Are museums free in New York City?
Quick answer
None of the 8 New York City museums we cover offers free standard admission to every visitor. 4 offer free or reduced entry under specific conditions, including American Museum of Natural History, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Check the rules below before visiting.
Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
Free entry at New York City museums
| Museum | Free entry | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| American Museum of Natural History | Conditions apply | Pay-what-you-wish general admission for NY State residents with ID · Free entry in the last hour of the day · Children under 3 free · IDNYC members free · Free tickets still need to be reserved |
| Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) | Conditions apply | UNIQLO Friday Nights: free for New York State residents every Friday, 5:30–8:30 PM (reserve ahead, proof of residency) · Children 16 and under free · SNAP/WIC recipients free plus up to 4 guests |
| Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum | Conditions apply | Pay-what-you-wish Tuesdays and Sundays, 4:00–5:30 PM (reservation strongly recommended) · Children under 12 free · SNAP/EBT recipients free (up to 4 tickets) |
| The Metropolitan Museum of Art | Conditions apply | Pay-what-you-wish for NY State residents and NY, NJ & CT students (NJ/CT students in person with ID) · Children 12 and under free |
| Brooklyn Museum | Paid | $20 suggested admission |
| The Frick Collection | Paid | $30 standard admission |
| The Morgan Library & Museum | Paid | $25 standard admission |
| Whitney Museum of American Art | Paid | $30 standard admission |
Visitor details last reviewed 2026-06-30. Check the linked official museum websites before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
Which museums are free in New York City?
None of the museums we cover in New York City offers always-free standard admission for everyone. American Museum of Natural History, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art offer conditional free or reduced entry; check the visitor rules.
Do free New York City museums require booking?
Some free museums ask for a free timed ticket at busy periods. Check the official website linked from each World Museum Guide profile before visiting.