Free Museums in New York City
The Met, MoMA (Fridays for NY residents), and several other NYC museums offer free admission on specific days or are always free.
2 places · 1 free · Updated Oct 2026
One of the most influential art museums in the world — Starry Night, Campbell's Soup Cans, Les Demoiselles d'Avignon are all here. Free for NYS residents on Friday evenings 5:30–8:30pm (UNIQLO Free Fridays — reserve online, proof of residency required). Children under 16 always free. Six floors of galleries.
The largest art museum in the Americas with over 2 million works spanning 5,000 years. NYS residents pay what they wish (minimum $0.01) — making this effectively free for locals. One ticket covers same-day admission to the Met Fifth Avenue, Met Breuer, and the Cloisters. The rooftop garden bar (seasonal) has unbeatable Central Park views.