Rubin Museum of Art

The Rubin Museum has all the Ancient Wisdom to Lift your soul to A SUPER HIGH LEVEL of ENLIGHTENMENT and BEYOND! I would be there everyday if I could I can’t get enough of the 4th floor the Energy inside is SUPER along with all there staff and Guests!

Beautiful curation, amazing, important art, horrible management of personnel. Staff and patrons are permitted to be loud in a space that should be, if not silent, at least reverent, and their conduct should reflect that. The place is a giant cement tube; sound travels, and without any effective form of sonic treatment, one can hear people yelling from several floors away. It didn’t used to be this way - what changed? I should not be responsible, as a patron, for ensuring the appropriate behavior of my fellow patrons - or the docents, some of whom seem all too willing to make noise. Further, in the one space in the museum in which it is appropriate to make noise, the gong exhibit, one is told “these are not instruments, hit them only once. ” They are, however, instruments, whose capacity for the production of sound may never be fully appreciated by most patrons thanks to the docent staff. Likewise, beyond the micromanaging assertion otherwise, they are instruments, yet they are allowed by docents to be pummeled by ignorant patrons as nauseum. The whole thing is shameful. What happened? This used to be a temple to art, now it feels like little more than a poorly-managed cash grab.

I feel angry to see the prayer room. It is installed like a tourist attraction. I don’t think it is decent to worship a god you do not know. It is better if the museum does not engage people in the process of worshiping.

The meditation center on top floor is such a joke. Membership programs for art, meditation, etc.makes me feel western gaze. This is like always attending Christian gatherings for free dinner without thinking of getting to know the religion.

But it does a better job than MET to make sure no one touch the installations. In MET you can literally see some stone status in Asia section are touched too much that they display a different texture, while the guards make sure that you do not get too close in medieval section.

Maybe I just feel offended by looting from the last century, and I do not know how the museum can go better. This is just a random comment anyways.

Always an interesting and inspiring visit to the Rubin. Small but impressive permanent collection of Buddhist art and informative temporary exhibitions. Sad they've shortened their opening days/hours and are no longer featuring in-person meditation sessions on Wednesdays.

Just received a reply/update from the Rubin advising the in-person meditation sessions are back (on Thursdays) - with thanks - looking forward to our next visit)

I know museums and other institutions need our support, especially during times of COVID, but it was a bit surprising to pay $19 when 2 floors were closed, some art installations were removed (because they were interactive), and the lower level floor had a photography piece of the Himalayas that was completely in the dark with none of the focus lights on. Very odd, the museum itself was beautiful, but was a bit shocked by the price given so much was missing (I would suggest posting about this or at least lowering the price while so much has been removed or isn’t available).

With the fact that I have less interest with Himalayan life, art and culture, I did not expect that I will enjoy my visit here. Presentation is unique on its own way - quiet intense. Very catchy detailed information that anyone will enjoy. I learned a lot during this visit and putting to my list a visit to any of the countries lies on the region

I always enjoy the Rubin except this visit left me wanting after learning 2 floors were closed. The closings were not clearly stated on the museum's website.

I was working on a business trip and didn't get off until 4: 30 on a Saturday. I walked 30 minutes to The Rubin and couldn't have spent a better 45 minutes anywhere else. It was awesome. Soundscales cool but the museum has so much more.

A great museum, well worth the visit, from the architecture of the building which was tastefully designed with subtle majesty to the collection of Art which is truly extraordinary. In many traditional cultures, circumambulating a sacred site is part of the religious experience and I deeply suspect that the spiral staircase in the center of the building, winding up the floors was a truly inspired touch that compels the participant to walk around the building and around the beautifully displayed Art.

Very nice museum. Showcases Himalayan Art, Nepalese art, Tibetan art, Indian art. Being an Indian, I felt proud while looking around some masterpieces as it reminds you of your origin.

So yesterday i came to "museum of illusions" with jax for is 2nd bday (they gave him a bag with some stuff from the museum, so nice) and the art was fun to capture and pose with him. The fantastic thing about place is no timing on how long to take with each art, charlie and staff is super helpful! They can charge your phone (my phone accidentally died and crystal let me use her phone while mine was charging, no one would do that so thank you so much again!). I recommend this place and i am defiantly coming back‍.

Very special place.
My husband and I have missed it so much during the Covid-19 lockdown. We have visited regularly for concerts, lectures, exhibits and even lunch.

Great exhibition with a lot of Oriental loot. But the thought that it may have been stolen or taken away from its original place is haunting me

Amazing experience. Sleek and unique architecture with a large spiral staircase transversing the entire building. Himalayan exhibition is particularly thought provoking and beautiful to look at, combined with great staff and many interactive experiences. 10/10 recommend you check this place out, even if it's not as well known as other museums.

Very interesting place to visit. Not only for tourists because a lot of people actually don't know about this museum. But believe me you will be surprised of it.

This museum is so peaceful, calming and intriguing. The exhibits are well curated and the staff are friendly, engaging and welcoming. I highly recommend coming here to visit even if you attend and do work in their cafe area.

The program was excellent, but If not become a member. Was a member for the first five years, but the museum did fewer programs and increase program costs. Too bad.

Definitely come to the gallery openings!
A beautiful, uplifting space. You will definitely enjoy yourself, and meet incredible and interesting new friends as well.

Wonderful museum for lovers of Himalayan art and culture. The cafe is excellent, too. Small, quiet, an oasis in the city.

The Rubin Museum is ranking very high in my top 10 list of most favorite museums world-wide. The museum’s exquisite collection of Himalayan art delights at every visit. The Thangka paintings are absolutely beautiful and rare gems of Buddhist teachings. The sculptures are equally superb. In addition, the Shrine Room, featuring numerous ancient spiritual artifacts, is one of my most beloved places to visit. The daily, weekly, and monthly events range from educational to academic, meditational and yogic immersions, to fun-filled dance- and music nights. Do visit often.

Fantastic museum. It is the first museum that I have been to that was devoted to Tibet and Buddhism. They also have rotating exhibitions that have an Asian focus.