The Skyscraper Museum

Learn about the architects and designers behind the creation of landmarks that make up the renowned Manhattan skyline.

Visit The Skyscraper Museum with The New York Pass®

The Skyscraper Museum is a gem for architectural design within the city of New York as the world's first vertical metropolis. You can explore some of the city's greatest landmarks and skyscrapers while learning about their history and technology. Inside the museum, you will also get to learn about the designers and architects that crafted the illustrious New York City skyline while exploring the City's rich architectural heritage. The museum examines the historical forces and individuals that have shaped its successive skylines. Through exhibitions, programs, and publications, the Museum takes a close look at tall buildings as objects of design, products of technology, sites of construction, investments in real estate, places of work and residence.

Unveiling the Secrets of The Skyscraper Museum

Located in the heart of New York City, The Skyscraper Museum is a celebration of architectural ingenuity. This unique institution beautifully illustrates the past, present, and future of high-rise buildings. Its exhibits, brimming with original architectural models and detailed design plans, are a testament to humanity's drive to reach the skies.

Dive Into the History of New York's Iconic Skyline

Witness the evolution of New York's skyline at The Skyscraper Museum. Through meticulously curated displays, it narrates the story of the city's iconic buildings, encapsulating a journey of technological advances, architectural innovation, and the spirit of New York itself.

Highlights

Manhattan Mini Models
Inside of the museum you'll find Michael Chesko's mini scale version of New York that showcases real buildings and landmarks that exisit in the city.

Maps and Photographs of Lower Manhattan
Learn about the architectural history of New York City through a series of maps and photographs that display the development of the major landmarks. You'll see photos dating as far back as the 1950s that can truly illustrate how far the city has come.

The History of Height
One of the most fascinating exhibits at the Skyscraper Museum is the 36-foot long mural named "The History of Height". This installation shows the evolution of skyscrapers as they evolved from ancient Pyramids. 

Supertall!
Architectural models and an interactive wall trace the emergence of super-tall skyscrapers worldwide, from the Empire State Building to the Burj Khalifa.

Skyscraper Museum facts

• One World Trade Center is New York City's tallest skyscraper measuring at 1,776 feet. The Skyscraper Museum's Battery Park City gallery was built on landfill from the construction of the original World Trade Center in the 1970s.
• Currently under construction, the Kingdom Tower – featured in the museum's SUPERTALL exhibit – will be the tallest building in the world, reaching a kilometer in the sky.

Getting in: no need to show your pass - admission to The Skyscraper Museum is free at the moment. 

Skyscraper Museum FAQs

Q. What is the tallest skyscraper in New York City?
A. The tallest skyscraper in New York City is currently One World Trade Center, standing at a height of 1,776 feet.

Q. How many skyscrapers are there in New York City?
A. New York City boasts a remarkable skyline with over 250 skyscrapers, showcasing the city's architectural prowess.

Q. Can visitors go to the top of the skyscrapers in the museum?
A. While the museum itself does not have a viewing deck, it offers fascinating exhibitions and insights into the history and design of iconic skyscrapers.

Q. Are guided tours available at the skyscraper museum?
A. Yes, the museum provides informative guided tours led by knowledgeable experts, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the exhibits and their significance.

Q. What are some famous skyscrapers featured in the museum?
A. The museum showcases a range of famous skyscrapers, including the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and the Flatiron Building, among others.

Q. Can I learn about the construction techniques used in skyscrapers at the museum?
A. Absolutely! The museum provides insights into various construction techniques employed in building skyscrapers, allowing visitors to appreciate the engineering marvels behind these towering structures.