Museums of New York City

Free or pay what you can days:
In order to make museums affordable for all, these museums have "suggested" admissions. That means you can pay the amount of admission that you can afford and still enjoy access to the museum.

New York City resident? Get a free IDNYC card and gain free access to 33 of the City's leading cultural institutions, including world class museums, performing arts centers, concert halls, botanical gardens, and zoos in all five boroughs. Check it out here.


If you have a Bank of America account, you can take advantage of their Museums on Us®
program on the first full weekend of every month. Each cardholder gets one free general admission.

American Folk Art Museum Free Admission on Fridays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. 2 Lincoln Square, (Columbus Avenue at 66th Street), New York, NY 10023-6214. T  212. 595. 9533. 
Asia Society and Museum Free Admission on Fridays from 6-9 p.m . (does not apply July 1 - Labor Day) 725 Park Ave. at 70th St. Phone: 212-288-6400.
Bronx Museum of the Arts This contemporary art museum is open late on Fridays (from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.) and visitors can explore the exhibits for free all day long. 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY. Phone: 718-681-6000.
Brooklyn Botanical Garden Free admission from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Saturdays 1000 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY Phone: 718-623-7200.
Brooklyn's Children Museum On the second weekend of the month, early-bird visitors can enjoy free access to the Brooklyn Children's Museum. You need to arrive at the museum before 11 a.m. for free access to the Brooklyn Children's Museum. They also offer free admission on Wednesday afternoons from 2-5 p.m. 145 Brooklyn Ave, Brooklyn. 
Brooklyn Museum of Art Evening admission (5-11 p.m.) on the first Saturday of every month is free. Includes most exhibits, music and movie screenings. 200 Eastern Pkwy Brooklyn. Phone: 718-638-5000.
Children's Museum of the Arts Free fun for the kids - from 4 - 6 p.m. you can pay what you wish on Thursdays. 103 Charlton Street, between Hudson & Greenwich Sts , NYC. Phone: 212-274-0986.
Discovery Times Square Museum Large-scale exhibition center presenting limited-run, educational and immersive exhibit experiences. 226 West 44th Street (btwn Broadway & 8th Aves). Sunday-Thursday: 10 AM - 8 PM; Friday, Saturday: 10 AM - 9 PM. Phone: 866-987-9692.
Forbes Magazine Galleries Admission is always free to this interesting museum featuring collectibles such as toy soldiers, Monopoly games and more. 62 Fifth Avenue (at 12th Street). 212-206-5548.
The Frick Collection On Sundays, pay what you wish from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 1 East 70th Street. Phone: 212-288-0700.
Guggenheim Museum Pay what you wish on Saturdays from 5:45 - 7:45 p.m. (last ticket issued at 7:15) 1071 5th Avenue at 89th Street. Phone: 212-423-3500.
International Center for Photography Admission to the frequently changing exhibitions is available with your voluntary contribution on Fridays from 5-8 p.m. 1133 Avenue of the Americas at 43rd St. Phone: 212-857-0000.
The Jewish Museum Free admission on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5:45. 1109 Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street (between Fifth and Madison). 212-423-3200.
Metropolitan Museum of Art  Although they raised the "suggested" admission to $20, you can pay what you can afford to see one of the greatest art museums in New York City. Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue. Phone: 212-535-7710.
The Morgan Library Admission is free on Fridays from 7-9 p.m. 225 Madison Avenue at 36th Street. Phone: 212-685-0008.
Museo Del Barrio Wednesday through Saturday 11:00am - 6:00pm. 1230 5th Avenue. Adults $9, Students and Seniors $5, Children under 12 free. Phone: 212-831-7272
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Free Admission on Target Fridays from 4 - 8 p.m. 11 West 53 Street. Phone: 212-708-9400.
Museum of the Moving Image Free to gallery Fridays from 4 - 8 p.m. (does not include film screenings) 35 Avenue at 36 Street in Astoria, NY Phone: 718-784-0077.
National Museum of the American Indian Admission to the sixteenth museum in the Smithsonian Institution is always free. 1 Bowling Green, George Gustave Heye Center. Phone: 212-668-6624.
Museum of New York City  Open seven days a week from 10:00 am–6:00 pm. 1220 Fifth Avenue (at 103rd Street), New York, NY 10029
New York Historical Society Free admission Fridays, 6-8 p.m . courtesy of American Express Company. 170 Central Park West between 76th & 77th Street Phone: 212-873-3400.
Sony Wonder Technology Lab Admission is always free to this entertainment and technology museum located in Midtown. Sony Plaza Public Arcade at 56th Street and Madison Avenue. Phone:212-833-5414.
Staten Island Museum Admission is free on Tuesdays from 12 to 2 p.m. 75 Stuyvesant Place, Staten Island, NY Phone: 718-483-7114 . Wednesday Deals.
Swiss Institute of Contemporary Art Admission to the exhibitions at the Swiss Institute is always free -- it's open Tuesday through Saturday from 12-6 p.m. 495 Broadway 3rd Floor . Phone: 212-925-2035. 
Tibet House The Tibet House Cultural Center features exhibits of classical and contemporary Tibetan art, as well as art inspired by Tibetan culture. Admission is free, but there is a box to contribute your donation ($5 suggested).
Whitney Museum of American Art Pay what you wish on Fridays from 6 - 9 p.m. 945 Madison Avenue at 75th Street. Phone: 212-570-3676. Saturday Deals. 
Museum of Arts and Design Pay What You Wish from 6 - 9 p.m. Friday Deals. 2 Columbus Circle Phone: 212-299-7777.