{"id":16107,"date":"2016-03-04T12:00:38","date_gmt":"2016-03-04T17:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mominthecity.com\/"},"modified":"2024-02-06T10:50:00","modified_gmt":"2024-02-06T15:50:00","slug":"33-free-or-pay-what-you-wish-museums-for-nyc-families","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mominthecity.com\/33-free-or-pay-what-you-wish-museums-for-nyc-families\/","title":{"rendered":"33 Free Museums in NYC (Free or Pay What You Wish Admission)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"33<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n


Recently, I attended\u00a0a blogging event that took place at the Children\u2019s Museum of Arts. I love that museum and it reminded me of what great options museums are for indoor activities. That is why I\u2019m sharing 33 free museums in NYC that offer free or pay what you wish admission.

Technically, most museums are \u201csuggested admission\u201d and you don\u2019t have<\/strong> to pay the suggested admission fees. However, if (like me) you feel uneasy getting by on technicalities, then enjoy this list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free Museums in NYC<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. American Folk Art Museum<\/strong><\/a>
2 Lincoln Square Columbus Avenue at 66th Street
New York, NY 10023
(212) 595-9533<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With collections and exhibitions dedicated to American folk art, admission to this museum is always free. They also have a free \u201cFamilies and Folk Art\u201d program the first Saturday of every month for kids (ages 4 to 12) and their accompanying adults. (It involves discussion-based gallery tours followed by hands-on art-making activities.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Asia Society <\/strong><\/a>
725 Park Avenue at 70th Street
New York, NY 10021
(212) 288-6400<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Celebrating Asian cultures, the Society is free to all on Fridays from 6pm to 9pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. The Bronx Museum of the Arts<\/strong>
<\/a>1040 Grand Concourse at 165th Street
Bronx, NY 10456
(718) 681-6000<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, this Bronx treasure is offering free admission to everyone each day of the week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Brooklyn Children\u2019s Museum <\/strong>
<\/a>145 Brooklyn Avenue (at St. Marks Avenue)
Brooklyn, NY 11213
(718) 735-4400<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Founded in 1899, this is the world\u2019s oldest children\u2019s museum. With a variety of events, activities and exhibits, this is a kid favorite. \u201cAdmission to the Museum is free every Friday from July 6 through August 24 from, 5:00-7:30pm, every third Thursday of the month from 4:00\u20137:00pm and on the FIRST FULL WEEKEND of every month 2:00\u20135:00pm, except on holiday weekends.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Brooklyn Museum<\/a><\/strong>
200 Eastern Parkway
Brooklyn, New York 11238
(718) 638-5000<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another Brooklyn gem, this museum offers free admission and programs of art and entertainment on the first Saturdays of each month from 5pm to 11pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Children\u2019s Museum of Manhattan<\/strong><\/a>
The Tisch Building
212 West 83rd Street
New York, NY 10024
(212) 721-1223<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Children are encouraged to explore and be creative with the various programs and exhibits at this NYC children\u2019s museum staple. On the first Friday of every month, admission is free from 5pm to 8pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Children\u2019s Museum of the Arts<\/strong>
<\/a>103 Charlton Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 274-0986<\/p>\n\n\n\n

General admission is \u201cpay as you wish\u201d on Thursdays from 4pm to 6pm at this popular hands-on art museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"free<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

8. El Museo del Barrio New York
<\/a><\/strong>1230 Fifth Avenue (at 104th Street)
New York NY 10029
(212) 831-7272<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While admission to the galleries that celebrate Latino culture is always by suggested donation, admission is free for everyone on the third Saturday of each month from 11am to 6pm. On those Saturdays, free concerts, exhibits, gallery tours, art-making workshops and other fun, educational events take place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. The Frick Collection
<\/a><\/strong>1 East 70th Street
New York, NY 10021
(212) 288-0700<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making its home in a Fifth Avenue Mansion, this intimate collection includes works by famous European artists, sculptures, French furniture and more. On Sundays, admission is pay what you wish from 11am to 1pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. International Center of Photography
<\/a><\/strong>1133 Avenue of the Americas at 43rd Street
New York, NY 10036
(212) 857-0000<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photographers and photography are the focus of this museum that offers Free Friday night programs and voluntary contribution on Fridays from 5pm to 8pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. The Jewish Museum <\/strong><\/a>
<\/a><\/strong>1109 Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street
New York, NY 10128
(212) 423-3200<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the leading Jewish museums in the nation, the museum waives admission on Saturdays. (Since that day is the Jewish Sabbath, several interactive exhibit elements are not available. However, there are some current and permanent exhibitions and a treasure hunt map for family visitors to enjoy their Saturday visits.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. The Morgan Library & Museum
<\/a><\/strong>225 Madison Avenue at 36th Street
New York, NY 10016
(212) 685-0008<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Formerly The Pierpont Morgan Library, this is a museum and research library. The museum offers free admission on Fridays from 7pm to 9pm. (Admission to the library and McKim rooms is free on Tuesdays from 3pm to 5pm; Fridays from 7pm to 9pm and Sundays from 4pm to 6pm.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology
<\/strong>Seventh Avenue at 27 Street
New York, NY 10001
(212) 217-4558<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Admission is free to the three galleries at this museum that is dedicated to fashion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14. The Museum of Arts and Design
<\/a><\/strong>2 Columbus Circle
New York, NY 10019
(212) 299-7777<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Formerly The American Craft Museum, MAD displays crafts by American artists. The museum offers pay what you wish admission on Thursdays from 6pm to 9pm. They are also currently offering pay what you wish admission from 6pm to 9pm due to a generous sponsor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15. (MOBIA) Museum of Biblical Art<\/strong>
1865 Broadway at 61st Street
New York, NY 10023
(212) 408-1500<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This Biblically themed art museum offers free admission daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

