Free museums in New York City (and pay-what-you-want museum)

In New York City, you can easily spend several hundred dollars on cultural entertainment, and even a family museum visit can add up to a hefty sum. But the city wouldn’t be so special if it didn’t offer plenty of free or pay-what-you-want museums.

Below are ratings of museums, where you don’t have to pay for admission, museums with free days, and partially free museums, where a fee is recommended at the entrance, but it’s not mandatory.

Museums that are always free

Drawing Center — visit a museum with drawings and sketches by famous artists for free.

New York Earth Room & Broken Kilometer — works by American artist Walter De Maria (1935–2013), a master of conceptual art and land art.

Mmuseumm — the smallest and most unusual free museum in New York.

The Skyscraper Museum — a small but interesting space that tells the story of the construction of the world’s first vertical city.

Times Square Hum (Neuhaus) — a sound installation in the center of New York, accessible to everyone.

Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site — a free tour of Theodore Roosevelt’s birthplace.

Museum of Street Art (MOSA) — the street art museum in a very unusual format.

Museum at FIT — a free museum dedicated to fashion and design.

Hamilton Grange National Memorial — a free tour of the Alexander Hamilton House Museum.

The Africa Center — a space dedicated to African culture and heritage that can be visited free of charge.

National Museum of the American Indian — more than 800,000 artifacts and 125,000 photographs will tell you American history, beginning in the late 15th century.

General Grant National Memorial and Mausoleum — the largest tomb in North America. Admission is free.

The Bronx Museum — contemporary art in the Bronx, free admission for everyone.

American Folk Art Museum — the only museum in New York City dedicated to folk art.

Center for Jewish History — free to visit, but registration on the website is required.

Bernard Museum — a legendary synagogue and center of Reform Judaism, which has a small, but interesting museum.

Socrates Sculpture Park — an open sculpture park with many free events.

Salmagundi Club — one of the oldest art clubs in the United States, housed in a historic mansion with creaking floors, operates as a gallery, admission is free.

Art at Americas Society — Museum of Latin American Art with free admission for everyone.

Center for Architecture — often hosts free exhibitions.

Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden — free admission to the garden and main grounds from sunrise to sunset.

Free days and hours

Monday:

9/11 Museum — offers a powerful tribute to the events of September 11. Free tickets are available on the website every Monday starting at 7:00 a.m. and on a first-come, first-served basis.

Museum at Eldridge Street — explore the history of Jewish immigrants inside a beautifully restored synagogue. Free on Mondays and Fridays.

Wednesday:

Museum of the City of New York — a vivid look at New York’s past, present, and future. Free for everyone on Wednesdays.

Thursday:

Museum of the Moving Image — discover the art, history, and technology behind film and media. Free on Thursdays from 2 pm to 6 pm.

Wave Hill — a serene garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River. Free admission on Thursdays.

Friday:

Whitney Museum — home to cutting-edge American art. Free for people under 25 years, and for everyone on Fridays and the second Sunday of the month.

Morgan Library & Museum —showcases rare manuscripts, books, and art. Free on Fridays from 5 pm to 7 pm, but you need to book in advance.

Neue Galerie —features German and Austrian modernist masterpieces. Free on the first Friday of every month from 5 to 8 pm.

Museum at Eldridge Street — historic synagogue museum celebrating Jewish heritage. Free on Mondays and Fridays.

Japan Society — blends Japanese art, culture, and modern design. Free every first Friday of the month from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Poster House — dedicated to the global art and history of posters. Free on Fridays and every third Sunday of the month.

Saturday:

Guggenheim Museum — iconic spiral museum of modern and contemporary art. Pay-what-you-want admission on Saturdays from 5 to 8 p.m.

Jewish Museum —highlights Jewish culture, history, and contemporary art. Always free admission on Saturdays.

Brooklyn Museum —  one of the nation’s largest and most diverse art museums. On the first Saturday of the month, admission to the museum is free.

Sunday:

Whitney Museum — features American art from the 20th century onward. Free for people under 25 years, and for everyone on Fridays and the second Sunday of the month.

Poster House — dedicated to the global art and history of posters. Free on Fridays and every third Sunday of the month.

Partially free or pay-what-you-want museums

The following museums welcome donations of $5-$10, but you can still get in for free.

Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) — one of the world’s most comprehensive art collections. Optional fee for New York residents and students from NY, NJ, CT.

Brooklyn Museum — renowned for global art and social-justice-oriented exhibitions. Any amount for a main ticket (excluding special exhibitions).

Museum of the City of New York — chronicling the evolving story of NYC. Pay-what-you-want admission for residents (free for everyone on Wednesdays).

Nicholas Roerich Museum — exhibits the visionary art and philosophy of Nicholas Roerich. Admission is free, but any donation is welcome.

MoMA PS1 — showcases experimental and contemporary art. Free for New York State residents (non-residents have a suggested admission fee of $10).

El Museo del Barrio — celebrates Latin American and Caribbean art and culture. Adults are advised to pay $9.

American Museum of Natural History — world-famous for its dinosaurs and planetarium. New York City residents can pay any amount for a basic ticket (ID required).

Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art — highlights LGBTQ+ art and voices, suggested admission: $10.

Queens Museum — known for the Panorama of New York City model and community exhibitions, suggested admission: $8.

Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space MoRUS — tells the story of activism and community gardens in the East Village. Free, suggested donation is $5.

Staten Island Museum — combines art, history, and natural science collections. Accepts voluntary donations for admission. The suggested adult entry fee is $8.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden — in winter (December–February) the pay what you wish system is in effect on weekdays. Conceptual installations by artist Walter De Maria exploring space and perception.

Visitor Tips

Book in advance. Many free hours require online registration.

Arrive early. Entry is often on a first-come, first-served basis.

Check for updates. Schedules may change depending on the season and holidays.