How to museum jaunt in New York City
What to wear (and where to go eat afterwards)
On Friday afternoon, I closed my work laptop promptly at 3PM (what a luxury) and quickly changed into what I deemed as a comfortable but cute museum-going outfit. I hopped on the 6 train uptown, and went to peruse the newest exhibition at the Neue Galerie. The Neue is one of my absolute favorite New York City museums for a few reasons:
It's in an old Fifth Avenue Mansion. Is there anything chicer than that?
It’s digestible. I was there for a max of 45 minutes and saw the entire museum.
It has the most beautiful museum cafe in all of New York, Cafe Sabarsky.
Back to the “comfortable but cute museum-going outfit”... when I go on a museum journey, it typically means I am pairing it with some sort of eating affair afterwards. The look might vary in fanciness depending on the museum (or eating establishment) I am planning to visit. However, it typically consists of a flat shoe, a comfortable pant, a button down shirt to elevate the look, and a small bag. There is nothing worse than walking around a museum in a shoe that is pinching your toes, or a bag that is giving you hunchback vibes.
A friend recommended I share my art-viewing outfit tips, and I figured I would pair it with a guide on where to treat yourself after (because that is the ultimate way to enjoy art).
The Whitney
Why go: For a downtown hit of culture amidst a day of shopping in Meatpacking/Upper West Village. I would go solely to see the Ruth Asawa sculpture perfectly framed in a window overlooking the Hudson, but their special exhibitions tend to be worthwhile too.
What to wear: It is most likely that you are visiting during the day, so I would wear what I believe to be a classic museum-going outfit - a collared shirt under a cashmere sweater with bootcut jeans a fun colored sock and a loafer:
Vintage Burberry Trench (or this Vintage Prada Nylon)
Where to go after: Frenchette Bakery at the Whitney for a croissant at brunchtime or Pastis for a expertly executed smashburger and french onion soup at either lunch or dinner.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Why go: I mean…this goes without saying, right? I usually go to The Met for their special exhibitions, but those have gotten so overrun these past few years that I have been opting to go in their off-months when the museum draws a bit smaller of a crowd. There are a few rooms I always hit - the Astor Chinese Garden Court, the Frank Lloyd Wright living room, the Modern & Contemporary Wing (not for the dingy space, but for the rotating works).
What to wear: When I go to The Met, it's likely I'm pairing the trip with a martini at an elegant Upper East Side hotel bar. I tend to wear something that can handle the vast halls of The Met, but also transitions easily to a dressier room à la Jacques Bar at The Lowell. I would go for a comfortable boot or flat, a wide leg trouser, and a slouchy, but refined sweater:
Where to go after: E.A.T for a chicken salad sandwich at lunch or Hoexters for a roast chicken and martini at dinner. I would also recommend opting for the slightly longer walk to Cafe Commerce for schnitzel and a thick slice of coconut cake.
Note: you can swap this museum for The Guggenheim (if they have a good main exhibition), The Jewish Museum, The Neue Galerie, or The Frick when it re-opens in April.
The New Museum (currently closed but reopening in Fall 2025)
Why go: Because it's where the cool kids go. The New Museum tends to have funkier exhibitions than the other museums on this list, and it will take you no more than an hour to walk through (unless, of course, you are one of those art oglers). Side note: head up to the rooftop for one of the most spectacular views of Lower Manhattan.
What to wear: Think Lower East Side chic. When I go, I attempt a trendy but not too “try hard” look. I want the grungy downtown set to think I can hang at least a smidge. Try a track pant for the cool factor, a loafer to dress it up, and a button down to tie it all together:
Where to go after: Thai Diner for what I believe to be the most delish egg sandwich in Manhattan (it comes wrapped in a flaky roti), but you also can’t go wrong with their classic Phat See Ew.
The Brooklyn Museum
Why go: For their 200th year anniversary! And you should really go see the feminist dinner party if you haven’t already.
What to wear: Since the Brooklyn Museum draws a fashion crowd, I would invite some fun color or pattern into your outfit. In this case, I would go with an overall for comfort, a neutral cardigan to refine the look, and then bright sneaker and a fun bag to spice it up:
Where to go after: Agi’s Counter for what has been lauded as a top New York City tuna melt at lunchtime or Winner on Franklin for their made-in-house focaccia and a smashburger at dinner.
The Noguchi Museum
Why go: For a serene break from the madness of the city. But, I would also go exclusively for the Noguchi Museum Shop. I like to imagine all the paper lanterns I would buy if I had “fuck you” money.
What to wear: You are likely taking a long subway out to Astoria, so I would go uber relaxed with the look. Wear a clog for easy walking, a breezy pant and an oversized button down:
Where to go after: Little Flower Cafe for a scrambled egg sandwich and firini donut at lunch or Taverna Kyclades or Abuqir for a very special seafood experience at dinner.
I feel like this is actually a perfect personality test, like I'm such a Whitney girl but, in truth, I sometimes aspire to be a New Museum girl...
I loooove this. So helpful!