Free Museums in New York

When we were in New York years ago, one of our friends were so keen to visit Metropolitan Museum. While checking out the prices at the desk, we had realized that there is a pay-what-you-wish policy for the entrance ticket. That is, you donate as much as you want, be it 50 cents or 10 dollars and you have the ticket.

Since it has been quite a while since our visit, I have checked out the internet to see whether this policy is still valid. I was sorry to see most of the museums restricted this favor to only New York citizens, including Metropolitan. Do not worry though, there are still plenty with pay-what-you-wish offers and free days for all. As this kind of information is subject to time, I suggest you to check out the official websites of the museums for up-to-date information before planning your visit.

Museums with Pay-What-You-Wish Option

Cooper Hewitt Museum (only for 5pm-6pm every day)

El Museo Del Barrio

Museum of City of New York (only at the museum, no advance tickets)

Guggenheim Museum (6pm-8pm on Saturdays)

International Center of Photography (6pm-9pm on Thursdays)

New York Historical Society Museum and Library (6pm-8pm on Fridays)

Staten Island Museum (free but suggested donation)

Whitney Museum of American Art (7pm-10pm on Fridays)

Museums with Free Admission in New York

American Folk Art Museum

Bronx Museum of Arts

Brooklyn Museum (5pm-10pm on first Saturday of the month)

Japan Society Gallery (6pm-9pm on Fridays)

Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology

Museum of Jewish Heritage (4pm-8pm on Thursdays)

Museum of Moving Image (2pm-6pm on Thursdays)

National Museum of the American Indian – Smithsonian

Noguchi Museum (First Friday of the month)

Print Center New York

Queens Museum

SculptureCenter

The Jewish Museum (Free on Saturdays)

The Rubin Museum of Art (6pm-10pm on Fridays)

Wallach Art Gallery – Columbia University

Yeshiva University Museum