‍Our Favorite NYC Museums You Can Visit For Free

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New York City is packed with incredible museums, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to experience them. Many of the city’s top cultural institutions open their doors for free, whether every day or during select hours. From world-famous spots like the Guggenheim to hidden gems like the American Folk Art Museum, there are plenty of ways to explore art, history, film, and more without stretching your budget. This guide breaks down the best free museums and when to visit, so you can make the most of NYC’s vibrant museum scene.

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A Local’s Guide to NYC’s Best Free Museums & Free Admission Days

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9/11 Memorial & Museum

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is a powerful space where history, memory, and honor meet. With heart-wrenching exhibitions that detail the events of 9/11 and the aftermath, this museum stands as a testament to the lives lost and the heroes who emerged from tragedy. The reflecting pools, located where the Twin Towers once stood, offer visitors a moment to reflect.

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Free Admission: Every Monday evening, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, you can visit for free (just make sure to reserve your spot online ahead of time!).

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Intrepid Museum

The Intrepid Museum is home to one of the most impressive collections of military history, aviation, and space exploration artifacts. From the iconic aircraft carrier Intrepid to the awe-inspiring Space Shuttle Enterprise, this museum offers hands-on exhibits, like climbing into a real Bell 47 helicopter. For anyone interested in history or adventure, this is a must-see!

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Free Admission: From April to October, every Friday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, you can explore the museum for free. Enjoy live performances, movie screenings on the flight deck, and telescope views of the night sky.

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Guggenheim

Located inside of one of New York's most iconic buildings, the Guggenheim is not just a museum, it's an experience. Spiral your way through world-renowned modern and contemporary art, surrounded by bold architecture that’s just as breathtaking as the pieces it houses. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or a casual visitor, the Guggenheim’s ever-changing exhibitions will keep you coming back for more.

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Pay What You Wish: Every Saturday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the Guggenheim offers visitors a “Pay What You Wish” admission.

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Whitney Museum 

The Whitney Museum of American Art is the world's leading museum of 20th-century and contemporary art of the United States. Focusing particularly on works by living artists, the Whitney is celebrated for presenting important exhibitions and for its renowned collection, which comprises over 21,000 works by more than 3,000 artists. With a history of exhibiting the most promising and influential artists and provoking intense debate, the Whitney Biennial, the museum's signature exhibition, has become the most important survey of the state of contemporary art in the United States.

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Free Fridays: Whitney offers free admission Friday evenings from 5–10 pm and also free admission on the second Sunday of every month.

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American Folk Art Museum

The American Folk Art Museum is where the heart of American history beats through traditional folk art. From the elaborate weather vanes that tell tales of the past to the beautifully intricate Amish quilts, this museum showcases the creativity of self-taught artists. With works ranging from the 18th century to contemporary pieces, there’s something for everyone—especially art lovers and history buffs alike.

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Free Admission: This museum is free every single day. Whether you’re popping in for a quick visit or staying to dive deep into its rich collections, you don’t have to worry about ticket prices.

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National Museum of the American Indian

The National Museum of the American Indian offers a powerful, immersive experience that brings Native American culture and history to life. Located in the historic Alexander Hamilton US Custom House, the museum features incredible exhibitions like Infinity of Nations and Taíno: Native Heritage and Identity in the Caribbean. With its blend of traditional cultural artifacts and contemporary Native works, this museum is a must-see for anyone wanting to understand the profound contributions of Native peoples.

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Free Admission: The National Museum of the American Indian is always free, every day. And if you’re visiting from out of town, don’t forget to check out its much larger DC counterpart, which also offers free entry!

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Museum of the Moving Image

Step into the magic of cinema and digital media at the Museum of the Moving Image. It’s the only place in the U.S. fully dedicated to the history and impact of film, television, and digital media. From rare artifacts to hands-on interactive exhibits, the museum invites you to dive deep into the creative process behind movies and TV shows. A standout feature at the museum is The Jim Henson Exhibition, which showcases 47 iconic puppets from the legendary creator of The Muppets, including Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy.

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Free Admission: Every Thursday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, general admission is completely free, no reservation required!

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Museum of the City of New York

Want to know what makes New York City tick? The Museum of the City of New York has everything from the iconic buildings and parks to the diverse cultures that make this place unlike anywhere else. You’ll get a front-row seat to the stories behind the Big Apple’s rise to fame, with Timescapes, a multimedia history of the city narrated by Stanley Tucci, being a major highlight.

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Free Admission: Every Wednesday, the museum opens its doors to everyone for free.

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Queens Museum

Known for its stunning collection of Tiffany glass and temporary exhibitions, the Queens Museum is a hidden gem in Flushing. This historic building has seen it all, from the 1939 World’s Fair to housing the United Nations General Assembly. But the real star of the museum is the Panorama of the City of New York, an enormous, 3D map that’s regularly updated to showcase the ever-changing cityscape.

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Free Admission: Admission to the museum is always free, so it’s perfect for a spontaneous visit. Bonus tip: While you’re in Flushing, treat yourself to some of the best Chinese food in the city, check out our guide to the best dumplings in NYC here.

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Morgan Library & Museum

The Morgan Library & Museum, originally founded by financier J.P. Morgan, holds a remarkable collection of rare books, manuscripts, and artwork. Its stunning architecture is just as impressive as its exhibits, which include everything from Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches to Dickens’ handwritten drafts. The museum also features a performance hall where live concerts add an extra layer of function to the mansion.

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Free Admission: Every Friday evening from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Reservations are required, so be sure to book your spot in advance!

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