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Updated Wednesday, October 14

Free Museums in NYC

Find the ultimate list of free museums in NYC for today and any day of the week. Some are always free, while others offer free admission on certain days/hours or pay-what-you-wish options.

This list has all of NYC's museums, big and small, including opening hours and details of admission. So if there are any free promos for admission, this page would show for that museum.

We update this on a daily basis, so bookmark this and check for the latest free museum schedule.

The Whitney 5pm–10pmMoMA 5:30pm–8:30pmNY State residentsThe Morgan 5pm–8pmJapan Society 5pm–7pmNew York Botanical Garden 10am–6pmBronx residentsNew York Hall of Science 2pm–5pmLocal community+4 more free todayAlways free · 45 museums

A dash means it’s not free on that slot. Tap museum names for eligibility, age-based admission and booking. Always free means museums are free whenever they’re open.

October 16-22

Museum
TodayOct 16
SatOct 17
SunOct 18
MonOct 19
TueOct 20
WedOct 21
ThuOct 22
Museums with free days and hours
The WhitneyMeatpacking District
5pm–10pmFree
–
–
–
Closed
–
–
MoMAMidtown
5:30pm–8:30pmFreeNY State residents
–
–
–
–
–
–
Jewish MuseumUpper East Side
–
11am–6pmFree
–
–
Closed
Closed
–
9/11 Memorial MuseumFinancial District
–
–
–
5:30pm–7pmFree
Closed
–
–
The MorganMurray Hill
5pm–8pmFree
–
–
Closed
–
–
–
Museum of the Moving ImageAstoria
–
–
–
Closed
Closed
Closed
2pm–6pmFree
Museum of the City of NYEast Harlem
10am–5pmPay what you wishNYC residents
10am–6pmPay what you wishNYC residents
10am–6pmPay what you wishNYC residents
10am–5pmPay what you wishNYC residents
10am–5pmPay what you wishNYC residents
10am–9pmFree
10am–5pmPay what you wishNYC residents
The FrickUpper East Side
–
–
–
–
Closed
1:30pm–5:30pmPay what you wish
–
Noguchi MuseumLong Island City
–
–
–
Closed
Closed
–
–
Brooklyn Children's MuseumBrooklyn
–
–
–
Closed
Closed
–
2pm–5pmFree
Japan SocietyManhattan
5pm–7pmFree
–
–
Closed
–
–
–
New York Botanical GardenBronx
10am–6pmFreeBronx residents
10am–6pmFreeBronx residents
10am–6pmFreeBronx residents
Closed
10am–6pmFreeBronx residents
10am–6pmFreeNYC residents
10am–6pmFreeBronx residents
New York Hall of ScienceQueens
2pm–5pmFreeLocal community
–
–
Closed
Closed
–
–
Poster HouseManhattan
10am–9pmFree
–
10am–6pmFree
Closed
Closed
Closed
–
Ukrainian MuseumManhattan
–
–
–
Closed
Closed
–
6pm–9pmFree
Van Cortlandt House MuseumBronx
11am–4pmFreeBronx residents
11am–4pmFreeBronx residents
11am–4pmFreeBronx residents
Closed
Closed
11am–4pmFreeBronx residents
11am–4pmFreeBronx residents
Bard Graduate Center GalleryManhattan
11am–8pmFree
–
–
Closed
–
–
–
Historic Richmond TownStaten Island
–
–
–
Closed
Closed
–
2pm–4pmFree
Jackie Robinson MuseumManhattan
–
11am–3pmFree
–
Closed
Closed
Closed
–
Society of IllustratorsManhattan
–
–
Closed
Closed
Closed
–
5pm–9pmFree
South Street Seaport MuseumManhattan
–
–
–
Closed
Closed
–
–
Renee & Chaim Gross FoundationGreenwich Village
3pm–6pmFree
1pm–5pmFree
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
5pm–8pmFree
Wave HillBronx
–
–
–
Closed
–
–
10am–5:30pmFree
Studio Museum in HarlemManhattan
11am–9pmPay what you wish
11am–6pmPay what you wish
11am–6pmFree
Closed
Closed
11am–6pmPay what you wish
11am–6pmPay what you wish
Pay what you wish
Natural History MuseumUpper West Side
10am–5:30pmPay what you wishNY State residents
10am–5:30pmPay what you wishNY State residents
10am–5:30pmPay what you wishNY State residents
10am–5:30pmPay what you wishNY State residents
10am–5:30pmPay what you wishNY State residents
10am–5:30pmPay what you wishNY State residents
10am–5:30pmPay what you wishNY State residents
The MetUpper East Side
10am–9pmPay what you wishNY State residents and NY, NJ & CT students
10am–9pmPay what you wishNY State residents and NY, NJ & CT students
10am–5pmPay what you wishNY State residents and NY, NJ & CT students
10am–5pmPay what you wishNY State residents and NY, NJ & CT students
10am–5pmPay what you wishNY State residents and NY, NJ & CT students
Closed
10am–5pmPay what you wishNY State residents and NY, NJ & CT students
Brooklyn MuseumProspect Heights
11am–6pmPay what you wish
11am–6pmPay what you wish
11am–6pmPay what you wish
Closed
Closed
11am–6pmPay what you wish
11am–6pmPay what you wish
GuggenheimUpper East Side
–
–
4pm–5:30pmPay what you wish
–
4pm–5:30pmPay what you wish
–
–
New MuseumBowery
–
–
–
Closed
–
–
7pm–9pmPay what you wish
The Met CloistersFort Tryon Park
10am–5pmPay what you wishNY State residents and NY, NJ & CT students
10am–5pmPay what you wishNY State residents and NY, NJ & CT students
10am–5pmPay what you wishNY State residents and NY, NJ & CT students
10am–5pmPay what you wishNY State residents and NY, NJ & CT students
10am–5pmPay what you wishNY State residents and NY, NJ & CT students
Closed
10am–5pmPay what you wishNY State residents and NY, NJ & CT students
Alice Austen HouseStaten Island
12pm–5pmPay what you wish
11am–5pmPay what you wish
Closed
Closed
Closed
12pm–5pmPay what you wish
12pm–5pmPay what you wish
Cooper HewittManhattan
5pm–6pmPay what you wish
5pm–6pmPay what you wish
5pm–6pmPay what you wish
5pm–6pmPay what you wish
5pm–6pmPay what you wish
5pm–6pmPay what you wish
5pm–6pmPay what you wish
Poe CottageBronx
Closed
10am–4pmPay what you wish
1pm–5pmPay what you wish
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
Leslie-Lohman Museum of ArtManhattan
12pm–6pmPay what you wish
12pm–6pmPay what you wish
12pm–6pmPay what you wish
Closed
Closed
12pm–6pmPay what you wish
12pm–6pmPay what you wish
Museum at Eldridge StreetChinatown
10am–5pmPay what you wish
Closed
–
10am–5pmPay what you wish
–
–
–
Museum of Chinese in AmericaManhattan
11am–6pmPay what you wishNYC residents
11am–6pmPay what you wishNYC residents
11am–4pmPay what you wishNYC residents
Closed
Closed
11am–6pmPay what you wishNYC residents
11am–6pmPay what you wishNYC residents
Old Stone HouseBrooklyn
12pm–4pmPay what you wish
12pm–4pmPay what you wish
12pm–4pmPay what you wish
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
Queens MuseumQueens
12pm–5pmPay what you wish
11am–5pmPay what you wish
11am–5pmPay what you wish
Closed
Closed
12pm–5pmPay what you wish
12pm–5pmPay what you wish
Staten Island MuseumStaten Island
11am–5pmPay what you wish
11am–5pmPay what you wish
11am–5pmPay what you wish
Closed
Closed
11am–5pmPay what you wish
11am–5pmPay what you wish
National Jazz MuseumManhattan
12pm–5pmPay what you wish
12pm–5pmPay what you wish
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
12pm–5pmPay what you wish
Noble Maritime CollectionStaten Island
12pm–5pmPay what you wish
12pm–5pmPay what you wish
12pm–5pmPay what you wish
Closed
Closed
12pm–5pmPay what you wish
12pm–5pmPay what you wish
Voelker Orth MuseumQueens
Closed
Closed
1pm–4pmPay what you wish
Closed
Closed
1pm–4pmPay what you wish
Closed
World Trade Center TributeStaten Island
9am–5pmPay what you wish
9am–5pmPay what you wish
9am–5pmPay what you wish
9am–5pmPay what you wish
9am–5pmPay what you wish
9am–5pmPay what you wish
9am–5pmPay what you wish
Museum of Arts and DesignManhattan
–
–
–
Closed
–
–
–
Museum of Reclaimed Urban SpaceManhattan
12pm–5pmPay what you wish
12pm–5pmPay what you wish
12pm–5pmPay what you wish
Closed
Closed
12pm–5pmPay what you wish
12pm–5pmPay what you wish
Museum of Bronx HistoryBronx
Closed
10am–4pmPay what you wish
1pm–5pmPay what you wish
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed

