Small museum but full of detail! The stories are amazing, and the staff are friendly. It takes you through the history of the first Chinese in the US and the struggles each generation experienced. There was a special exhibit section as well. Everything is written in English and Chinese.It is great place to spend one or two hours while you are in this part of town.

Super informative and a lovely place to learn about the history of the Chinese people with a few interactive pieces. I went with my boyfriend and it was easily a couple of hours spent browsing and learning. It was really cozy. There is a discount for students as well. For an adult and a student, the total was a little over $20! I enjoyed it.

Underrated museum. You can learn a lot about Chinese migration to America here. A little small compared to other museums but its worth the visit.

Great place to hang out especially on hot days like today. Family friendly and window seats to chill until the temperature drops. Its also within walking distance of Little Italy and all the best eating in the city; and, a few blocks down, youll hit Broadway for some great shopping.

Came here when Smithsonian was giving out free museum day tickets. It was a nice place to check out if youre not looking for an all day thing. Taking a leisurely pace, we were able to enjoy all areas of this museum in 3 or 4 hours. We spent some time in the childrens playroom downstairs as well.

One of my favorite museums to visit. Very informative for Children and Adults. A great place to bring your kids to learn. Lots hands on things for kids to do.

Highly educational museum for those interested in Chinese American history. Small museum, so can be completed in an hour or less. My favorite part is reading the biographies of notable Chinese Americans. The gift shop is also worth stopping by for novelty items and books. The Chinatown tour was less informative than I was hoping.

Nice place to visit to check out some historical things about the early Chinese immigrants

It was a nice museum about Chinese Americans. But the whole vibe I get from he exhibits is the highlighting of the racism that Chinese people had to go through in the past. I liked the Wing Luke museum in Seattle better because it focused more on life in the states than the racism. It is important though, so toning it down isnt really going to help the community.

Really enjoyable and educational experience. The museum is surprisingly big on the inside, yoy cant tell from looking at it outside on the sidewalk. They have great audio of interviews playing while you walk through and see all the exhibits so youre able to absorb a lot of info as a visitor.

Beautiful venue with great entertainment

Great museum that I happened upon. Very informative - a MUST visit!

We spend time! Driving ..museum wasnt open..stinks as rotten Chinese food

Great museum that offers plenty of visual and textual materials and information about the history and experience of the Chinese immigrants living in America.

Nice experience. Interesting and I learned a lot. Would like it if parents didnt camp out in the cafe. Making it impossible for anyone else to sit.

A great place to see for anyone with Chinese roots or an interest in the history of Chinese in America (beginning in the mid 1800s). Many of the exhibits capture the essence of what it was and is like to be a Chinese immigrant/resident in America, and I appreciated the down-to-earth yet informative captions. The digestible size of the museum makes it so you can gain an expansive view of the history without feeling overwhelmed by the content. Certainly a valuable educational institution to have in the Chinatown area. Worth the visit!

An insightful look into the history of Chinese Americans with a really strong collection of paraphernalia that depicts a colourful and life like picture of the history of Chinese people living in the USA

A fairly small but well executed museum in SoHo. There is not a ton to see hear (plan to spend an hour or less) but the exhibits are first-class and tell an important story. The staff here were also very helpful and while the Museum may not be worth a long trip, if you are in the area, it might be worth a visit.

Its a great space to learn about the history of this particular ethnic group coming to the United States, as well as a commentary on how they shaped New York City as well as the United States. I also love how involved they are in the community and there are always upcoming shows that support local artists. The staff are all lovely and their gift shop is actually quite fun!

Its an interesting places to know more about the chinese culture.

