National Museum of Mathematics
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
The National Museum of Mathematics offers a compact, highly interactive math and STEM experience, focusing on puzzles, building, and hands-on exhibits. It serves as a welcome low-key alternative to crowded NYC attractions, particularly engaging for pre-teens (8-12 years old) and adults who enjoy educational, interactive challenges.
Key Highlights
- ✓Features a wide array of interactive puzzles and building activities that kids and adults find fun.
- ✓Exhibits like the spinning chair, 'little bicycles,' and 'little movie thing' are specific kid favorites.
- ✓Staff are knowledgeable and helpful, explaining how exhibits work.
- ✓Provides a significant break from the crowds and 'midtown craziness' of typical NYC tourist spots.
- ✓Located in a nice surrounding area, making the overall visit pleasant.
- ✓Exhibits are engaging and interactive for both children and adults, explained in an easy-to-understand way.
Standout Features
- ⭐Interactive STEM/math exhibits, including various puzzles, building blocks, a unique spinning chair, and 'little bicycles'.
- ⭐Knowledgeable staff who are able to explain the concepts behind the exhibits.
- ⭐Offers a 'low key' and less crowded alternative to major tourist attractions.
- ⭐Located in a pleasant area, contributing to a relaxed visit.
- ⭐Occasionally offers free admission, which can be a significant value.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Best suited for children aged 8 and up; consider delaying a visit if your children are toddlers or very young preschoolers.
- →Manage expectations regarding size; it's a compact museum ('not big,' 'large living room'), not a sprawling complex.
- →Plan for a visit duration of about 1 to 2 hours, possibly longer if deeply engaged.
- →Check their schedule for occasional 'free admission' days to maximize value.
- →Be prepared for hands-on, interactive learning rather than passive viewing.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Perceived as quite small, described as 'just a large living room,' with some reviewers expecting more for the price.
- ⚠Cleanliness is a concern; some exhibits were described as 'worn out' and felt 'a bit icky,' suggesting a need for refreshment.
- ⚠Not suitable for toddlers (0-5 years old); one reviewer with a toddler found it difficult and would not recommend it for that age.
- ⚠The content, while math-related, can be abstract for some visitors who expect a more traditional 'museum of mathematics' experience.
- ⚠Adult ticket price of $25 is higher than the commonly seen child price ($20) and felt high for the size of the venue.
Price & Value
Adult tickets are $25, while the child price is $20. Some reviewers felt it was expensive for its small size ('just a large living room'). However, for the right age group (8+), it's considered 'worth the time.' The value is significantly enhanced by occasional free admission opportunities.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accommodations for special needs mentioned in the reviews.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No specific food or drink policies mentioned in the reviews.
🚗Parking Info
- •The 'area around this museum was so nice,' but no specific details regarding parking availability, type (street/garage), or cost were provided.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Described as 'low key' and a 'break from the crowds,' suggesting it is generally less busy than major NYC attractions. One review mentions 'not big,' which implies it's unlikely to feel overwhelmingly crowded.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety measures (e.g., staff monitoring, entrance security, first aid) were mentioned in the reviews.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Families with toddlers (0-5 years old) as it is not designed for this age group and can be challenging.
- • Visitors expecting a large, expansive, traditional museum layout.
- • Anyone highly sensitive to worn exhibits or cleanliness concerns, as some items were noted as 'worn out' and 'icky'.
- • If your expectation for a 'math museum' is strictly traditional curriculum rather than abstract/interactive concepts.
Pricing/Package/Events
Pricing & Packages
MoMath field trips for K–12 school groups
Engaging variety of educator-led sessions available either in person or online. Includes in-Museum, online, and in-school options, and visits from MoMath’s traveling exhibition Math Midway 2 Go (MM2GO).
Includes:
- •In-Museum options
- •Online options
- •In-school options
- •Educator-led activities
- •Traveling exhibition Math Midway 2 Go (MM2GO)
Expansions, MoMath’s gifted program
After-school, in-person math program designed to engage and challenge NYC’s brightest math students. Workshops delivered by MoMath’s education team, covering advanced and fascinating topics like fractals and cellular automata. Opportunity to learn in small groups of talented scholars.
Includes:
- •Interactive educator-led sessions
- •Creative projects
Senior Sessions
Duration: 45-minute
Interactive activities led by MoMath’s education staff, engaging with a collegial cohort of mature minds.