Always free

General admission is free every day these museums are open, though you may still need a ticket for special exhibitions and events.

Always free

MoMA PS1

Contemporary art · Long Island City, Queens

Wander through contemporary art in a former public school, where installations can stretch from the galleries into the courtyard. PS1 has its own exhibitions and admission policy, separate from MoMA in Manhattan.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

General admission is free on open days. The museum is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Special events can require separate tickets. The September 25 to 27 art book fair uses special tickets, and the museum is closed September 28 for deinstallation.

Reserve a free ticket

Always free

National Museum of the American Indian

Native cultures · Financial District, Manhattan

See Native art and cultural objects inside the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House at Bowling Green. It’s an easy place to start a Lower Manhattan museum day: general admission is free and you don’t need a ticket.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

General admission is always free for all visitors. You can visit from 10 am to 5 pm every day except December 25, when the museum is closed.

No ticket required

Always free

The Museum at FIT

Fashion & design · Chelsea, Manhattan

You can spend a Chelsea museum visit exploring fashion and design at the Museum at FIT. Admission is always free during opening hours: Wednesday through Friday, noon to 8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm; it's closed Monday and Tuesday.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

Admission is always free during opening hours. You can visit Wednesday through Friday, noon to 8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. The museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

See visitor information

Always free

American Academy of Arts and Letters

Arts and Letters · Manhattan

In Articles of Distinction, you can see works from the Arts and Letters collection selected by its members, alongside texts they wrote to accompany their choices. Admission to public exhibitions and events is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

Admission to public events and exhibitions is always free. The Academy closes annually on New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and December 25. Groups are welcome in the galleries during open hours; groups of 10 or more should schedule their visit in advance using the Academy's form.

Official admission page

Always free

American Folk Art Museum

Folk and self-taught art · Manhattan

You can explore folk and self-taught art at a museum whose collection spans four centuries and nearly every continent, including portraits, quilts, and works by living artists. Admission is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

You don't need to set aside money for admission to the American Folk Art Museum. Entry is always free, so there's no museum admission fee.

Official admission page

Always free

Americas Society (Art at Americas Society, AS/COA)

Art of the Americas · Manhattan

You can see art from Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada at Americas Society, whose exhibition space is the longest-standing in the United States dedicated to exhibiting and promoting art from those regions. Admission is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

Admission to Art at Americas Society is always free. You don't pay an admission fee to visit, so you can leave that cost out of your plans.

Official admission page

Always free

Aperture

Photography presentations · Manhattan

You can see a changing selection of intimate photography presentations at Aperture's gallery, which also offers a changing calendar of programs alongside its exhibitions. Admission to the gallery is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

Aperture is open to the public, and admission is always free. You don't pay an entry fee when you visit, so there's no admission cost to budget for.

Official admission page

Always free

BRIC

Contemporary art · Brooklyn

You can see contemporary art at BRIC House, whose exhibition space shares the venue with a public media center, two performance spaces, a glass-walled TV studio, and artist workspaces. Admission is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

All BRIC exhibitions are always free and open to the public. That applies to every exhibition, so you don't pay an admission fee to see them.

Official admission page

Always free

Bronx Documentary Center

Photography, film, and documentary arts · Bronx

You can explore photography, film, and documentary arts that examine social issues at the Bronx Documentary Center, a space dedicated to all three forms of work. Admission is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

Admission is always free. The galleries follow a rotating exhibition schedule and open only during scheduled exhibitions, so check the current exhibitions before planning your visit.

Official admission page

Always free

Center for Architecture

Architecture and design · Greenwich Village, Manhattan

You can explore architecture and design in the Center for Architecture’s onsite galleries, which span three floors at its Greenwich Village location in Manhattan. Admission to the galleries is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

Gallery admission is always free and open to the public. Hours may change for holidays and special events. Lectures and events often have a separate admission charge.

Official admission page

Always free

Center for Brooklyn History (Brooklyn Public Library), formerly Brooklyn Historical Society

Brooklyn History · Brooklyn

Books, photographs, oral histories, and maps give you ways to explore Brooklyn’s past at the Center for Brooklyn History, formerly Brooklyn Historical Society. Admission is always free, and the collections are available to all researchers.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

The Center for Brooklyn History is always free and open to everyone, offering historical collections, programs, educational resources, and exhibitions about Brooklyn. All Brooklyn Public Library locations will be closed on Monday, October 12.

Official admission page

Always free

Center for Jewish History

Jewish history · Manhattan

You can explore Jewish history through rare documents, personal narratives, and accounts of moments that changed the course of history at the Center for Jewish History. Admission is always free, and every visitor is welcome.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

Admission is always free for students, families, researchers, and other visitors. Advance registration is encouraged; present mobile or printed tickets for entry. Last entry to exhibitions, the Reading Room, and the Genealogy Institute is one hour before closing. The last call to request collection items in the Reading Room and Genealogy Institute is 3 pm. Check holiday closures before visiting.

Official admission page

Always free

Derfner Judaica Museum + The Art Collection at Hebrew Home at Riverdale

Art and Jewish ceremonial objects · Bronx

You can see modern art and Jewish ceremonial objects in permanent and rotating exhibitions at the Derfner, along with a sculpture garden overlooking the Hudson River. Admission is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

Admission is always free. You must show photo ID to enter the Hebrew Home campus at any time, including when you’re visiting the Derfner Judaica Museum.

Official admission page

Always free

Dia Chelsea (Dia Art Foundation)

Contemporary arts · Manhattan

You can see temporary contemporary art exhibitions at Dia Chelsea on West 22nd Street, where the program also includes performances, lectures, and readings. Admission to Dia Chelsea is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

Admission is always free, though Dia may limit entry to avoid crowding. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Some galleries may be closed or have limited access because of the work. All adult and student groups need advance reservations. Use the group visits page to schedule a group visit or guided tour.

Official admission page

Always free

Dr. Bernard Heller Museum (Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, New York)

Jewish identity, history, culture · Manhattan

You can see contemporary artists of all faiths explore culture, history, and social issues at the Heller Museum, where exhibitions and programs also examine Jewish values, texts, beliefs, and heritage. Admission is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

Admission to the Dr. Bernard Heller Museum at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion is always free. You must bring a current government-issued photo ID for security.

