Free Museums in New York City
Last updated: 24 January 2026
New York City is home to some of the most prestigious cultural institutions on the planet, but visiting them doesn't have to break your budget.
Whether you are a local resident, a student, or a visitor exploring the city for the first time, there are dozens of ways to access world-class art, history, and science without paying a dime. Here is your ultimate guide to free museums in NYC.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
New York's crown jewel. While general admission is paid for visitors, it offers generous policies for locals.
- Pay-What-You-Wish for residents of NY, NJ, and CT (with ID).
- Free for children (under 12).
- Free for caregivers accompanying a visitor with a disability.
"From Ancient Egypt to contemporary masterpieces, The Met is a journey through 5,000 years of art."
Free Audio Tour
Best Free Museums in NYC
Some of New York's best gems never charge an admission fee. These "always free" spots are perfect for spontaneous visits or a quick afternoon escape.
Know Before You Go
- Pay What You Wish (PWYW) This means you can pay any amount, even just $1. It is technically a donation.
- Check the schedule Many top museums have specific free days or hours. Mark your calendar!
- Residents & Students If you live in NY/NJ/CT or are a student, you often get extra perks like daily PWYW admission.
Free Museum Days: A Weekday Schedule
Monday
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum5:30–7:00 PM
Honors the victims of the 2001 & 1993 attacks.
Reservations required (open at 7am). Free admission.
- Museum at Eldridge StreetAll Day
Restored 1887 synagogue and Jewish history.
Pay-what-you-wish admission.
Wednesday
- Bronx ZooLimited
World-renowned zoo with diverse wildlife.
Limited free admission; reserve in advance.
Exhibits on NYC's past, present, and future.
Free for everyone.
- The Frick Collection1:30–5:30 PM
European Old Master art in a Gilded Age mansion.
Pay-what-you-wish hours.
Thursday
- Museum of the Moving Image2:00–6:00 PM
History and art of film, TV, and digital media.
Free general admission.
- Brooklyn Children’s Museum2:00–5:00 PM
Interactive exhibits for kids and families.
Free for families.
Friday (Peak Night)
- Whitney Museum5:00–10:00 PM
American contemporary and modern art.
Free Friday nights. Also free for under 25s daily!
- The Morgan Library5:00–8:00 PM
Rare books, manuscripts, and art in a historic library.
Reservations required.
- Poster HouseAll Day
Museum dedicated to the history and design of posters.
Free admission every Friday.
- New York Historical Society5:00–8:00 PM
Oldest museum in NYC, dedicated to American history.
Pay-what-you-wish.
Special Access: Residents & Students
If you live in the tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT) or are a local student, you have even more options for free culture.
The Met
5,000 years of art from around the world.
Pay-what-you-wish for NY State residents & students (NY/NJ/CT).
Explore the universe, dinosaurs, and human cultures.
Pay-what-you-wish for NY/NJ/CT residents daily.
The world's leading museum of modern art.
Free for NYC residents 1st Friday of month (4-8pm).
Reserve free passes to 80+ cultural institutions.
Free passes via NYPL, Brooklyn & Queens Public Libraries.
Quick Reference
| Museum | Borough | Free Window |
|---|---|---|
| American Folk Art Museum | Manhattan | Always Free |
| Bronx Museum of the Arts | Bronx | Always Free |
| MoMA PS1 | Queens | Always Free |
| National Museum of the American Indian | Manhattan | Always Free |
| Museum at FIT | Manhattan | Always Free |
| Queens Museum | Queens | Always Free |
| Socrates Sculpture Park | Queens | Always Free |
| Schomburg Center | Manhattan | Always Free |
| 9/11 Memorial & Museum | Manhattan | Mondays (5:30–7:00 PM) |
| Museum at Eldridge Street | Manhattan | Mondays (Pay-What-You-Wish) |
| Bronx Zoo | Bronx | Wednesdays (Limited) |
| Museum of the City of NY | Manhattan | Wednesdays (All Day) |
| The Frick Collection | Manhattan | Wednesdays (1:30–5:30 PM) |
| Museum of Moving Image | Queens | Thursdays (2:00–6:00 PM) |
| Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Brooklyn | Thursdays (2:00–5:00 PM) |
| Whitney Museum | Manhattan | Fridays (5:00–10:00 PM) |
| The Morgan Library | Manhattan | Fridays (5:00–8:00 PM) |
| Poster House | Manhattan | Fridays (All Day) |
| NY Historical Society | Manhattan | Fridays (5:00–8:00 PM) |
| The Jewish Museum | Manhattan | Saturdays (All Day) |
| The Met | Manhattan | Residents: Pay-What-You-Wish |
| AMNH | Manhattan | Residents: Pay-What-You-Wish |
| MoMA | Manhattan | Residents: 1st Fri (4-8 PM) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Pay What You Wish' mean?
You can pay any amount, even just $1, to enter the museum. It is technically a donation to support the institution.
Do I need a reservation?
YES. Many museums now require or strongly recommend reserving free tickets online in advance, especially for popular times like Friday nights, as these slots sell out quickly.
Are special exhibits included?
Usually, free or PWYW admission only covers general galleries. Special exhibitions or planetarium shows (at AMNH) often require a separate paid ticket.
Make Your Visit Even Better
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