Free museums in New York City (NYC)
Quick answer
None of the museums we cover in New York City offers always-free standard admission to every visitor. 4 offer free or reduced entry under conditions. Check each museum's rules and official website before visiting.
Visitor information last reviewed 25 September 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
Free or reduced entry with conditions (4)
Rules may depend on the day, visitor age, or residency. Check the official website before visiting.
American Museum of Natural History
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
$37 for adults from outside NY State; pay-what-you-wish for NY State residents (suggested $25)
Conditions applyMuseum of Modern Art (MoMA)
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
$30 for adults; children 16 and under free
Conditions applySolomon R. Guggenheim Museum
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)
$30 for adults; children under 12 free
Conditions applyThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
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
$30 for adults; pay-what-you-wish for NY State residents and NY, NJ & CT students
Which museums are free in New York City?
None of the 8 museums we cover in New York City offers always-free standard admission to everyone. 4 offer free or reduced entry under specific conditions.
Which New York City museums offer conditional free or reduced entry?
American Museum of Natural History: 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): 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: 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: 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