Official admission page

Always free

FDNY Fire Zone

Fire safety · Manhattan

You can climb on a realistic fire truck, try on bunker gear, meet a firefighter, and learn how to crawl through a smoke-filled hallway at the FDNY Fire Zone. General admission is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

General admission to the FDNY Fire Zone is always free. The Fire-Safety Presentation has a separate charge: $8 for adults and $7 for children who attend.

Official admission page

Always free

Fordham Museum of Greek, Etruscan and Roman Art

Classical art and archaeology · Bronx

You can explore more than 260 ancient Mediterranean objects, dating from the fourth millennium B.C. through the third century A.D., in a 4,000-square-foot museum on the Walsh Family Library's main floor. Admission is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

Admission is always free and open to everyone. You need a valid photo ID to enter. Summer and intersession hours may vary, so contact the Library to confirm operating hours before your visit.

Official admission page

Always free

Godwin-Ternbach Museum

Art and artifacts · Queens

You can explore a collection of nearly 7,000 artworks and artifacts spanning ancient to modern times and cultures across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, and North America. Admission is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

All exhibitions and programs are free. Friday visits are by appointment. Saturday hours are 11 am to 4 pm on select dates only: October 17, October 31, November 14, and November 28. The museum is closed Monday, October 12.

Official admission page

Always free

Harbor Defense Museum at Fort Hamilton

Fort Hamilton History · Brooklyn

You can explore Fort Hamilton history in its caponier, a freestanding bastion within the fort's dry moat, with both structures listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Admission is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

Admission is always free. The museum is closed on weekends and federal holidays and may close on short notice, so call before planning your visit. Call to schedule school group visits, guided tours, or parties of 10 or more. All visitors 18 and older must bring state or federally issued photo ID and enter through the 101st Street gate to access the post.

Official admission page

Always free

Hill Art Foundation

Art exhibitions · Manhattan

You can see a 2013 Christopher Wool sculpture, a Robert Gober drain, and Valentin Bousch's 1533 stained-glass window alongside a rotating program of three or four exhibitions a year at Hill Art Foundation. Admission is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

Admission to Hill Art Foundation is always free, and you don't need a ticket to visit. There's no admission fee to pay or entry ticket to arrange.

Free admission, no ticket required

Always free

Hispanic Society Museum & Library

Art and culture · Manhattan

You can explore art and culture from Spain, Portugal, and Latin America at the Hispanic Society Museum & Library, whose collections extend into the 20th century. Admission is described as always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

The museum lists free admission alongside rates of $15 for adults, $10 for New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut residents, and $5 for students and seniors 65 and older.

Reserve your required free ticket

Always free

Institute for the Study of the Ancient World (ISAW), New York University

Ancient civilizations · Manhattan

You can explore ancient civilizations through exhibitions and public lectures at NYU's Institute for the Study of the Ancient World, whose programs connect the study of different disciplines and ancient peoples. Admission is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

You can visit ISAW’s exhibitions for free; they’re open to the public. A free guided tour is also offered every Friday evening at 6 pm.

No reservation required

Always free

King Manor Museum

Early American life · Queens

You can explore early American life in Rufus King’s restored home in Queens, where the museum introduces a Founding Father who spent his career fighting slavery. Admission is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

Admission is always free for everyone. If you’re visiting with a group of 10 or more, call 718-206-0545 to ensure availability. King Manor closes on all major holidays; check its calendar for specific closures.

Reservations strongly encouraged, not required

Always free

Lewis Latimer House Museum

Lewis Howard Latimer · Queens

You can learn about Lewis Howard Latimer’s life as an African American inventor, electrical pioneer, and artist at this Queens museum dedicated to his story. Admission is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

Self-guided visits are always free. Reserve tickets for the 45-minute guided tour of “Light Up The World: The Legacy of Lewis H. Latimer,” led by a museum educator. Group visits have a maximum capacity of 20 visitors. For questions or groups larger than 20, contact education@lewislatimerhouse.org.

Official admission page

Always free

Maritime Industry Museum at Fort Schuyler

Maritime industry · Bronx

You can explore the maritime industry through interactive and multimedia displays, maritime art, and historic artifacts at the Maritime Industry Museum at Fort Schuyler in the Bronx. Admission is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

Admission is always free for all ages, and donations are welcome. Parking is free for all guests. To reach the museum, enter through the fort's sally port, cross St. Mary's Pentagon, and enter the center bastion.

Official admission page

Always free

Nicholas Roerich Museum

Roerich's paintings · Manhattan

You can see more than 200 paintings by Nicholas Roerich across three floors of an Upper West Side townhouse. Admission to the Nicholas Roerich Museum is always free, and donations are welcome.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

Admission is free, and donations are welcome to help sustain the museum. Last entry is half an hour before closing. Groups of eight or more should register at least one week in advance. If you need the elevator, request it at least one day ahead. The museum is also closed on New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

No tickets or reservations needed

Always free

Print Center New York

Printmaking art form · Manhattan

You can explore printmaking through exhibitions, public programs and education at Print Center New York, which welcomes people already engaged with prints as well as those new to the art form. Admission is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

You don't pay an admission fee to visit Print Center New York. Admission is always free, so there's no charge for entry to include in your budget.

Official admission page

Always free

SculptureCenter

Contemporary sculpture · Queens

You can see contemporary sculpture through exhibitions and newly commissioned work at this Queens institution, founded by artists in 1928 to connect artists and audiences. Admission to SculptureCenter is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

You can visit SculptureCenter free of charge. Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, backpacks, suitcases, and large bags aren't permitted in the galleries, so plan what you bring accordingly.

Official admission page

Always free

SVA Gramercy Gallery (School of Visual Arts)

Student artwork · Manhattan

You can see student artwork and historically significant SVA exhibitions in the college's longest-running exhibition space, formerly its Visual Arts Museum. Admission to the Gramercy Gallery at 209 East 23rd Street is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

SVA Gramercy Gallery at the School of Visual Arts is open to the public, and admission is always free. You don't pay an entry fee to visit the gallery.

Official admission page

Always free

The Africa Center

Contemporary Africa · Manhattan

You’ll encounter contemporary Africa through the Center’s planned exhibitions, performances, and presentations of visual and digital art, alongside its policy and business programming. General admission is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

General admission to The Africa Center is always free. Ticketed exhibitions, programs, and events are exceptions, so free admission doesn’t include everything the Center offers.

Official admission page

Always free

The Bronx Museum

Contemporary art · Bronx

You can explore contemporary art through the permanent collection and special exhibitions, with a focus on urban life and the diverse communities that shape the Bronx. Admission is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

Admission, exhibitions, and events are always free for everyone. During renovations, use the north entrance halfway up the Grand Concourse block toward E 166th Street. For groups of 10 or more, visit the Group Tours page and complete the required forms. There’s currently no coat or bag check, and umbrellas and large items, including luggage, aren’t allowed in the galleries.

Official admission page

Always free

The Grolier Club

Books and Prints · Manhattan

You can see books and prints treated as works of art at the Grolier Club, whose past exhibitions have covered subjects from Japanese prints to murder mysteries. Admission is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

The Ground Floor and Second Floor Gallery exhibitions are always free and open to the public. You must sign in at the front desk when you enter. Check the calendar for holiday closures and gallery closures for private events. Public tours of the whole building or Library aren't offered. Luggage and wheeled bags aren't permitted.

Official admission page

Always free

The Skyscraper Museum

Tall buildings · Manhattan

You can explore tall buildings through exhibitions and programs covering their design, technology, construction, real estate investment, and use as places where people work and live. Admission to the museum is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

Admission is always free. The museum is at 39 Battery Place in Battery Park City and opens Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 6 PM. Book a free timed ticket to help manage capacity; walk-ins are also welcome. Last entry is at 5:30 PM.

