Charles Engelhard Court, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City © Alexpro9500 | Dreamstime 44244412
Exploring New York City’s extensive museum collection doesn’t have to break the bank. Many of the city’s most popular museums offer free or pay-what-you-wish options depending on the time or day or month. No matter what day you visit New York City, there are multiple choices.
Always free or pay what you wish:
American Museum of Natural History (pay what you wish)
Metropolitan Museum of Art (pay what you wish)
Queens Botanical Garden (free November through March)
Monthly free hours:
Bronx Museum of the Arts (first Friday 6–10 p.m.)
Brooklyn Museum (first Saturday 5–11 p.m.)
Neue Galerie (first Friday 6–8 p.m.)
American Museum for Natural History, New York City © Jorg Hackemann | Dreamstime 29819682
Weekly free hours:
Museum at Eldridge Street (free on Mondays)
Brooklyn Botanic Garden (free on Tuesdays)
Bronx Zoo (pay-what-you-wish Wednesdays)
Museum of Chinese in America (free on Thursday)
Museum of Modern Art (free on Fridays, 4–8 p.m.)
Jewish Museum (free on Saturdays)
Frick Museum (pay-what-you-wish on Sundays, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.)
Many art galleries and university museums also offer free admission. For a full listing of museums offering free entry throughout the city, visit the NYC-ARTS website.
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