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.
Read This Next
Top 5: Free Museums in NYC
North America
Sep 8, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Oct 8, 2026Kimpton Ashbel Introduces Picnic on the Park Escape
Kimpton Ashbel New York-Park Avenue introduces Picnic on the Park Escape, an experience for guests to enjoy an afternoon outdoors in the cool, fall air.
Sponsored Content
An Adults-Only Resort for All the Milestone Moments
On Saturday, Feb.14, Devossion by Live Aqua celebrated its grand opening, marking a significant milestone for Grupo Posadas and the Live Aqua brand. This adults-only resort focuses on celebration, authentic Mexican experiences and elevated hospitality — perfectly situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya.
Dining/Entertainment
Oct 8, 2026Fourth Annual Mexology Fest Coming to Riviera Nayarit
Make plans for the Nov. 2–3 Mexology Fest at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. The celebration blends Day of the Dead traditions and Mexican spirits, with resort guests enjoying tasting, workshops and more, for four years and counting.
Hotel
Oct 7, 2026Hyatt Vivid Cancun Ushers in New Era of Social Travel
Wellness tourism continues to grow, and more and more tropical resorts shy away from traditional amenities like swim-up bars, late-night activities and traditional happy hours, instead opting for more immersive and community-driven experiences. A new kind of resort travel is emerging where connection, movement and shared experiences take center stage.
Sponsored Content
The Province That Surrounds Seoul — And Outshines It
Skip the Seoul Crowds. The Real Korea is in Gyeonggi.
Destinations
Oct 7, 20265 Spine-Tingling Adventure Destinations from Wild Frontiers
Just in time for spooky season, Wild Frontiers reveals five extraordinary and spine-tingling adventure destinations.
ShareThis