Book timed tickets unless you're a member

Always free

Tibet House US

Tibetan culture · Manhattan

You can explore Tibetan culture through a gallery and Tibetan Buddhist shrine at a center that also houses photographic archives and a lending library of more than 1,000 volumes. Admission is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

Admission is always free, with a suggested donation of $5 per person. Goodwill offerings can be made outside the gallery. Guided gallery tours and access to the permanent collection are available by appointment. Groups of all ages are welcome.

Official admission page

Always free

United Nations Headquarters (UN Visitor Centre / UN Exhibits)

United Nations · Manhattan

You can explore the United Nations' impact on people's lives around the world in its 80th Anniversary exhibition at the UN Visitor Centre in Manhattan. Admission to the exhibition is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

The exhibits at United Nations Headquarters are always free and open to the public. You don't pay an admission fee to visit these exhibits at the UN.

Register on UN security website beforehand

Always free

Weeksville Heritage Center

Black history · Brooklyn

You can explore Black history through art, artifacts, and culture at Weeksville Heritage Center, with a focus on how the past shapes current and future generations. Admission to the center is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

Admission is always free, and the center is open to the public. You can walk around the site and sit on the grounds. See the Tours page for tour costs; tours must be booked 24 hours ahead. Photography, food, and drinks aren't allowed inside the historic houses, and you should wipe your feet before entering. The houses aren't wheelchair accessible.

Official admission page

Always free

Wyckoff House Museum

History, immigration, inquiry, and agriculture · Brooklyn

You can explore the history of the Wyckoff House, then spend time in the surrounding acre and a half of parkland, which includes a garden and covered patio. Admission is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

Tours are always free, and donations are welcome at the end. Groups of eight or more need a group reservation. Check the museum’s Calendar of Events for current event information and museum closures.

Check Saturday drop-in tour availability

Always free

Austrian Cultural Forum New York

Austrian contemporary art · Manhattan

You can see Austrian contemporary art at the Forum, whose tower narrows as it rises through alternating stepped and sloping levels shaped by zoning laws. Admission is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

All exhibitions, concerts, and other events are free. Large bags and backpacks aren't admitted, and there's no checkroom. Events may require tickets or reservations because auditorium seating is limited; exhibitions are exempt. Library admission isn't guaranteed without an appointment made in advance.

Official admission page

Always free

Cultural Museum of African Art – The Eric Edwards Collection

African art and culture · Brooklyn

You can explore African art and cultural heritage through Eric Edwards's collection of more than 3,000 artifacts, gathered over more than 50 years and representing all 54 African countries. Admission is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

Admission is always free for all guests. The museum recommends contacting it or scheduling your visit before you arrive, particularly for tours, school visits, family visits, or organized group visits.

Official admission page

Always free

Salvator Mundi Museum of Art

Salvator Mundi story · Brooklyn

You can explore the Salvator Mundi story through one of the largest private collections of related art and ephemera, with regular exhibitions examining subjects connected to that story. Admission is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

Official admission page

Always free

The Library of the Jewish Theological Seminary

Jewish history · Manhattan

You can explore Jewish history at a library whose vast Judaica collection includes Hebrew manuscripts and other treasures of Jewish culture. Admission to the Library of the Jewish Theological Seminary is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

The library is open to the public, and admission is always free. If you don’t have a JTS ID, you must present a photo ID when entering JTS. The library closes on Jewish and legal holidays.

Visit exhibitions without an appointment

Always free

The Waterfront Museum

Maritime and railroad artifacts · Brooklyn

You can see the captain's original living quarters, waterfront workers' tools, and maritime gongs and bells, hear docents explain the barge's rescue from the mud, and watch a gravity-powered ball machine whirl, jump, and play music. Admission is always free.

  • Everyone Free general admission on open days

Admission is always free, with free barge tours two days a week. Check the calendar for details and exceptions. The museum is at 290 Conover Street; you reach Pier 44 on foot through a private parking lot.

Official admission page

Museums with free days and hours

For these weekly or monthly free admission windows, check the day, hours, whether you need New York State residency and whether you must reserve.

Free Fridays 5 pm–10 pm

Whitney Museum of American Art

American art · Meatpacking District, Manhattan

You can explore American art at the Whitney in Manhattan's Meatpacking District. Admission is free Fridays from 5 to 10 pm, on the second Sunday of each month, and for visitors 25 and under; reserve ahead because capacity is limited.

  • Everyone Free Fridays 5 pm–10 pm
  • Everyone Free on the second Sunday of each month
  • Ages 25 and under free general admission

Admission is free Fridays from 5 to 10 pm and on the second Sunday of each month. Visitors 25 and under also get free admission. Reserve ahead because capacity is limited.

Ticket required

Free Fridays 5:30 pm–8:30 pm

The Museum of Modern Art

Modern art · Midtown, Manhattan

You can explore modern art at MoMA in Midtown. Fridays from 5:30 to 8:30 pm are free with proof of New York State residency, and children 16 and under receive free admission; accompanying adults need their own admission.

  • NY State residents Free Fridays 5:30 pm–8:30 pm
  • Ages 16 and under free general admission

Friday admission is free from 5:30 to 8:30 pm for New York State residents; bring proof of residency. Children 16 and under receive free admission, but accompanying adults need their own admission.

Advance reservation required

Free Saturdays

The Jewish Museum

Art & Jewish culture · Upper East Side, Manhattan

You can explore art and Jewish culture at this Upper East Side museum. Admission is free Saturdays from 11 am to 6 pm and on select announced holidays; children 18 and under are free every open day, while adults otherwise pay $24 in 2026.

  • Everyone Free Saturdays during opening hours
  • Everyone Free on select holidays: Sun Sep 27 and Sun Oct 4, 2026
  • Ages 18 and under free general admission

Admission is free Saturdays, 11 am to 6 pm, and on select holidays announced by the museum, including Sunday, September 27, and Sunday, October 4, 2026. Children 18 and under are free every open day. The museum is closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thanksgiving. Adults otherwise pay $24 in 2026.

Some admission details on the museum's site have changed since we checked. Confirm with the museum before going.

Timed tickets online or in lobby

Free Mondays 5:30 pm–7 pm

9/11 Memorial Museum

History & remembrance · Financial District, Manhattan

The museum tells the story of September 11 through artifacts and personal accounts. Its admission is separate from the outdoor memorial, which you can visit free without a museum ticket.

  • Everyone Free Mondays 5:30 pm–7 pm

Admission is free Mondays from 5:30 to 7 pm. Tickets are released online at 7 am Eastern that morning, first come, first served. The free window doesn't guarantee you a ticket. The outdoor memorial is free independently of museum admission.

Reserve Mondays at 7 am ET

Free Fridays 5 pm–8 pm

The Morgan Library & Museum

Books & art · Murray Hill, Manhattan

You can make books and art the focus of your visit to the Morgan Library & Museum in Murray Hill. Admission is free Fridays from 5 to 8 pm; reserve through the museum when free Friday tickets are released one week ahead.

  • Everyone Free Fridays 5 pm–8 pm

Admission is free on Fridays from 5 to 8 pm. Free Friday tickets are released one week ahead, and you reserve them directly through the museum.

Advance reservation required

Free Thursdays 2 pm–6 pm

Museum of the Moving Image

Film & television · Astoria, Queens

You can explore film and television in the galleries at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria. Gallery admission is free Thursdays from 2 to 6 pm, but screenings require separate tickets.