The Museum of Chinese in America is an experience I will not forget soon. The permanent exhibit takes you through the history of the Chinese people and influence in America. It is both illuminating and frustrating in showing the racism and xenophobia Chinese people faced when coming to America. With the current tone of our politics reflecting the same animus that greeted Chinese folks in the past this history is vital. The exhibit explicitly discusses how the struggle for a just society has been composed of all marginalized folks organizing together and it is a lesson that we would do well to carry into the future.There is also an exhibit on Chinese medicine in America that is great. This exhibit isnt permanent so you have to catch it before it leaves. They do a great job in discussing the false dichotomy between what we call western medicine and Chinese medicine. This exhibit also has great visual appeal as well as primary source material that is a wonder to look at. The artwork in the exhibit is evocative and really does seem to visualize the concept of qi. Learning the roots of Chinese medicine and seeing the latest developments in its practice has made me more curious about it and determined to explore more.The other traveling exhibit is a recreation of the Kam Wah Chung & Co. General Store. In this exhibit, you step into what the store itself looked like during the gold rush. You also learn about the business savvy and medical practice of the store owners. It does an excellent job of telling you how people who were barred from participating in just about every part of the economy and society were able to create a place for themselves and contribute to the health, wealth, and culture of the nation even while they were under racist restrictions.The gift shop also has some sweet merch and good books. If youve made it this far, Im not sure why youre not at the Museum of Chinese America already. Go now!

Small but informative history museum. Definitely should be included when you visit Chinatown the first time.

Loved it.I truly enjoyed all the things that they had.Very well kept.Really enjoyable and educational experience.

As a Chinese Malaysian, this museum got feels man. And I wonder when will we get similarly good and equal treatments.

If you want to learn about Chinese immigration to US then this is the place to visit. Theres an entrance fee, for students its $8 otherwise $12 (Im not entirely certain).

A must visit for anyone wanting to know the history of Chinese in America. Well-presented. Join the free tour if possible as the guide will come in useful. Certain parts of the history are quite poignant.

Very much a reading museum as theres not a ton to see here. If you have time and are willing to read through the exhibits there is some very interesting stuff.

Especially liked the railroad exhibition, for folks who like economic history & history of immigration. this is a nice break from art exhibits!

Amazing place. Tons to learn. Kid friendly

Very cool. A hidden gem.

Great place to lear more about Chinese culture.

It was educational to learn about the history of Chinese Americans. Good museum store. Staff at front desk wasnt very helpful - I saw online there were audio guides available but she didnt seem to know much about it and couldnt answer my question on whether the museum displays would have Chinese available in addition to English (for my mother).

Nice effort to show Chinese culture in America, but I felt the museum could be -in lack of a proper word- bigger. I mean, Im sure theres a lot to watch, read, and hear that is not displayed here. However, Im planning to go back again

Wow. I’m embarrassed to say it took me many years living in NYC and a free ticket after eating at Nom Wah for me to finally check out this museum. It is very well executed and makes me feel even more proud of my heritage. The place is small and will take an hour or less to go through, but the photographs and layouts are excellent. I also love their small souvenir store, which has a lovely Keep Calm and Eat Rice tshirt with the Eat Rice in Mandarin writing.

Just amazing

Great museum, well curated, fairly small but provides a through multi media presentation of the history of Chinese immigrants and influences in America

Went there for the moon festival event. A few things for the kids to do. Theres also a playroom so kids had fun

Amazing museum that provides very powerful insights into the long difficult history of Chinese in America. The utter contempt that many of the first migrants were treated with is horrifying and serves as a useful reminder of how bad things can become when powerful interest groups are allowed to create us and them divisions. After the early history of mistreatment and isolation in China town, the museum celebrates the Asian-Americans who have risen to prominence in America and this I saw served as a powerful motivator for many of the younger guests in the museum. A must see!

It is worth to make a visit. You can go in for a free gallery admission on the first Thursday of each month. (except on major holidays)

A small but nicely organized museum. The tour is fun and interesting!

MOCA should be visited by everyone who is interested in Asian American History. The museum highlights their sacrifice and their contribution to the United States development at the start of and through the gilded age. It also highlights the Asian Americans ongoing contribution to date.MOCA does not stand alone, the museum does a great job in paying tribute to the numerous institutions throughout America in their mission to conserve the Asian American history. It was an enlightening experience for me and for everyone in our party. Thank you.

We took my in-laws (who are Chinese) here and they said they liked it but that it was a very sad exhibit, With reminders of all the hardships Chinese people have faced in America.The gift shop was very nice with a collection of various Asian and Asian-America books, kids books, toys, decorations, and the usual gift shop items.

A place of an unknown history for Ms. Chin and family of VP Records, I enjoyed this event, great wine selection

Went on a walking food tour of Chinatown with my co-workers. It was a great way to learn more about the cultures that make up the area and sample some great treats along the way. It was a fun event and Id recommend that or any other programs they offer. I previously watched a presentation on Chinese New Year by them and learn so many things as well. Makes you appreciate things so much more!

