Tours
Public Tour of With a Single Step: Stories in the Making of America
Please join a public tour of MOCA’s core exhibition, With a Single Step: Stories in the Making of America on Thursdays at 11:30 AM in July & August. Tours meet in the museum lobby and are free with museum admission.
Public Walking Tour – Chinatown: A Walk through History
July 25, 2025, 2:15 PM – 3:30 PM
July 30, 2025, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Uncover the history of one of New York City’s oldest and most culturally diverse neighborhoods! This walking tour explores how both everyday buildings and places of historical significance reflect and shape a community.
Walking tours leave promptly from the main lobby at 215 Centre Street. They are best for children ages 12 and up. Tickets include admission to the museum before and/or after your tour.
Location
Museum
215 Centre Street, New York, NY 10013
(b/w Howard & Grand Sts; one block north of Canal St)
For large groups or school groups, please use the 147 Lafayette Street entrance. Please consult with your museum representative for more details.
Hours at 215 Centre Street
Monday – Tuesday: CLOSED TO GENERAL PUBLIC. Guided Group Tours ONLY. Please see our Group Tours page for more information.
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Kindly note the Museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
A Message to Our Visitors
At the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA), our mission is to preserve, illuminate and celebrate the rich history and contributions of Chinese in America. Through exhibitions, education, and community engagement, we aim to foster cultural pride, spark dialogue, and build intergenerational understanding.
In the spirit of transparency, we want to inform our visitors that there has been an ongoing protest outside the Museum for the past four years, currently taking place Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
These protests reflect broader concerns and frustrations within the Chinatown community, particularly related to issues such as the construction of a new jail facility, gentrification, and the loss of long-standing neighborhood institutions. We acknowledge the depth of these concerns and empathize with the pain felt by many.
While MOCA is not responsible for these developments, we recognize that, as a prominent cultural institution, we have become part of this broader conversation. We take that responsibility seriously and remain committed to listening with compassion and engaging in meaningful dialogue.
Looking ahead, MOCA continues to focus on our core mission: to celebrate and preserve the stories and contributions of Chinese Americans. We are actively expanding our exhibitions, growing our collection of artifacts, and developing new educational programs to serve visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
We understand this is a complex and evolving conversation, and we welcome the opportunity to speak with you directly. Thank you for visiting MOCA, for engaging thoughtfully, and for being part of this important dialogue.
With respect and gratitude,
The Museum of Chinese in America
Museum Admission
General Admission
- Adults: $10
- Seniors (over 55): $5
- Students (with valid ID): $5
- Visitors with disabilities: $5
Book online in advance to receive $2 discount for adults.
Member Admission: FREE
Not a MOCA member yet? Join MyMOCA now to receive exclusive member benefits, special discounts and offerings, and “First to Know!” announcements about MOCA’s exhibitions and public programs.
Pay-What-You-Wish Admission
NYC Residents (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island)
Accepted Residency Verification:
- New York State driver’s license
- New York State ID card
- IDNYC
- New York library card
- Current bill or statement with a New York State address
Pay-what-you-wish admission can only be purchased in person with a residency verification.
Complimentary Admission and Passes
Eligible visitors must present valid ID, membership card, or pass upon arrival. Complimentary admission is available to:
- Children under 12
- Caregivers accompanying visitors with disabilities
- Active-duty military personnel and families (with valid military ID)
- Health care workers (with valid employee ID)
- Cool Culture Family Pass holders (up to 5 family members per visit)
- Culture Pass holders (New York, Brooklyn, Queens Public Libraries, with reservation)
- SNAP/EBT cardholders
- American Alliance of Museums (AAM) members
- International Council of Museums (ICOM) members
- Museums Council of New York City members
- Press and media (with valid press ID)
- Corporate Partners (employees with valid corporate ID)
- Reciprocal members from participating institutions
- Bronx Museum Pass holders
- Staff of other museums and cultural organizations (with valid employee ID)
Group Visits and Tours
Reservations are required for all groups of 8 or more planning to visit the Museum, as well as third-party guided tours of any size.
Groups may request either a guided visit, led by a trained Museum Educator, or a self-guided visit, which allows you to lead your own group through the Museum. Please see our Group Tours page for more information.
Title I NYC public schools or other groups with limited resources may qualify for discounted rates. Please ask for details when you request a reservation.
Ticketed Events
Tickets purchased for MOCA public programs and special events include same-day general admission, providing visitors the opportunity to explore the museum before or after their event.
The Collections & Research Center
215 Centre Street, New York, NY 10013
Please note that in-person research appointments and onsite access to MOCA’s Collections and Research Center will be temporarily paused from June through September 2025, as our staff relocate the collections to new shelving at 215 Centre Street.
Free Digital Guide
Discover more about the Museum in our bilingual digital guide on Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app. Explore our permanent collection, get a behind-the-scenes look at our exhibitions, and more with exclusive audio content and commentary. Download the app here.
Directions
By Subway & Bus
- N, Q, R, W, J, Z, or 6 to Canal Street (2 minute walk)
- B or D to Grand Street (7 minute walk)
- A, C, or E to Canal Street (9 minute walk)
- M1, M55, M103 buses
By Bike
Via NYC bike paths on Grand St and Lafayette St. For locking and parking your bike, CityRacks are located in front of the Museum.
Citi Bike, New York City’s bike-sharing service, has a docking station located next to the Museum on Howard St & Lafayette St. For more details and nearby docks, please visit the Citi Bike website.
By Car
From Brooklyn: Follow the Brooklyn Bridge, which becomes Centre St. MOCA will be on the left.
From The Bronx: Follow the FDR Drive and take exit 5 to E. Houston St. Turn left at Bowery and right at Canal St before turning right at Centre St. MOCA will be on the left.
From Queens: Take the ramp onto I-278 W towards the Brooklyn/Queens Expressway. Turn slight left at Delancey St, turn left at Bowery and right at Canal St before turning right at Centre St. MOCA will be on the left.
From Staten Island: Take the Brooklyn/Queens Expressway and take exit 28B to merge onto the Brooklyn Bridge. The Bridge becomes Centre St and MOCA will be on the left.
Visitor Policies
Flash photography, mobile phone conversations, and food and drinks are not permitted in MOCA’s galleries. Photography without flash is permitted.
In compliance with New York City law, smoking is not permitted anywhere in the Museum.
Baby strollers are permitted at all times.