  • Everyone Free Thursdays 2 pm–6 pm

You can visit the galleries for free on Thursdays from 2 to 6 pm. Screenings aren't included in those free gallery hours and require separate tickets.

No reservation needed

Free Wednesdays

Museum of the City of New York

New York stories · East Harlem, Manhattan

You can explore New York stories at the Museum of the City of New York in East Harlem. Wednesdays are free from 10 am to 9 pm, except for groups of 10 or more; NYC residents can pay what they can on other days, and visitors 18 and under are free with ID.

  • Everyone Free Wednesdays during opening hours
  • Ages 18 and under free general admission
  • NYC residents Pay what you wish on open days

You can visit free on Wednesdays from 10 am to 9 pm, except in groups of 10 or more. NYC residents can pay what they can on other days. Ages 18 and under are free with ID.

Collect free tickets at the counter

Free first Fridays 5:30 pm–9 pm

The Frick Collection

Old Masters in a Gilded Age mansion · Upper East Side, Manhattan

You’ll see Old Master art inside a Gilded Age mansion on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Admission is pay what you wish Wednesdays from 1:30 to 5:30 pm and free on First Fridays from 5:30 to 9 pm.

  • Everyone Pay what you wish Wednesdays 1:30 pm–5:30 pm
  • Everyone Free First Fridays 5:30 pm–9 pm, except January and September
  • Ages 10 to 18 free general admission

Everyone can pay what they wish Wednesdays, 1:30-5:30 pm: reserve online for a $5 minimum per ticket, or pay any amount onsite, subject to availability. Admission is free the first Friday each month, 5:30-9 pm, except January and September; free timed tickets are encouraged, and walk-ups are welcome. Children under 10 aren't admitted; ages 10-18 are free. Otherwise, adults pay $30 in 2026, including all current special exhibitions. The museum closes Tuesdays, November 26 and December 25, 2026, and January 1, 2027. Art is displayed in Henry Clay Frick's historic Gilded Age mansion rooms following the 2021-2025 renovation.

Reserve a timed ticket

Free first Fridays

The Noguchi Museum

Isamu Noguchi's sculpture and garden · Long Island City, Queens

You can see Isamu Noguchi’s sculpture and visit the garden at the Noguchi Museum in Long Island City, Queens. Admission is free on the first Friday of each month.

  • Everyone Free on the first Friday of each month
  • Children under 12 free general admission

First Fridays are free all day without reservations, with hours extended to 8 pm May through September. General admission is otherwise $16 in 2026, half price September 16 to November 1, 2026, while the second-floor galleries are closed for installation. Children under 12 are free. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Free public tours run daily at 2 pm. You’ll visit Noguchi’s own 1920s industrial building, pavilion and sculpture garden in Long Island City.

No advance reservations

Free Thursdays 2 pm–5 pm

Brooklyn Children's Museum

World cultures and natural science · Brooklyn

You can take children ages 6 months to 10 years through three floors of interactive exhibits and hands-on programs about world cultures and natural science. Admission is free on Thursdays from 2 pm to 5 pm.

  • Everyone Free Thursdays 2 pm–5 pm

Admission is free every Thursday from 2 pm to 5 pm, courtesy of Amazon. Last entry is at 4:50 pm, and group visits are restricted during these hours.

Reserve free Thursday tickets online

Free Fridays 5 pm–7 pm

Japan Society

Japanese art · Manhattan

You can explore Japanese art at a gallery whose exhibitions have ranged from classical Buddhist sculpture and calligraphy to contemporary photography and ceramics. Admission is free on designated Fridays from 5 to 7 pm.

  • Everyone Free Fridays 5 pm–7 pm

Free First Fridays admission runs from 5 to 7 pm on October 9, 2026; November 6, 2026; December 4, 2026; and January 8, 2027. Admission is always free for members, patrons with disabilities, and an accompanying Personal Care Assistant. Japan Society closes on major holidays.

Official admission page

Free Wednesdays, NYC residents

New York Botanical Garden

Gardens & Collections · Bronx

You can explore the outdoor gardens and collections with a Grounds Access Pass, which also includes the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden. NYC residents get free grounds admission all day on Wednesdays.

  • NYC residents Free Wednesdays during opening hours
  • Everyone Free Wednesdays 10 am–11 am
  • Bronx residents Free on open days

NYC residents get free grounds admission all day Wednesday; other visitors enter free between 10 and 11 a.m. Bronx residents get free access to the 250-acre grounds. Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday, Grounds Access Passes are sold only to NYC residents, onsite with proof of residency. Passes exclude the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, special exhibitions and Tram Tour. Children under 2 and members enter free.

Get a ticket online or onsite

Free Fridays 2 pm–5 pm, Local community

New York Hall of Science

Interactive science · Queens

You can get hands-on with the systems that keep cities running in CityWorks, an interactive exhibit about the often invisible workings of the built urban environment. Admission is free on Fridays from 2 to 5 pm.

  • Local community Free Fridays 2 pm–5 pm

Friday Community Hours offer free admission for the local community from 2 to 5 pm. Admission excludes the 3D Theater, Rocket Park Mini Golf, and other experiences. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Group trips cannot be scheduled during these hours.

Book same-day tickets starting at 10am

Free Fridays

Poster House

Design of posters · Manhattan

You can explore how posters shape society and culture through temporary exhibitions, a growing permanent collection, and educational events that also examine their contemporary uses. Admission is free every Friday.

  • Everyone Free Fridays during opening hours
  • Everyone Free on the third Sunday of each month

Admission is free every Friday and the third Sunday of each month. One accompanying care partner also receives free admission. Final entry is 30 minutes before closing. Walk-ins aren’t available for groups of 15 or more, and self-guided tour groups aren’t accommodated; see Groups + Tours for details. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

Official admission page

Free Thursdays 6 pm–9 pm

The Ukrainian Museum

Artistic and cultural heritage · Manhattan

You can explore Ukrainian artistic and cultural heritage through a collection of more than 8,000 folk art objects, 3,300 fine art works, and 35,000 archival items, among the largest outside Ukraine. Admission is free from 6 to 9 p.m. on the last Thursday of the month.

  • Everyone Free Thursdays 6 pm–9 pm

Admission is free on the last Thursday of the month from 6 to 9 p.m. Children 12 and under always enter free, as do members with proof of membership. Leave backpacks at the admissions desk.

Official admission page

Free on open days, Bronx residents

Van Cortlandt House Museum

Historic house · Bronx

You can explore a historic house restored and furnished to suggest how it may have looked between 1749 and 1823. Bronx residents get free admission on days the museum is open.

  • Bronx residents Free on open days

General admission for self-guided tours is always free for Bronx residents on open days; this does not apply to guided tours or special events. Children 12 and under enter free. Arrive before 3:30 p.m. to allow time to complete the self-guided tour.

Official admission page

Free Fridays 11 am–8 pm

Bard Graduate Center Gallery

Decorative arts and design · Manhattan

You can look closely at the objects on view in this intimate townhouse gallery, which focuses on decorative arts and design. Friday admission is free from 11 am to 8 pm.

  • Everyone Free Fridays 11 am–8 pm

Admission is free on Fridays from 11 am to 8 pm, with extended hours. Free admission also applies to people with disabilities and their care partners, NYC Culture Pass ticket holders, and anyone for whom buying tickets would cause financial hardship. Visitors with disabilities may pay what they wish.

Buy same-day tickets at the door

Free Thursdays 2 pm–4 pm

Historical Museum at Historic Richmond Town (Staten Island Historical Society)

Histories of Staten Island · Staten Island

You can explore Staten Island’s diverse histories through the material culture preserved at Historic Richmond Town’s historical museum, part of its living history village. Admission is free on Thursdays from 2 pm to 4 pm.