Beautiful layout wonderful staff. Exhibits and history is a must see for all Chinese in America.

The Chinese had it always rough in the USA. This museum does a good job showing some of their hardship, especially their everyday jobs, and where they interesected with the politics. I wish the exhibit covered also Chinese culture and what they contributed to this country.

A broad compilation of Chinese and Asian history in America. Great information and a very good giftshop with books exploring Asian history and art in America.

Small and cozy but the tour guides really hook you into the history behind the displays, especially for kids on field trips

Smaller museum. Needs more relevant artifacts to our history.

This place was meh, not enough things to see. Small and quiet though. Gave me memories of childhood with the karoake and musicthough so brought back fond memories.

Incredibly insightful and beautiful place. Ive been inspired to research more about the Chinese-American experience.

I truly enjoyed all the things that they had. Very well kept

Loved it. Interesting displays and friendly staff its a small museum but worth the visit if you are in the

Great insight into the history of the Chinese in America. Beautiful things on display.

Small but with some interesting exhibits for those wanting to know more about the history of Chinese in America.

Very interesting and well planned museum.

Its a nice place to feel the Chinese culture

A great little gem in the city! Very informative and well curated. Learned so much! Front desk was very nice and we paid half price because a small part of the museum was closed off. Totally worth a visit!

Its a small museum with personal histories very worth it. Youll definitely learn new things.

After reeling in the stories from Chinese immigrants, you understand the daunting task awaiting people moving to America. Their captivating stories are thorough and describe the challenges and successes in USA. The collection amassed is great.

Beautiful artifacts, beautiful history.

Very nice little museum if you want to learn more about Chinese American history.

Im so glad that institutions like this exist in New York City. It is small for a museum, but has really interesting content. The gift shop also has a lot of cute gift ideas and souvenirs.

As others have mentioned, a very educational museum on an underrepresented topic. I would like to add that the exhibits and ways information is displayed is also very pleasing. I like the chair you sit in and are then asked questions in a stern voice as if you were a recent immigrant. Well done.

A must see for any modern progressive. It took a thorough look at the history of Chinese (and Asians mistaken for Chinese) in America. A whole section on medicine. A checkered history with explanations of systematic oppression and cultural achievements. Family friendly. Well organized. Many interactive elements that keep it interesting and dynamic. If they sold dim sum, I could spend all day here looking over the artifacts and explanations. Well done!!!

As a Chinese, I felt this visit has enhanced my comprehension towards my heritage and root. The presentation of the museum is neatly and nicely put. It’s a small museum but we spent 1.5 hours reading every single piece of the information and story. Highly recommended if you stop by Chinatown.

Went on a school trip with my 9 year old daughter. It was really interesting! Alexander was a great guide

Happy times.

This museum is interesting particularly for me, although Im not American, Im also an immigrant of Chinese descendant. Its always interesting to learn about the situation back then in the country they emigrated into as Chinese people are known to be explorers. There are always Chinese people in most countries in the world, even down in African countries.Chinese immigrants are mostly the least-loved as well. Be it in Indonesia, or in America where they used to have the exclusion act back in the late 1800s and how they dealt with that.This museum, that is located in Chinatown, however, is quite small, so I feel theyre lacking in telling the stories. One of the best Chinese immigrant museums that I have ever been to is the one in Singapores Chinatown, if you are ever in that area and interested in this matter, you should go.Otherwise, this museum has a cool shop and a range of immigrant story books that I really love.

Excellent museum, I found it to be very educational for a topic which is not widely talked about or recognized. Lots of interesting and unique artifacts and detailed exhibits. 2 hours was not enough for me - I plan to go back.

As small museum dedicated to Chinese Americans from the East and West Coast, as well as their ancestors who immigrated to America. Although it may not be big as many major museums in Manhattan, the exhibitions featured are tastefully chosen and displayed to the public. What I really loved about this museum was how it brought about the historical aspects of Chinatown, much of which takes a hard look around these days when walking through the actual area. A great place for those who wish to learn about the past, including the assimilating of cultures and environments.

Smaller than expected nut thought provoking. Unfortunately hit a tour bus crowd.

