Both The Natural History Museum and MoMA are world-renowned museums offering unique experiences. The choice depends on visitor interest: natural history and science versus modern and contemporary art. Both museums are popular and can get crowded, so planning is essential. MoMA provides more detailed information on membership costs and benefits.
| Attribute | The Natural History Museum, London | The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) |
|---|---|---|
| Collection size and diversity | Approximately 80 million specimens across botany, entomology, mineralogy, palaeontology, and zoology. Includes items collected by Charles Darwin. | Over 200,000 works spanning from the late 19th century to the present, including architecture and design, drawings, paintings, sculptures, photography, prints, illustrated books, film, and electronic media. Approximately two million film stills. |
| Exhibition quality and innovation | Exhibitions include dinosaur skeletons and architecture, often called a 'cathedral of nature'. Exhibits incorporate interactive displays. | Extensive collection of modern and contemporary art. Globally celebrated as a beacon of artistic breakthroughs. Instrumental in shaping the history of modern art. Expanded collection and programming to include works by traditionally underrepresented groups. |
| Educational programs and resources | Various educational programs and resources for both children and adults. | Tours, programs for visitors with dementia, free online courses (partnered with Coursera), professional development workshops, programs for children, families, and adults, interactive sessions, guided tours and audio guides. |
| Accessibility for visitors with disabilities | Step-free access, lifts, accessible toilets, wheelchairs available to borrow, audio description, braille, and sign language interpretation. | Accessible to individuals using wheelchairs, who are deaf or hard of hearing, and who are blind. Wheelchair accessible galleries, entrances, and facilities. Entrances with power-assist doors on 53rd and 54th streets. Discounted admission for visitors with disabilities, and a caregiver can enter free of charge. |
| Visitor amenities | Cafes, shops, and restrooms. Cafes offer vegetarian and vegan options. | Dining options include The Modern (two-Michelin-starred restaurant), Caf é 2 (Italian-inspired dishes), and an Espresso Bar. Design store. Baby changing stations on every floor. All-gender restrooms on Floors 1, 3W, 5, and T1. |
| Location and ease of access | Located in South Kensington, London. Nearest Underground station is South Kensington (five-minute walk). Several bus routes nearby. | Located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, at 11 West 53rd Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Easily accessible via public transportation. Main entrance on 53rd Street, close to Sixth Avenue. |
| Architecture and building design | Blend of Gothic Revival and Romanesque styles designed by Alfred Waterhouse. Terracotta facade with carvings of plants and animals. | Flagship building designed by Philip L. Goodwin and Edward Durell Stone. Sculpture garden designed by John McAndrew and Alfred H. Barr Jr. Major renovations and expansions completed over the years. |
| Historical significance | Origins date back to 1753 with Sir Hans Sloane's collection. Originally part of the British Museum. The Alfred Waterhouse building opened in 1881. | Established in 1929 by Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, Lillie P. Bliss, and Mary Quinn Sullivan. The first museum dedicated to modern art. |
| Special events and temporary exhibitions | Hosts special events and temporary exhibitions, including the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. | Regular special exhibitions and events, such as talks and screenings of foreign films. |
| Membership benefits and costs | Museum members receive benefits such as discounts at the cafes and restaurants. | Various membership levels with benefits such as free admission, guest passes, film tickets, exclusive events, and discounts at the MoMA stores. 'Access' membership costs $110 per year. An annual pass is available for $75 per year. |
| Crowd levels and visitor experience | Popular attraction, can get crowded. Visiting during the week, early in the morning or later in the evening, is recommended to avoid crowds. | Welcomes approximately 3 million visitors every year. Least crowded right after it opens, so plan your visit for the early hours on a weekday. |
| Conservation and research efforts | Research center specializing in taxonomy, identification, and conservation. Houses the Darwin Centre. | The David Booth Conservation Center and Department is responsible for the preservation of MoMA's collection. The department was established in 1958. |
| Price | Not available | Not available |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |