Visiting the National Museum of Mathematics, New York City: Ticket prices, hours and tips

The National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) is an interactive educational facility dedicated to mathematics in the Manhattan borough of New York City. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.

This guide was updated in April 2026 and reflects the museum’s recent relocation to its expanded new premises in Chelsea, along with its current introductory ticket pricing structure.

Quick facts

CategoryDetails
Opening hoursDaily: 10:00 to 17:00
Ticket pricesAdults: $30; Seniors (60+), Students, Youth (2-17): $20; Under 2s: Free
Address635 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY 10011
Nearest public transport18th Street subway station or 14th Street / Sixth Avenue station
Typical time needed90 minutes to two hours

National Museum of Mathematics opening hours

The National Museum of Mathematics operates from 10:00 to 17:00 seven days a week. The facility frequently hosts designated “Free Play” events one Thursday afternoon per month, during which it remains open with extended hours until 19:00.

These core opening hours operate year-round with no seasonal variations. The museum is open 364 days a year and is only completely closed to the public on Thanksgiving Day.

5 great New York City experiences to book

National Museum of Mathematics ticket prices

General admission ticket prices for the National Museum of Mathematics currently reflect a special introductory rate following the venue’s recent relocation, costing $30 for adults and $20 for seniors aged 60 and over, full-time students, and youth aged two to 17. Infants under the age of two receive free entry.

Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in April 2026. The attraction is not included in commercial city pass schemes such as Go City, the New York Pass, or CityPASS, but it does participate in the ASTC Travel Passport Program, offering reciprocal free entry alongside other venues such as the New York Hall of Science, the Intrepid Museum, and the Newark Museum of Art.

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How to get to the National Museum of Mathematics

The most direct way to reach the National Museum of Mathematics using public transport is via the New York City Subway. Visitors can take the 1 train to the 18th Street station, or the F, M, and L trains to the 14th Street / Sixth Avenue station, both of which are a short walk from the entrance.

For those travelling by bus, the M55, M7, M23, and M14 routes all stop within a two-block radius of the museum. The facility is situated on the northwest corner of 19th Street and Sixth Avenue, making it easily accessible on foot for visitors already exploring the Chelsea or Flatiron districts.

Parking at the National Museum of Mathematics

There is no dedicated visitor parking at the National Museum of Mathematics, as the venue is situated in a high-density commercial district in Manhattan. Street parking on Sixth Avenue and the surrounding cross streets is strictly regulated by commercial metered zones and residential permit restrictions.

Visitors who choose to drive must utilise paid commercial parking garages located in the immediate vicinity. Several privately operated multi-level car parks are situated along 18th Street, 19th Street, and 20th Street, offering hourly and daily rates.

How long to spend at the National Museum of Mathematics

Most people spend between 90 minutes and two hours at the National Museum of Mathematics. This duration provides sufficient time to navigate the primary exhibition spaces and interact with the puzzle stations at a steady pace.

Visitors attending scheduled educator-led programmes or thoroughly exploring the new exhibition spaces added during the recent expansion may require the full two hours. The interactive nature of the exhibits means that families often dictate the pace of the visit based on their engagement with individual installations.

Accessibility at the National Museum of Mathematics

The National Museum of Mathematics is fully accessible for wheelchair users, featuring step-free access points from the street level and internal elevators connecting the exhibition floors. Wide pathways are maintained between the interactive stations to accommodate mobility devices and standard strollers.

The museum provides tactile elements within the exhibits and sensory-friendly programming at designated times throughout the year. Service animals defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are permitted throughout the facility.

Inside / what to see at the National Museum of Mathematics

The exhibits at the National Museum of Mathematics focus on highlighting the role of mathematics in illuminating real-world patterns and structures. The facility features over 60 interactive installations designed to engage visitors with geometry, topology, and physics without relying on traditional textbook formulas.

Key highlights include the Math Square, an interactive digital floor that reacts to visitors’ movements by creating dynamic geometric patterns and mazes. The Light Grooves installation allows visitors to explore stereographic projection and optical illusions.

The museum’s new premises in Chelsea, which opened in February 2026, include expanded gallery spaces that house both legacy exhibits and newly commissioned interactive stations. The facility also hosts temporary mathematical art exhibitions in its dedicated Composite gallery.

The ground floor contains Additions, the museum’s retail shop, which stocks puzzles, educational games, and mathematically themed items.

Practical visitor tips

Tip CategoryPractical tip
TimingArrive when the museum opens at 10:00 on a weekday to interact with the exhibits before large school groups arrive.
CrowdsAvoid planning a standard visit around the museum’s “Free Play” Thursday afternoons if you prefer a quieter environment, as these sessions attract high local footfall.
LayoutStart your visit on the upper floors and work your way down to the ground level to avoid the initial influx of visitors near the entrance.
Entry processPurchase your general admission tickets online in advance to bypass the physical box office queues during peak school holiday periods.
On-site logisticsDeposit bulky backpacks or heavy coats at commercial luggage storage locations nearby, as the museum lacks extensive on-site locker facilities.

Frequently asked questions about the National Museum of Mathematics

QuestionAnswer
Is the National Museum of Mathematics suitable for children?Yes, the museum is highly interactive and features exhibits specifically designed to engage toddlers, school-aged children, and teenagers.
Do you need to book tickets in advance for the National Museum of Mathematics?No, walk-up tickets are available at the admissions desk, though advance online booking is recommended during peak periods.
Is the National Museum of Mathematics open on Sundays?Yes, the museum is open on Sundays from 10:00 to 17:00, operating seven days a week.
Are bags allowed at the National Museum of Mathematics?Standard day bags and small backpacks are permitted, but oversized luggage should not be brought into the interactive exhibition spaces.

Things to do near the National Museum of Mathematics

  • Madison Square Park: A seven-acre public park located a 10-minute walk northeast, featuring mature trees, outdoor art installations, and the original Shake Shack kiosk.
  • Flatiron Building: Situated adjacent to Madison Square Park, this iconic 1902 triangular skyscraper is a historic staple of the New York City skyline.
  • The High Line: A 15-minute walk west brings visitors to this elevated linear park built on a historic freight rail line, featuring native landscaping and public art.
  • Chelsea Market: Located a 15-minute walk west, this enclosed food hall and shopping mall is housed within the former National Biscuit Company factory complex.
  • Union Square: Situated a 10-minute walk southeast, this historic intersection and pedestrian plaza hosts a large outdoor farmers’ market multiple times a week.

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