Amazing American institution of all the accomplishments of the Chinese in AmericaPlease donateAs they had major fire damage

Much more than I expected. Overwhelming, actually. Learned a lot here. Left with new perspective and appreciation of Chinese culture in America.

A small and specialized museum with many very good exhibits about the history of the Chinese community in America. There is more to see and learn than there initially appears, so its well spending time to read the detailed information about the items and the history as you go around.

Nice museum to stop for a short visit in Chinatown. Takes approximately 1 hour to see everything. Staff was very friendly.

Its a very nice small museum surprisingly amused my daughter. She was born in China but raised in the US so Ive always wanted to get her into Chinese culture. As a three years old, she enjoyed the scavenger hunt and the toddler play area. Would want to go again when they have kids activities.

Amazing. I cannot recommend it enough. As a Chinese American it was incredibly moving. I would also recommend it for anyone interested in learning more about American history that isnt included in text books.

Learned a few things about Chinese culture in America and they have nice clean bathrooms...lol

We have been here on a few occasions and it is always nice to see the exhibit. It has super friendly staff. It is still great for little kids but its not a pleas touch museum so be prepare to hold their hands.

Beautiful museum. Gives the younger generation a good look at the difficult and proud history of their Chinese ancestors who prepared the way for them to have a better life in America. Free 1-year membership for NYC-ID holders, includes free entry for member and 1 guest plus 10% off gift shop.

Nice museum, interesting exhibits and historical documents. A nice mix of art and history.

This is a very nice museum with a lot of cool displays. We went for the Lunar New Year family festival - and it was crowded, but people were definitely having a good time with the arts & crafts and cultural things. If youre interested in the subject matter Id say its definitely worth checking out.

American Chinese may be successful now but only by their own lonely perseverance and industry. Shame on America.

As small museum dedicated to Chinese Americans from the East and West Coast, as well as their ancestors who immigrated to America. Although it may not be big as many major museums in Manhattan, the exhibitions featured are tastefully chosen and displayed to the public. What I really loved about this museum was how it brought about the historical aspects of Chinatown, much of which takes a hard look around these days when walking through the actual area. A great place for those who wish to learn about the past, including the assimilating of cultures and environments.

Engaging exhibitions, with guided tour options for the museum OR for Chinatown, with advance reservation required. The new Learning Center downstairs is wonderful for families. Building is gorgeous and designed by Maya Lin (Vietnam Veterans Memorial). The shop sells a beautifully illustrated and designed Chinatown map that was created to give visitors a great sense of things to see/do in the local neighborhood - I use it to eat around the area.

This is a small but well designed museum that takes you through the Chinese experience coming and integrating into America. The exhibits are excellent. The story it tells is very well done. This museum doesnt get the attention it deserves in my opinion.

Interesting museum detailing Chinese in America. Would leave 90 minutes for the whole thing. Cool gift shop as well

Maybe I’m not the museum type but did not find programming compelling.

The staff here was very nice when i visited! and the museum was at a nice degree! and very interesting stuff!

Was very excited to visit, but off timing

Highly Recommend. Best place in the world learn about Chinese-American history & the Chinese diaspora experience.

Great local museum that focuses on the Chinese immigrant experience.

Always interesting here & good exhibits, shows & history

Such an important trip down memory lane of a forgotten part of America history and the people who contributed to the fabric of society. Definitely worth a visit.

Visiting this location was a very informative and educational experience. It was so good to learn about Chinese culture and medicine. There is also great food nearby.

Looks like a restaurant from the outside, but amazing once you find it.

This is a great museum cataloging a topic missing from most Americans history classrooms. I highly recommend visiting if you are interested in the history of America, immigration, and China.

Nice new smallish space and a good idea for a museum. The history of Chinese in America is rich, interesting and of course an important and often undertold part of our history as a whole. The permanent exhibit will hopefully grow and change with time gaining more attractive/unique physical artifacts that support the stories told. I was not very happy with the temporary exhibit about a ‘refugee’ boat which was highly critical of Chinese and US governments and nowhere questioned the Substance of refugee/asylum claims which seemed quite weak (at least in the museum no evidence was presented) A balanced historical story with opinions from all sides would feel less like propaganda and more like a museum.

Nice place to visit if youre in Chinatown in N.Y.Learn about this great culture.