition is amazing!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

  • AM V

Free admission on specific days. If you are interested in religious or spiritual exploration, this is a place to go. Staff is nice. Exhibition is controversial.

  • Brandon Smith

We really enjoyed the museum. Several floors of really neat pieces.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Libby Pollak

Nice museum, not that much to see- tends to be one theme. I was there at an event. The drinks are very overpriced, food more average priced for the area

  • Allanah

Art museum with Himalayan art and happening Friday night hang out Crowded bar with DJ, free entry, grab a drink and visit the six floors of exhibits.

  • Todd Goldman

Amazing museum of Himalayan/Buddhist art in NYC!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Anthony Le

Awesome museum! Tons of cool sculptures and paintings to see. Different perspective than what you usually see at other art museums.

  • Dayane Mendoza

This is an exhibit museum + it has a couple of interactive areas. Perfect to stay a couple of hours and going with a buddy !

  • Jason Guo

Cute exhibit. Went on a Friday night when it’s free. I loved the design of the space and the interactive 3rd floor.

  • Greg Jarmiolowski

I have been many times and continue to love the experience. Their live talks are really great.
Reserv…
More

  • Pronob B (Pro)

Pretty low-key museum. Has 6 floors. Has a lot of cool things to look at. A very good spot to bring a date!

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