The 3 Must-See New Museums Launching In NYC In 2026

Danielle Valente – Editor, Secret NYC · December 27, 2025 There’s nothing quite like exhibit hopping in New York, especially now that new [museums](https://secretnyc.co/best-museums-in-nyc/) are joining the city’s already spectacular lineup. You can’t go wrong with classics like The Met or MoMA , and photo-worthy experiences like The Museum of Illusions and ARTECHOUSE have brought the art scene into the 21st century. There’s plenty to love, but you certainly can’t have too much of a good thing, if you ask us. We’re not ones to resist even more cultural institutions to explore, and 2026 has a few that deserve your attention. Of course, we have the intel on what to expect and when. Until these newbies cut the ribbon and open their doors, explore some of our favorite [art galleries and museums](https://feverup.com/en/new-york/art-galleries-museums) , or take a deep dive into some of [NYC’s lesser-known museums](https://secretnyc.co/underrated-hidden-gems-museums-nyc/) . The Hip Hop Museum ------------------ 585 Exterior Street, Bronx December 25, 2025 [The Hip Hop Museum](https://thhm.org/) is still roughly nine months away from opening its doors, yet it’s already breaking records. Considered the first cultural institution completely dedicated to the genre, this waterfront attraction in the [Bronx](https://secretnyc.co/best-things-to-do-in-the-bronx-nyc/) offers something for every fan — fittingly in the birthplace of hip hop. From galleries and workshops to performance centers and even a studio, courtesy of HOT 97, this monumental tribute will explore the music’s roots and its future. 🗓️ Opening in fall 2026 200 Broome Street, New York December 25, 2025 Intended to be an antithesis to “the quick glance,” the [Lower East Side’s](https://secretnyc.co/things-to-do-lower-east-side-nyc/) new 40,000-square foot retreat, [Canyon](https://www.canyon.org/) , flirts between a museum and performance venue, all while taking a deep dive into video, sound, and beyond. A whopping 18,000 square feet is dedicated to gallery space, while a 260-person performance hall accompanies the dedicated artwork area. What sets Canyon apart from its neighbors is a 60-foot-tall skylit plaza with food, drinks, and a gathering space to foster connection between attendees. Once the grand opening gets underway, New Yorkers can expect three exhibition cycles, from spring through fall, solo work, group performances, and so much more. 🗓️ Opening in 2026 The New Museum -------------- 235 Bowery, New York December 25, 2025 While technically [The New Museum](https://www.newmuseum.org/) isn’t *new*, its complete transformation might convince you otherwise. Adding to its existing home, OMA / Shohei Shigematsu and Rem Koolhaas joined forces for a 60,000-square-foot expansion that will amplifify its gallery space, artist residencies, and home for NEW INC. For those unfamiliar with the concept, the Museum’s NEW INC. is its “future of new media, art, design, science, and technology where access to mentorship, space, and resources create pathways for experimentation.” A public plaza will bring guests together for a post-art chat, performances, installations, and beyond. Don’t forget to pop by the 100-seat restaurant after the exhibit hopping works up your appetite. 🗓️ Opening in early 2026 Source: https://secretnyc.co/new-museums-opening-in-nyc-in-2026/