Includes:
- •Interactive activities
Math-themed birthday parties
Host a one-of-a-kind party with unique activities and games, plus a chance to explore more than 40 engaging exhibits. Includes captivating constructions, scintillating scavenger hunts, and customized activities. Online origami birthday parties also available.
Includes:
- •Unique party activities and games
- •Access to over 40 engaging exhibits
- •Captivating constructions
- •Scintillating scavenger hunts
- •Customized activities
- •Online origami party options
One-on-one math tutoring
Limited private tutoring with certified educators who have extensive experience teaching students online and in the classroom. Assistance with homework, exam preparation, or discovery of mathematics beyond the curriculum.
Includes:
- •Private tutoring sessions
- •Assistance with homework
- •Exam preparation
- •Curriculum enrichment
Transformations (Summer Camp)
Duration: Summer program
Students will experience the richness of mathematics through interactive educator-led sessions and creative projects.
Includes:
- •Interactive educator-led sessions
- •Creative projects
Extensions (online math enrichment program)
Duration: Once-a-month online sessions
Taught by MoMath’s expert education staff, designed to challenge and inspire mathematically-precocious students.
Includes:
- •Online sessions
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Unlimited, MoMath’s mix-n-mingle program for middle and high school students; “When the Final Boss is a Bacterium: The mathematics of fighting disease”
Fri, Oct 3, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Not specified
In-person + drop-off program featuring MOST Fellow Lora Newman discussing the mathematics of fighting disease.
Tin Pan Alley and Beyond: A Musical History Walk with Tim Nissen
Sat, Oct 4, 1:00 pm
Not specified
In-person musical history walk.
Meet a Mathematician: Lew Ludwig, hosted by Dr. Arthur Benjamin
Mon, Oct 6, 6:30 pm
Not specified
Online event.
Probability and Intuition: an exclusive, puzzle-focused dinner event featuring Peter Winkler
Mon, Oct 6, 7:30 pm
Not specified
In-person dinner event.
MoMath Masters, an adult math competition and charitable benefit
Tue, Oct 7, 6:00 pm (Museum closes early at 1:30 pm ET)
Not specified
In-person adult math competition and fundraiser.
Free! Math Encounters: “Infinitesimally Similar: The art and science of conformal mapping” featuring Fields Medalist Akshay Venkatesh
Wed, Oct 8, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Museum closes early at 2:30 pm ET)
Free!
In-person public presentation series.
Starring Math, featuring The Magic of Matt Baker; hosted by Dr. Arthur Benjamin with Matt Baker
Thu, Oct 9, 6:30 pm
Not specified
Online magic performance.
Tween Primes: a discussion of Hands-On Combinatorics with author Brian Hopkins; hosted by Dr. Arthur Benjamin
Sun, Oct 12, 5:15 pm
Not specified
In-person discussion with author.
MoMath Mini-Camp: Mathematical Masterpieces
Mon, Oct 13, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Not specified
In-person mini-camp for grades 1–6.
Free! Book Signing: Biological Rhythms with author Daniel B. Forger
Wed, Oct 22, 4:00 pm
Free!
In-person book signing.
0.7978845… — Random Walks, Scrabble Battles, and the Secret Drift of Chance featuring Paul Zeitz
Wed, Oct 22, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Not specified
In-person presentation.
Volumes: a discussion of Hands-On Combinatorics with author Brian Hopkins; hosted by Dr. Arthur Benjamin
Thu, Oct 23, 6:30 pm
Not specified
Online discussion with author.
Free! Family Fridays: “Math Meets Motion: A giant game of strategy” with Kirk Dietz and David L. Hoyt
Fri, Oct 24, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Free!
In-person family event.
Swimming in Data featuring Ken Ono
Wed, Oct 29, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Not specified
In-person presentation.
Free! Math Encounters: “From Caesar to Cyber: A Journey Through Cryptography” featuring Jim Kraft
Wed, Nov 5, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Museum closes early at 2:30 pm ET)
Free!
In-person public presentation series.
MAPS, the MoMath Annual Puzzlement Series
Sat, Nov 8, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Not specified
In-person puzzlement series in Flatiron-NoMad.
Unlimited, MoMath’s mix-n-mingle program for middle and high school students; “Inflating Knowledge: How Math Models the World Around Us”
Sat, Nov 8, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Not specified
In-person + drop-off program featuring MOST Fellow Carli Peterson.
Tween Primes: a discussion of Seven Games: A Human History with author Oliver Roeder; hosted by Dr. Arthur Benjamin
Sun, Nov 9, 5:15 pm
Not specified
In-person discussion with author.