16. Museum<\/strong><\/a> of Chinese in America (MOCA)<\/a><\/strong>
215 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013
(212) 619-4785
<\/a>
Focusing on the history of Chinese-Americans, this museum offers free admission every Thursday from 11am to 9pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

17. Museum of Jewish Heritage
<\/strong>Edmond J. Safra Plaza
36 Battery Place
New York, NY 10280
(646) 437-4202<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Created as a living memorial to those who perished during the Holocaust, the museum offers free admission every Wednesday from 4pm to 8pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

18. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)<\/strong>
11 West 53rd Street
New York, NY 10019
(212) 708-9400<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Admission to this world-renowned art museum is free for everyone on Friday evenings from 4pm to 8pm. Another great free option for families is their Family Program offerings (talks, visits, workshops, films, art labs and artist talks) that are aimed at kids ages 4 to 14 and their parents and caregivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

19. Museum of the Moving Image<\/strong>
36-01 35 Avenue
Astoria, NY 11106
(718) 777-6888<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Film buffs will enjoy visiting this museum that is dedicated to the history of the moving image. Admission to their galleries is free on Fridays from 4pm to 8pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

20. National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI in New York<\/strong>)
Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House
One Bowling Green
New York, NY 10004
(212) 514-3700<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Admission is free to this museum that is focused on sharing Native American histories and cultures. They offer various family-focused special events, hands-on activities and guides to the museum\u2019s exhibits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

21. New Museum
<\/a><\/strong>235 Bowery
New York, NY 10002
(212) 219-1222<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dedicated to presenting new artworks from around the world, the museum offers free admission every Thursday from 7pm to 9pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

22. New York Hall of Science <\/strong>
<\/a>47-01 111th Street
Queens, NY 11368
(718) 699-0005<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Although the free hours to this amazing science museum are suspended during the summer months, remember this for the fall!) \u201cEnjoy free general admission, September through June, on Fridays, 2 \u2013 5 pm; Sundays, 10 \u2013 11 am; and during school vacation weeks on Fridays, 2 \u2013 5 pm; and Sundays, 10 \u2013 11 am. Free hours are suspended in July, August and September 30.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

23. The New-York Historical Society
<\/a><\/strong>170 Central Park West
at Richard Gilder Way (77th Street)
(212) 873-3400<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exploring New York and American History, the Society offers pay as you wish admission from 6pm to 8pm on Fridays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

24. New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex & Store<\/strong>
<\/a>Grand Central Terminal (just off the Main Concourse in the Shuttle Passage, next to the Station Master\u2019s office)
(212) 878-0106<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This gallery annex (of the larger New York Transit Museum) offers free, changing exhibits. The current exhibit \u201cNew York\u2019s Golden Age of Bridges: Paintings by Antonio Masi\u201d will be on display until October 7, 2012.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

25. The Noguchi Museum
<\/a><\/strong>9-01 33rd Road (at Vernon Boulevard)
Long Island City, NY
(718) 204-7088<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Founded by and dedicated to the art of Isamu Noguchi, an art sculptor who is known for his stonework, the museum offers pay what you wish admission on the first Friday of every month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

26. Queens Museum<\/a>
<\/strong>New York City Building
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Queens, NY 11368
(718) 592-9700<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While admission is always by \u201csuggested admission\u201d to this art museum that showcases both local and international artists, several free programs are also offered. Parents should make special note of their free family programs including MetLife\u2019s Second Sundays and Family Art Workshops. The latter program is especially great for parents who have kids with special needs and ESL learners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"queens<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

27. Rubin Museum of Art\u200e
<\/strong>150 West 17th Street
New York, NY 10011
(212) 620-5000<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A top museum of Himalayan art, the Rubin offers free gallery admission every Friday from 6pm to 10pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

28. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum\u200e<\/a><\/strong>
1071 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10128
(212) 423-3500<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the top modern and contemporary art museums in the nation, the Guggenheim offers pay what you wish admission on Saturdays from 5:45pm to 7:45pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

29. Sony Wonder Technology Lab<\/a><\/strong>
<\/a>Sony Plaza, 550 Madison Ave. at 56th<\/sup> Street
(212) 833-8100
New York, NY 10022<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This technology and entertainment museum is a free multimedia treat for the entire family. While certain workshops cost nominal fees, admission, movie screenings and many other events and workshops are free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

30. Studio Museum in Harlem<\/strong>
<\/a>144 West 125th Street
New York, NY 10027
(212) 864-4500<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Museum admission is free every Sunday to this top museum that is focused on celebrating Black artists. During that time, various Kids and Family Programs (gallery tours, hands-on art-making and author readings) are held.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

31. The Waterfront Museum\u200e<\/strong>
290 Conover Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
(718) 624-4719<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enjoy learning about and viewing the art of the waterfront at this museum that is housed on a barge. The museum is open year-round on Thursdays from 4pm to 8pm and Saturdays from 1pm to 5pm for free tours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

32. Whitney Museum of Art<\/a> <\/strong>
945 Madison Avenue at 75th Street
New York, NY 10021
(212) 570-3600<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Focused on 20th-century and contemporary American art, admission is \u201cpay what you wish\u201d on Fridays from 6pm to 9pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

33. Yeshiva University Museum
<\/a><\/strong>at the Center for Jewish History
15 West 16th Street
New York, NY 10011
(212) 294-8330<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn about Jewish art, history and culture at this museum for free on Mondays, Wednesdays from 5pm to 8 pm and on Fridays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you found this post helpful, please share it. In addition, consider signing up for my\u00a0weekly email newsletter<\/a>\u00a0so that you don\u2019t miss future updates. Thanks!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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