I am going to list more than 20 museums that are offering free admission. Some of them are always free and some are free in fixed days. And some of them allow free ticket for the age of 18 and under.
The below description of each museums are taken by Google Reviews and the address and timing of each museums are listed according to Google. Timing of museums can be change in future so its better to call them for free hours admission.
Always Free Museums in NYC
1. American Museum of Natural History
This place is magnificent! You can literally spend days here and not be able to see all that is showcased. Meticulously maintained possessing charm and warm character. Thousands and thousands of interesting items and artifacts within well-organized displays.
Spent a couple of hours here and it was really great. You could easily spend half a day here without too much effort. Would be nice to have had a guided tour through it all but I’m sure this would have taken the whole day if not more as there is just so much to see.
Address: Central Park West & 79th St, New York, NY 10024
Timing: Monday – Sunday(10am – 5:45pm)
2. National Museum of the American Indian
Beautiful building. Take time to understand how architecture reflects the American Indian culture and experience. Found the exhibits to be comprehensive. Obviously not just a history museum, but more of a cultural institution.
Particularly enjoyed walking the gardens along the perimeter of the building, seeing how the structure fit into the landscape and effectively nature was integrated into the building’s message.
Address: Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560
Timing: Monday – Sunday(10am – 5:30pm)
3. American Folk Art Museum
Get in for free, which is great and it’s small and free admission museums in NYC with 3 exhibitions spaces. One story but packs a good show inside. It was pretty good. Really cool bones of dinosaurs and old creatures from the science illustration exhibition.
It’s good to pop in if you are in the neighborhood, but not worth a trip to see just the museum. On the positive side, is free to visit.
Address: 2 Lincoln Square, New York, NY 10023
Timing: 11:30am – 7pm, Monday closed
4. Bronx Museum of the Arts
Love doing community service here and they ALWAYS change the art here. It’s never the same. Find out about the family affairs at this place and the free events. It’s the best!
Excellent the front desk was very helpful and gracious, & the museum was awesome and very clean and relax environment very educational.
Address: 1040 Grand Concourse, The Bronx, NY 10456
Timing: 11 am – 6 pm, Monday & Tuesday Closed
5. Brooklyn Museum
The exhibits are awesome!! They are always fresh and frequently updated. There’s something for everyone to enjoy Ferrin the young to the old. Target First Saturday’s are also very exciting and a lot of fun.
Address: 200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Timing: Wednesday – Sunday(11am – 6pm), Thursday(11am – 10pm)
6. Houdini Museum
Absolutely wonderful and free museums in NYC. Collection of Houdini memorabilia. There are some incredible pieces and artifacts on display. Very knowledgeable and friendly staff.
This is a fascinating free museum in NYC. So many artifacts in a small location. Houdini’s story is quite interesting. The staff was very knowledgeable. It is worth coming by.
Address: 213 W 35th St Suite 401, New York, NY 10001
Timing: Monday – Sunday (11am – 6pm)
7. Queens County Farm Museum
It is a quaint little farm for you and your family to enjoy. There is a seasonal petting farm. You are allowed to feed the goats and the sheep. There are hens, cows, horses, and alpaca. Beautiful gardens throughout. You can make purchases in the plant store and gift shop. Wednesday-Sunday the farm stand is open to making purchases such as fresh eggs and veggies.
Address: 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy, Queens, NY 11004
Timing: Monday – Sunday(10am – 5pm)
8. Museum of the City of New York
An impressive collection of artifacts, memorabilia, history of all peoples of NYC, and of course a fine gift shop which you must exit through. You can tour the history of the city beginning before the arrival of the Dutch up until today, and there are also rotating exhibits of artwork on the upper floors.
Staff’s are helpful too pointing you in the right direction. Also, the entrance is free or you can pay what you like (the suggested fee is $18). Located almost at the top of Museum Mile.
Address: 1220 5th Ave, New York, NY 10029
Timing: Sunday – Monday(10am – 6pm)
9. The Hispanic Society of America
Came for the amazing collection of Joaquin Sorolla large scale canvases. It’s like a holy experience to sit in front of these masterpieces. Stayed for the antiquities and the history and the great interpretive information.
Don’t miss Anna Hyatt Huntington’s magnificent sculptures outside in the courtyard of this beautiful historic building. It’s really a favorite free museums in NYC.
10. The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology
Free and open to the public, a place to see if you are a serious student of current fashion and fashion history. Guards will not let you in if you have any luggage with you. If you love fashion and its history, you must go to the museum at FIT, a must-go Free Museums in NYC.
Address: 227 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
Timing: Tuesday – Saturday(12 – 8pm)
11. The New York Public Library Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
If you’re looking for a place that is the quiet and perfect place for reading, this is the exact place you need to visit! I’ve been here many times for my researches and homework that needs to be answered by reading some books.
The books they have here is very informative and it would really help you with your research. Each floor as well as something to see that would excite you being a book worm. I would love to recommend this place for learning. So this is one of the perfect free museums in NYC
Address: 476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018
Timing: Monday – Saturday(10am – 5:45pm), Sunday(1-4:45pm)
12. Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture
Nice place to read some interesting and unique stuff. The library was well maintained by the staff and here management was also knowledgeable and expert. The place well maintained and properly cleaned. You should visit this free museums once time if you’re currently in NYC.