  • Everyone Free Thursdays 2 pm–4 pm

Admission is free on Thursdays from 2 pm to 4 pm, May through December. Tickets are required, and free admission doesn’t apply to group reservations. Decker Farm opens seasonally, and general admission doesn’t include access. Historic Richmond Town is closed on Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Reserve online or at the door

Free Oct 17

Jackie Robinson Museum

Jackie Robinson · Manhattan

You’ll explore Jackie Robinson’s life and legacy through artifacts, historical images and storytelling that brings together different parts of his history. Museum admission is free on October 17 for Community Day.

  • Everyone Free Oct 17 11 am–3 pm

Admission is free on October 17 for Community Day during Open House New York Weekend. The museum opens from 11 am to 6 pm, with special activities until 3 pm. Coat check is complimentary: you may check your coat, and you must check large bags, including backpacks, laptop bags and suitcases.

Buy timed tickets or walk in

Free Oct 22

Society of Illustrators

Art of illustration · Manhattan

You can explore themed illustration exhibitions and curated comic and cartoon art in the MoCCA Gallery, with works from the 3,500-piece permanent collection displayed periodically. Admission is free on October 22.

  • Everyone Free Oct 22 5 pm–9 pm

On October 22, you can explore all three exhibitions free after work. Wheelchair access is limited to the first-floor Main Gallery, the only gallery accessible without stairs.

Book timed tickets or walk in

Free Oct 24, Oct 31

South Street Seaport Museum

History of New York · Manhattan

You can explore New York's history as a port city through art and artifacts, galleries, a working 19th-century print shop, and historic vessels at the South Street Seaport Museum. General admission is free on October 24 and October 31.

  • Everyone Free Oct 24, Oct 31

Book free general admission for Family Day on October 24 or Halloween on October 31. Last entry to all museum spaces during regular hours is 4:30 pm. The KidZone at Taste of the Seaport requires separate tickets; the museum will offer additional activities there for children.

Get tickets online or in person

Free Thursdays & Fridays & Saturdays

The Renee & Chaim Gross Foundation

Sculpture and art collections · Greenwich Village, Manhattan

Tours take you through three floors of Chaim Gross’s historic LaGuardia Place building, including his sculpture studio, gallery and the Foundation’s special exhibition space. Admission is free on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

  • Everyone Free Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays during opening hours

Additional free open hours run Thursdays through Saturdays during the temporary exhibition, October 1 to November 21, 2026. On Saturday, October 17, Open House New York hours are noon to 4 pm.

Official admission page

Free Thursdays

Wave Hill

Public garden · Bronx

You can explore 28 acres of gardens, grounds, and woodlands on a high ridge above the Hudson River estuary, with views of the Palisades. Admission is free on Thursdays.

  • Everyone Free Thursdays during opening hours

Admission is free all day on Thursdays, except for organized groups. Wave Hill will also be open and free to all visitors on Monday, October 12. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. The Conservatory closes daily from noon to 1 PM, and Glyndor Gallery closes daily from noon to 12:30 PM.

Official admission page

Free Sundays 11 am–6 pm

The Studio Museum in Harlem

Art and Black culture · Manhattan

You can explore work by artists of African descent from New York and beyond, alongside art inspired and influenced by Black culture. Admission is free on Sundays from 11 am to 6 pm.

  • Everyone Free Sundays 11 am–6 pm
  • Everyone Pay what you wish on open days

Studio Sundays offers all visitors free admission and family-centered programming every Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm. The museum lists its ticket prices as suggestions. Care partners accompanying visitors with disabilities receive free admission. Accessibility resources include assistive devices, sensory-friendly materials, and other accommodations.

Free admission requires a ticket

Pay what you wish

You choose your payment at the ticket desk, usually a dollar or cent minimum; some offers require New York State residency, and admission isn't free.

Pay what you wish, NY State residents

American Museum of Natural History

Science & natural history · Upper West Side, Manhattan

Make time for the fossil halls, animal dioramas and exhibits about the natural world. General admission includes the permanent halls, while the planetarium show and other ticketed experiences have separate admission rules.

  • NY State residents Pay what you wish on open days

If you're a New York State resident with ID, you can pay what you wish for general admission on any open day. This excludes the Butterfly Vivarium, Invisible Worlds, the Hayden Planetarium Space Show and other ticketed exhibitions. Visitors from outside New York State pay the required admission price.

Choose the resident ticket option

Pay what you wish, NY State residents and NY, NJ & CT students

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Art across the centuries · Upper East Side, Manhattan

You can explore art across the centuries at the Met on the Upper East Side. New York State residents and students from NY, NJ and CT can pay what they wish, with a $0.01 minimum; NJ and CT students must buy in person with student ID, and the museum is closed Wednesdays.

  • NY State residents and NY, NJ & CT students Pay what you wish on open days
  • Ages 12 and under free general admission

If you're a New York State resident or a student from New York, New Jersey or Connecticut, you can pay what you wish, with a $0.01 minimum. New Jersey and Connecticut students must buy in person with student ID. The museum is closed Wednesdays.

Buy online or in person

Pay what you wish

Brooklyn Museum

Art & culture · Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

Visit the galleries at this Eastern Parkway museum, then leave time to explore Prospect Heights. Pay-what-you-can general admission is an option at the admissions desk; ticketed exhibitions have separate charges.

  • Everyone Pay what you wish on open days
  • Ages 19 and under free general admission

General admission is a suggested contribution; you can pay what you can at the admissions desk. Purchase this admission in person; ticketed exhibitions are excluded. First Saturdays have a separate event schedule and registration. Check the museum's calendar for announced dates, since not every month is included. General admission is free for ages 19 and under; ticketed exhibitions have their own age-based prices.

Purchase admission in person NYC Cultural Affairs list ↗

Pay what you wish Sundays & Tuesdays 4 pm–5:30 pm

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

Modern art in the Wright rotunda · Upper East Side, Manhattan

You can see modern art inside the Guggenheim’s Wright rotunda on the Upper East Side. Admission is pay what you wish Tuesdays and Sundays from 4 to 5:30 pm, with a $1 minimum and suggested $10; advance reservations are strongly recommended, and children under 12 are always free.

  • Everyone Pay what you wish Sundays & Tuesdays 4 pm–5:30 pm
  • Children under 12 free general admission

You can pay what you wish Tuesdays and Sundays from 4 to 5:30 pm, the day's last 90 minutes, with $10 suggested and a $1 minimum. Advance reservations are strongly recommended; limited tickets are sold on site. Children under 12 are always free. Open daily from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm; closed November 10, 2026. On December 28 and 30, 2026, pay what you wish runs from 5 to 6:30 pm instead.

Reserve ahead; limited walk-up tickets

Pay what you wish Thursdays 7 pm–9 pm

New Museum

Contemporary art · Bowery, Manhattan

You can see contemporary art at the New Museum on the Bowery in Manhattan. For Thursday evening visits, admission is pay what you wish from 7 to 9 pm.

  • Everyone Pay what you wish Thursdays 7 pm–9 pm
  • Ages 18 and under free general admission

You can pay what you wish Thursdays, 7 to 9 pm, with required online reservations; limited additional onsite tickets aren’t guaranteed. Ages 18 and under are always free. Regular adult admission is $28 in 2026; tickets are non-refundable. Closed Mondays; open until 9 pm Thursdays. Manhattan’s only museum devoted to contemporary art expanded into an OMA-designed building in March 2026, doubling its gallery space.