Starring Math, featuring Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon; hosted by Dr. Arthur Benjamin with Stephen Abbott
Mon, Nov 10, 6:30 pm
Not specified
Online event.
Volumes: a discussion of Seven Games: A Human History with author Oliver Roeder; hosted by Dr. Arthur Benjamin
Mon, Nov 17, 6:30 pm
Not specified
Online discussion with author.
Free! Gallery Opening: “Light Echoes: 4D Light Orchestra” featuring Chaim Goodman-Strauss
Thu, Nov 20, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Free!
In-person gallery opening.
Meet a Mathematician: Alex Kontorovich, hosted by Dr. Arthur Benjamin
Thu, Nov 20, 6:30 pm
Not specified
Online event.
Free! Family Fridays: “Nim and Nibbles — The sweet strategy of games” with Philipp Legner
Fri, Nov 21, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Free!
In-person family event.
Free! Math Encounters: “From Two Dimensions to Four: Exploring mathematics through pop-up constructions” featuring Richard Hammack
Wed, Dec 3, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Museum closes early at 2:30 pm ET)
Free!
In-person public presentation series.
🍎Food Policy
- • No general policy on outside food/drink specified. Some events include dinner or nibbles. A 'calorie-free' infinite chocolate bar is part of a mime performance, implying eating is not part of the exhibit.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone at all times within the Museum.
- • For drop-off events, an adult chaperone must be present at drop-off and pick-up; children cannot check in on their own nor self-dismiss.
- • Each adult or child must be registered with their own paid ticket.
📅Booking Policy
- • Admission tickets can be purchased online in advance to save money, as prices at the door will be higher.
- • Members do not need to reserve tickets online; an active membership card or receipt allows entry.
- • Field trip bookings for K-12 school groups can be made via schoolgroups@momath.org or fieldtrips.momath.org.
- • Non-school group visits require reservations via groupsales.momath.org.
- • Event bookings (other than birthday parties) can be arranged by emailing eventbookings@momath.org.
- • Online registrations paid with an international credit card may be declined; contact MoMath for alternative registration methods.
- • Members-only registration options require an active membership at the time of purchase and on the day of the event, with registration name and email associated with membership. Ineligible registrations will incur an administrative fee plus the full event fee, and may be subject to cancellation without refund.
🚗Parking Information
- • No specific parking information is provided. Directions for car, bike, or public transportation are available at gettinghere.momath.org.
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 3 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 4 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Can get crowded during peak times (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Mimi Lee
a month agoTook my son to NYC (10 yrs old) and we did all the touristy things. Lots of lines, super crowded, etc. We wanted to do something a little more low key. He had a blast at this museum. It’s not big but lots of puzzles and such that he had so much fun with. Was nice to take a break from the crowds and midtown craziness. Area around this museum was so nice too. Overall we had a fantastic time and would def go back next time. I think it’s a good option for that age group. Had building things and activities for younger kids too. We spent about hour and half and prob could have stayed longer but has dinner reservations. Fun!
M R
a month agoWe came because I saw some reviews saying it was good for younger kids but we went with my toddler and I disagree. I think it's a good place for a smart 6 year old or at least 8+ years old. It's quite small, I was expecting a bit more for the price. It's really just a large living room. Some of the activities are really fun and cool and I'd love to take my daughter again when she's older. I'm curious how often things are cleaned though, a lot was looking pretty worn out and felt a bit icky. Could use a refresh but overall it was cool for my partner and I but difficult with a toddler. Will come back in a few years. $25 for an adult. Google says tickets are 20 but that's the child price. Also agree with some other comments that it could really use more to be considered a full museum of mathematics. Half of it is abstractly math related, which is fine but not what we expect when we visit a math museum.
Elaine Li
a month agoWe went to their temporary location. It’s smaller than their old place, but still very fun. The exhibits are very engaging and interactive for kids as well as adults. Their staff are knowledgeable and can help you understand how things work. They occasionally have free admission.
Roy Chan
2 months agoIt was a very interesting museum hidden in this building. Most of the exhibitions were very interactive and it was not only for children but also for adults. Most of them were explained in a way that was easy to understand. It was not a huge museum but it was certainly worth the time here for like an hour or two.
Marjorie Velasquez
a month agoPlace was decent. My kiddos loved it. It a mind stem place with kids and adults. I was even building things with blocks and sitting in the spinning chair. My kiddos loved the chair, the little bicycles, the puzzles, and the little movie thing!! Great experience and would recommend for other than love math and educational things!