What To-Do in NYC

Top 10 Must-See Masterpieces at MoMA NYC in 2026

Complete Guide: From Van Gogh’s Starry Night to Picasso and Warhol

89 Views

blank

Here’s a handpicked selection of the best works and experiences that almost everyone agrees are absolute must-sees at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York (January 2026). The museum blends its iconic permanent collection (almost always on view) with some really exciting temporary exhibitions.

Permanent Collection Masterpieces (The Ones You Can’t Miss)

These are almost always on display (mainly on floors 5 and 4) and are the main reason so many people visit MoMA:

1. Vincent van Gogh – The Starry Night (1889)

The museum’s most famous piece and one of the most recognizable paintings in the world. Get ready for crowds in front of it!

Vincent van Gogh. The Starry Night. Saint Rémy, June 1889 | MoMA

2. Pablo Picasso – Les Demoiselles d’Avignon (1907)

Widely regarded as the starting point of Cubism and one of the most revolutionary works in art history.

NYC - MoMA: Pablo Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon | Flickr

NYC – MoMA: Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon | Flickr

3. Andy Warhol

  • Campbell’s Soup Cans (1962) → The ultimate symbol of Pop Art and mass consumer culture.
  • Gold Marilyn Monroe (usually displayed nearby) → Striking and super photogenic.

The famous set of soup cans that changed art history forever.

Installation view of the exhibition "Andy Warhol: Campbell's Soup ...

Other Must-See Highlights Usually on View

  • Salvador Dalí – The Persistence of Memory (the melting clocks)
  • Henri Matisse – The Dance (I)
  • Frida Kahlo – several powerful self-portraits
  • Jackson Pollock – massive dripping abstract works
  • Claude Monet – Water Lilies (nenúfares)
  • Meret Oppenheim – Object (the fur-covered breakfast set)

Live Performances & Experiences (January 2026)

MoMA is also renowned for its cutting-edge performance art, experimental film, and time-based media programming.

Standouts for January 2026 include:

  • Samora Pinderhughes: Call and Response (January 24 – February 15, 2026) in the Marie-Josée and Henry Kravis Studio → A powerful multimedia performance blending live art and experimental music. A must if you love contemporary live experiences.
  • New Photography 2025: Lines of Belonging (still open until January 17, 2026) → Super interesting and timely contemporary photography.
  • Regular film programming: The To Save and Project festival (film preservation) usually kicks off in early January.

Practical Tips for Your MoMA Visit (January 2026)

  • Start on Floor 5 (1880–1940) → Van Gogh, Picasso, Matisse, Dalí…
  • Head down to Floor 4 (1940–1980/90) → Warhol, Pollock, Pop Art, Minimalism
  • If you have extra time and love live/contemporary stuff → Check the daily schedule for performances in the Kravis Studio or other spaces.
  • Book tickets in advance (especially on weekends or Free Friday evenings → it gets packed!).

Short on time? Prioritize: Starry Night → Les Demoiselles d’Avignon → Warhol’s Soup Cans → Dalí and then hit whatever temporary exhibition catches your eye.