Reserve tickets online

Pay what you wish, NY State residents and NY, NJ & CT students

The Met Cloisters

Medieval art and gardens · Fort Tryon Park, Manhattan

You can see medieval art and visit the gardens at the Met Cloisters in Manhattan’s Fort Tryon Park. Eligible visitors can pay what they wish for admission to the museum.

  • NY State residents and NY, NJ & CT students Pay what you wish on open days
  • Ages 12 and under free general admission

New York State residents and NY/NJ/CT students can pay what they wish ($0.01 minimum per ticket). Online requires NY State billing; NJ/CT students must buy onsite with student ID. Residency proof includes NY State license/ID, IDNYC, NY-address bills, student IDs or NY library cards. Children 12 and under enter free. Adults otherwise pay $30 (2026), including same-day Met Fifth Avenue entry. Closed Wednesdays, Thanksgiving, December 25 and January 1. Free daily tours run at 11 am and 1 pm.

Advance tickets not required

Pay what you wish

Alice Austen House

Historic photographs and contemporary photography · Staten Island

You can see changing exhibitions of Alice Austen’s historic photographs and contemporary photography in the Victorian Gothic cottage where she lived, on Staten Island’s waterfront near the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. Admission is pay what you wish.

  • Everyone Pay what you wish on open days

Admission is pay what you wish, with $5 suggested. Free admission applies to Alice Austen House members, Museums Council of NYC affiliates, Historic House Trust members, Historic Richmond Town members, AAM members, and people affiliated with Culture Pass or Cool Culture. Anyone receiving SNAP benefits gets free admission for up to four people.

Official admission page

Pay what you wish every day 5 pm–6 pm

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

Historical and contemporary design · Manhattan

You can explore historical and contemporary design across different disciplines in the galleries of the landmark Carnegie Mansion. Admission is pay what you wish every day from 5 to 6 p.m.

  • Everyone Pay what you wish every day 5 pm–6 pm

Admission is pay what you wish daily from 5 to 6 p.m. Admission prices are reduced during an exhibition changeover, and the second- and third-floor galleries are temporarily closed.

Buy online or at the door

Pay what you wish

Edgar Allan Poe Cottage

Edgar Allan Poe · Bronx

You can visit Edgar Allan Poe’s final home in the Bronx, a cottage built between about 1810 and 1830 that’s now a historic house museum, recognized as a city and state landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Admission is pay what you wish.

  • Everyone Pay what you wish on open days

Admission is pay what you wish, with suggested donations of $3 for children and seniors and $5 for adults. No one is turned away. Members receive unlimited free admission. NYPL, Queens Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library cardholders can get free admission through Culture Pass NYC.

Book ahead or get walk-up tickets

Pay what you wish

Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art

Queer art · Manhattan

You can explore art by LGBTQIA+ people through exhibitions and public programs at a museum with more than 30,000 artworks in its growing permanent collection. Admission is pay what you wish.

  • Everyone Pay what you wish on open days

You can pay what you wish; the suggested donation is $10. For groups of six or more, or to ask about booking an exhibition tour, email info@leslielohman.org.

Official admission page

Pay what you wish Mondays & Fridays

Museum at Eldridge Street

Jewish immigrant life · Chinatown, Manhattan

You can visit the historic Eldridge Street Synagogue, built in 1887 as a symbol of Jewish immigrant aspirations. Admission to the Museum at Eldridge Street is pay what you wish on Mondays and Fridays.

  • Everyone Pay what you wish Mondays & Fridays

Admission is pay what you wish on Mondays and Fridays. Groups of 10 or more must book in advance and pay admission. Free admission is available with valid ID to IDNYC cardholders and children under 5. Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Official admission page

Pay what you wish, NYC residents

Museum of Chinese in America

Chinese in America · Manhattan

You can explore the history and contributions of Chinese in America through exhibitions at MOCA, which also offers education and community engagement programs connecting generations. Admission is pay what you wish for NYC residents.

  • NYC residents Pay what you wish on open days

Residents of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island can pay what they wish. You must purchase this admission in person and verify residency with a New York State driver's license or a current bill or statement showing a New York State address.

Official admission page

Pay what you wish

Old Stone House & Washington Park

Local and national history · Brooklyn

You can explore Lenape history, Dutch colonization, the Battle of Brooklyn, and the occupation from 1643 to 1783 in the permanent exhibit, alongside original exhibitions connecting Brooklyn's past and present in the second-floor Great Room. The museum is open year-round, and admission is pay what you wish.

  • Everyone Pay what you wish on open days

Admission is pay what you wish, with a suggested donation of $3 per person. You can pay in advance, which is preferred, or at the door.

Visit confirmed by email

Pay what you wish

Queens Museum

Visual arts · Queens

You can explore art, architecture and design through exhibitions at the Queens Museum, which also offers public programs and educational experiences that support artists and encourage engagement with art. Admission is pay what you wish.

  • Everyone Pay what you wish on open days

Admission is pay what you wish. Listed amounts are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $6 for students; students must show a valid membership or ID card.

Official admission page

Pay what you wish

Staten Island Museum

Art, natural science, and history · Staten Island

You can explore art, natural science, and history through exhibitions that connect these subjects, alongside public programs and educational activities for all ages. Admission to the Staten Island Museum is pay what you wish.

  • Everyone Pay what you wish on open days

Admission is pay what you wish, with suggested amounts of $8 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and $2 for children ages 2 to 12. Active-duty and retired veterans receive free admission year-round with ID.

Tickets at the Visitor Experience Desk

Pay what you wish

The National Jazz Museum in Harlem

Jazz history · Manhattan

You can hear live jazz through The National Jazz Museum in Harlem's program of 150 public concerts each year. Museum admission is pay what you wish, so you choose how much to contribute.

  • Everyone Pay what you wish on open days

Admission is pay what you wish, with a suggested donation of $10. You can choose how much to contribute; the suggested amount is not a required admission price.

Official admission page

Pay what you wish

The Noble Maritime Collection

Maritime history · Staten Island

You can explore maritime history through the exhibitions at this Staten Island museum, where all public areas, including pathways, exhibitions and restrooms, are accessible to all. Admission is pay what you wish.

  • Everyone Pay what you wish on open days

Admission is pay what you wish, and donations are optional. Members, children under 10 and care partners enter free. Through Museums for All, visitors receiving SNAP benefits won't be asked to donate. The museum closes on New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Official admission page

Pay what you wish

Voelker Orth Museum

Cultural and horticultural heritage · Queens

You can visit rooms with period furnishings in a house whose collection traces three generations of an immigrant family’s middle-class life in Flushing, from the 1890s through the 1930s. Admission is pay what you wish.

  • Everyone Pay what you wish on open days

Admission is pay what you wish, with a suggested $5 donation. Guided tours on open days accommodate up to 15 people; group visits have a $40 minimum fee. Tours don’t run on Easter Sunday, Memorial Day Weekend, July 4, Labor Day Weekend, Christmas, or New Year. There are also no house tours from Sunday, December 27, 2026, through Sunday, January 3, 2027.

Drop-in tours or appointments

Pay what you wish

World Trade Center Educational Tribute

September 11 · Staten Island

You can visit a memorial space honoring the lives, stories, and heroism of September 11 at the World Trade Center Educational Tribute on Staten Island. Admission is pay what you wish.

  • Everyone Pay what you wish on open days

You choose how much to pay for admission to the World Trade Center Educational Tribute. Entry is pay what you wish, so the admission amount is up to you.

Official admission page

Pay what you wish first Wednesdays 5 pm–8 pm

Museum of Arts and Design

Craft, art, and design · Manhattan

You can see contemporary and historic work in craft, art and design, with exhibitions exploring the creative process of turning materials into finished works. Admission is pay what you wish on the first Wednesday of each month from 5 pm to 8 pm.

