October in New York City is a perfect time to immerse yourself in the art, history, and culture housed within its legendary museums. The crisp autumn weather is ideal for a day spent wandering through galleries and exploring fascinating exhibits. Here’s a guide to making the most of the city’s museum scene.

Explore the Museum Mile

Fifth Avenue along the east side of Central Park is famously known as the “Museum Mile.” Here you’ll find some of the world’s most renowned institutions. Spend a day at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), losing yourself in its vast collection that spans continents and centuries. Just a short walk away, you can admire the modern masterpieces at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, an architectural icon in itself.

Discover Modern and Contemporary Art

For those who love cutting-edge creativity, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in Midtown is an essential stop. It houses an incredible collection of modern and contemporary works, from Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” to pieces by Andy Warhol. In the Meatpacking District, the Whitney Museum of American Art offers stunning views of the Hudson River and a fantastic collection focused solely on American artists.

Venture into History and Science

Beyond the art world, New York offers incredible museums dedicated to the natural world and human history. On the west side of Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History is a wonderland for all ages, with its famous dinosaur skeletons and the stunning Milstein Hall of Ocean Life. For a moving and essential experience, be sure to visit the National September 11 Memorial & Museum downtown.