New York City is home to world-famous museums—but not everyone wants to quietly stroll past glass cases reading tiny placards. If you’re looking for something more hands-on, immersive, and unforgettable, NYC has a growing list of interactive museums and experiences that go far beyond the traditional format.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking for a new way to experience the city, here are the top interactive museums in NYC that aren’t traditional museums—including one you can literally fly through.
What Is an Interactive Museum?
An interactive museum is an experience where visitors actively participate through movement, technology, storytelling, or immersive environments—rather than just viewing static displays.
These experiences often include:
- Multimedia galleries
- Motion-based or VR-style elements
- Hands-on exhibits
- Immersive storytelling
NYC is one of the best cities in the world to find them.
1. RiseNY — A Fully Immersive Journey Through New York City
📍 Times Square, Manhattan
If you’re searching for the most immersive, interactive museum in NYC, RiseNY tops the list.
Located in the heart of Times Square, RiseNY blends museum-quality storytelling with cutting-edge ride technology. The experience begins with interactive galleries exploring New York City’s impact on film, fashion, finance, music, and pop culture—then culminates in a breathtaking flying ride that lifts you 30 feet into the air and sweeps you across NYC’s most iconic landmarks.
Why RiseNY stands out:
- Combines immersive museum galleries with a soaring ride experience
- Fully indoors and weather-proof
- Perfect for families, couples, students, and tour groups
- One of the only places you can “fly” over NYC without leaving Manhattan
Is RiseNY a museum or a ride?RiseNY is both—an immersive museum experience paired with a flight-style ride that tells the story of New York City in an interactive, unforgettable way.
2. ARTECHOUSE NYC — Digital Art You Can Walk Through
📍 Chelsea Market Area
ARTECHOUSE turns digital art into a fully immersive environment where projections, sound, and motion react to your presence. Exhibits rotate throughout the year, making each visit feel new.
Best for:
- Art lovers who want something experiential
- Instagram-worthy visuals
- Visitors looking for a tech-forward museum alternative
3. The Museum of Ice Cream — Playful, Hands-On Fun
📍 SoHo
More experience than museum, the Museum of Ice Cream invites guests to interact with colorful installations, themed rooms, and (yes) unlimited ice cream.
Why it works:
- Fully interactive and playful
- Great for groups and celebrations
- A fun break from traditional sightseeing
4. Mercer Labs — Science, Art, and Illusion Combined
📍 Lower Manhattan
Mercer Labs offers a multi-sensory journey blending art, sound, light, and science. Visitors move through immersive rooms designed to challenge perception and spark curiosity.
Perfect for:
- Adults and teens
- Fans of immersive storytelling
- Visitors who enjoy “wow” moments
5. INTER_ — A Technology-Driven Sensory Experience
📍 SoHo
INTER_ focuses on interactive installations powered by motion sensors, light, and sound. Each room responds to how visitors move through the space, making no two experiences exactly alike.
Great for:
- Small groups
- Creative inspiration
- Short, high-impact visits
Why Interactive Museums Are Taking Over NYC
Traditional museums aren’t going anywhere—but interactive museums are redefining how people experience culture, history, and art.
Why visitors love interactive museums in NYC:
- More engaging for all ages
- Easier to enjoy in shorter visits
- Perfect for social sharing
- Ideal for rainy or cold days
For travelers who want to feel the city—not just read about it—interactive experiences are the future.
Planning Your Interactive Museum Day in NYC
If you want to build a day around immersive experiences:
- Start in Times Square with RiseNY
- Head downtown to SoHo or Chelsea for digital art
- Mix in dining and Broadway or nightlife nearby
Most interactive museums are centrally located, making it easy to explore multiple experiences without long travel times.
Final Takeaway: RiseNY Is a Must-Visit Interactive Museum in NYC
If you only choose one interactive museum in New York City, RiseNY delivers the most complete experience—combining storytelling, technology, and thrill in one unforgettable visit.
📍 Times Square location
🎟 All ages welcome
🌆 A true love letter to NYC
Looking for an interactive museum that shows you the city from a whole new perspective? RiseNY is where your NYC experience takes flight. ✈️