The Schomburg is a historic masterpiece.
Address: 515 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10037
Timing: Monday-Saturday(10am – 6pm)
13. New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
It is a great place to study, read, write, attend classes, exhibitions, learn something new.
I also like that this particular library specializes in arts and performing arts. Gloriously quiet research area on the third floor. Almost every time I’ve been here, lots of open space with plenty of plugs.
Address: 40 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023
Timing: Monday – Saturday(10:30am – 6pm)
14. Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
Cool place to visit and about 60% of the items in the house are authentic to the family. The house itself is a replica of the original house which was torn down. A little gem in the middle of Manhattan. Would recommend for a good historical tour of Theodore Roosevelt’s childhood home.
Address: 28 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003
Timing: Wednesday – Sunday(9am – 5pm)
15. Socrates Sculpture Park
A beautiful park with so many colors! It’s dog-friendly which is always a plus for us. They have a little workshop where kids can make things. There are different sculptures around the park which are nice and it’s good to read the descriptions that have plenty of info. They have events at the park and pamphlets are available for more information.
Address: 32-01 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11106
Timing: (9am – Sunset)
16. International Center of Photography
The best place to study photography in the world. Best teachers and the school is equipped with everything a photography student would ever dream of. Definitely worth it to join for the short term workshops. It is one of the must-visit free museums which is situated in NYC.
Address: The Grace Building 1114 6th Avenue 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10036
Timing: Monday – Friday(9am – 6pm)
Also Read: 90+ Free Museums Near Me
Museums in New York City That Offer Free Admission on Some Fixed Days and For Age of 18 and Under
17. National September 11th Museum
It is a must-visit place to pay respect who lost their lives on that day. This place is so special. There are two water fountains on each place where used to be twin towers. The soothing sound of the waters will take to a different level of peace. All the names are carved on the marble of each fountain. We could see some flowers on the names and we were speechless.
If I talk about entry fees, they charge admission fees. But they have also special consideration group. Groups like 9/11 family members, 9/11 museum members, 9/11 Rescue, and Recovery Workers, Active/Retired U.S. Military can reserve for free admission. They allow free admission on Tuesday.
Address: 180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007
Timing: Monday – Sunday(9am – 8pm)
18. Whitney Museum of American Art
There’s always new artwork at the Whitney which is fun to see. They offer a student discount for $18, general admission is usually $22 and military tickets are free. In this museum, they have multiple elevators but it still takes time to go up and down so if you can I suggest taking the stairs. They have outdoor artwork and a nice place to take pictures on the 8th floor.
Also, they allow free admission for the age of 18 and under.
Address: 99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014
Timing: Wednesday – Monday(10:30am – 6pm)
19. Morgan Library & Museum
This is the perfect not overcrowded museum to visit in NY, even on Friday afternoons when it’s free (7-9 pm). The line was very short and at 7 sharp we were let inside the Museum. The library is super beautiful, reminded me of my Disney days as it has a Beauty and the Beast vibe. Totally recommended, especially if you often visit the city and are running low on ideas.
Free to members and children 12 and under (must be accompanied by an adult)
Admission is free on Fridays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: 225 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016
Timing: Thursday, Tuesday, Wednesday(10:30am – 5pm), Saturday – Sunday(10am – 6pm), Friday(10:30am -9pm)
20. Van Cortlandt House Museum
An interesting little free museum in NYC showcasing New York City’s oldest house. Interior and furnishings have been returned to period (mid to late 18th century) condition. Worth a stop if you’re visiting Van Cortland Park. A must-see in the Bronx, the staff were helpful and courteous.
If I talk about free admission, Children 12 and under FREE, Wednesday FREE/By Donation.
Address: 6036 Broadway, Van Cortlandt Park, The Bronx, NY 10471
Timing: Tuesday – Sunday(10am – 4pm)
21. New York Hall of Science
It is a great place for adults and children. They had a toddler play area on the first floor. I wish they had more stuff for toddlers. Everything else is mostly for older kids 5 and up I would say. They have an outdoor park which is not very big and they charge you $10 a person which I think is a little too much. If it was completely free then It would be much better. All in all its a great place to visit either by yourself or with kids.
Enjoy free general admission on Fridays, 2 – 5 pm and Sundays, 10 – 11 am.
Address: 47-01 111th St, Corona, NY 11368
Timing: Monday – Friday(9:00am – 5pm), Saturday – Sunday(10am – 6pm)
22. Rubin Museum of Art
One of my favorite free museums in NYC. Definitely worth a visit. If you are interested in Asian/South Asian art and culture this is a lovely place to spend an afternoon. A quiet respite from the city. Friday Evening is Free.
Address: 150 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011
Timing: Wednesday(11 am – 9 pm), Thursday, Monday(11am – 5pm), Saturday – Sunday(11am – 6pm), Friday(11am – 10pm).