  • Everyone Pay what you wish on the first Wednesday of each month 5 pm–8 pm

Admission is pay what you wish on the first Wednesday of every month from 5 to 8 pm. These tickets are sold only in person. Luggage and large backpacks aren't permitted in the galleries. Free self-service storage lockers are available.

Official admission page

Pay what you wish

Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space (MoRUS)

Urban activism · Manhattan

You can explore New York's urban activism through photographs, videos, artifacts, and documents that draw attention to parts of the city's history that often go untold. Admission is pay what you wish.

  • Everyone Pay what you wish on open days

Official admission page

Pay what you wish

Museum of Bronx History

Bronx history · Bronx

Explore three galleries of changing exhibitions, then see the original fieldstone walls and oak and pine floorboards made by African craftsmen enslaved by the house’s original owner, Isaac Valentine; you can also browse the museum gift store. Admission is pay what you wish.

  • Everyone Pay what you wish on open days

You can pay what you wish; suggested donations are $3 for children and seniors and $5 for adults. No one is turned away. Members get unlimited free admission. Culture Pass NYC offers free admission to New York Public Library, Queens Public Library, and Brooklyn Public Library cardholders.

Book ahead or get walk-up tickets

Museum admission passes

Your library card or eligible Bank of America card can get you free museum admission through Culture Pass or Museums on Us.

Culture Pass

With a Brooklyn Public Library, New York Public Library or Queens Public Library card, you can reserve free passes to participating cultural institutions at culturepass.nyc. Availability and the number of people each pass covers vary by institution.

culturepass.nyc ↗

Bank of America Museums on Us

Through Museums on Us, eligible Bank of America cardholders get free general admission at participating museums on the first full weekend of each month by showing their card and photo ID. Check the participating museum list before you go, since it changes.

Participating museums ↗

Free museum FAQs

Admission rules were checked against each museum's own website on . Free tickets can still sell out, and you should confirm holiday hours with the museum.

Is the American Museum of Natural History free?

Your admission options at the American Museum of Natural History depend on these eligibility rules and ticket exclusions:

  • NY State residents: Pay what you wish on open days (a contribution is required).

Open daily. Choose the resident ticket option.

Is MoMA free?

You can visit MoMA for free if you qualify under these admission rules:

  • NY State residents: Free Fridays 5:30 pm–8:30 pm.
  • Ages 16 and under: Free general admission.

Open daily. Advance reservation required.

Which NYC museums are always free?

These museums offer everyone free general admission whenever they’re open; closed days are listed below, and special exhibitions, film screenings, and events are ticketed separately.

Which museums are free on Friday nights?

You can visit these museums during a free or pay-what-you-wish Friday window, with hours, eligibility, and ticket requirements listed below:

  • The Whitney: free 5pm–10pm for everyone, ticket or reservation required.
  • MoMA: free 5:30pm–8:30pm for NY State residents, ticket or reservation required.
  • The Morgan: free 5pm–8pm for everyone, ticket or reservation required.
  • The Frick: free on the first Friday of the month (not January and September) 5:30pm–9pm for everyone, ticket or reservation required.
  • Noguchi Museum: free on the first Friday of the month 11am–6pm for everyone, no reservation needed.

Which NYC museums are open late?

These museums stay open into the evening on the days listed below, though late hours don't necessarily mean free admission:

Which free museums are open on Mondays?

Many New York museums close on Monday or Tuesday, but these are open Mondays, with their Monday admission terms listed below:

Closed on Mondays: The Museum at FIT, The Morgan, Museum of the Moving Image, Noguchi Museum, Brooklyn Museum and New Museum.

Is the Met free for NYC residents?

The Met offers NYC residents pay-what-you-wish admission rather than free entry, with eligibility, children's admission, and late-hour rules below:

  • NY State residents and NY, NJ & CT students: Pay what you wish on open days (a contribution is required).
  • Ages 12 and under: Free general admission.

Closed Wednesday; open late Friday and Saturday until 9pm, but not free then. Buy online or in person.

Is Brooklyn Museum free for NYC residents?

NYC residency doesn't make Brooklyn Museum free, but you have admission options, with separate rules for exhibitions and First Saturdays:

  • Everyone: Pay what you wish on open days (a contribution is required).
  • Ages 19 and under: Free general admission.

Closed Monday and Tuesday. Purchase admission in person.

Is there a museum pass for NYC?

Yes, you have two free options and two paid passes. Culture Pass lets Brooklyn Public Library, New York Public Library and Queens Public Library cardholders 13+ reserve free dated passes to 100+ institutions. Valid IDNYC cardholders get free one-year memberships at 27 institutions once every five years. September 2026 prices: New York CityPASS, $149 per adult plus $2 fee, any five of 10 attractions, valid nine days; Go City’s New York Pass, All-Inclusive from $169 for one day or Explorer from $89 for two attractions, valid 30 days. The Sightseeing Pass suspended operations in June 2025.

Does Bank of America get you into NYC museums free?

Yes, Bank of America's Museums on Us program gives eligible cardholders free general admission at participating museums on the first full weekend of each month. You'll need your card and a photo ID. The participating museum list changes, so check it before you go; you'll find the link in this page's museum passes section.

Which NYC museums are free for children?

These museums offer free admission for children within the age limits listed below, but your child's free entry doesn't cover an accompanying adult:

Is the Guggenheim ever free?

The Guggenheim offers pay-what-you-wish windows and free admission for young children, with timing, reservation guidance, and the age limit below:

  • Everyone: Pay what you wish Sundays & Tuesdays 4 pm–5:30 pm (a contribution is required).
  • Children under 12: Free general admission.

Open daily. Reserve ahead; limited walk-up tickets.

When is the Jewish Museum free?

You can visit the Jewish Museum free on designated days or qualify by age, with admission details and weekly closures below:

  • Everyone: Free Saturdays during opening hours.
  • Everyone: Free on select holidays: Sun Sep 27 and Sun Oct 4, 2026.
  • Ages 18 and under: Free general admission.

Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Timed tickets online or in lobby.

Can I walk into a free museum without a ticket?

You can walk into some free museum windows, while others require tickets or reservations; these lists explain the rules without showing live availability:

Walk in: Museum of the American Indian, The Museum at FIT, Museum of the Moving Image, Museum of the City of NY, Noguchi Museum and Brooklyn Museum. Online or at the door: Jewish Museum, The Met and The Met Cloisters. Free ticket or reservation required: MoMA PS1, The Whitney, MoMA, 9/11 Memorial Museum, The Morgan, The Frick, Guggenheim and New Museum.

Are free museums only for New York residents?

No, most free museum windows welcome everyone; the lists below separate those options from offers restricted to New York State residents or students:

Open to anyone: MoMA PS1, Museum of the American Indian, The Museum at FIT, The Whitney, Jewish Museum, 9/11 Memorial Museum, The Morgan, Museum of the Moving Image, Museum of the City of NY, The Frick and Noguchi Museum. Restricted: MoMA (free: NY State residents), Museum of the City of NY (pay what you wish: NYC residents), Natural History Museum (pay what you wish: NY State residents), The Met (pay what you wish: NY State residents and NY, NJ & CT students) and The Met Cloisters (pay what you wish: NY State residents and NY, NJ & CT students).

Is ARTE Museum New York free?

ARTE Museum New York requires paid tickets and has no free day or pay-what-you-wish option, with admission and opening details below:

  • No free day and no pay-what-you-wish window for the general public.
  • Infants ages 0 to 3: Free general admission.

Open daily; open late every day until 9pm, but not free then. Walk in or buy online.

More to do

You can also browse more free things to do in NYC and what is on this week.