Below I am going to list 90+ free museums that might be situated near your location. However, I have listed all the museums in the state wise. You just directly go to the state name and find the best and nearest museums where you live.
Below the description of each museum are taken by the Google reviews. Also, Some of the museums may be changed in their operating timing. So for this, you can ask them for the operating timing by calling to the museums that you want to visit.
Free Museums in Texas
1. Amon Carter Museum of American Art
You will be able to see a huge collection of paintings, sculptures, and beautiful drawings in this free museums. Did you have ever seen paintings of Remington & Rusell? If no, then must visit here. Here you will find a wide range of other interesting pieces that illustrate American art.
Address: 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107
Timing: Monday – Saturday( 9 pm-5pm)
2. Dallas Museum of Art
Dallas Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in America. It is also the best museums for kids. Admission is free but when there has any special exhibit you will be asked for some cost. You have to pay $12 for parking.
Address: 1717 N Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201
Timing: Tuesday -Sunday (11 am- 5 pm)
Phone: (214) 922-1200
3. Crow Collection of Asian Art
Crow Collection of Asian Art is a small and beautiful museum which has a wonderful collection of Jade and Lacquer. If you want to visit these free museums, you will definitely enjoy here. The admission is completely free.
Address: 2010 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201, USA
Timing: Sunday – Saturday( 11 am – 5pm)
4. Dallas Contemporary
Dallas Contemporary is founded in back 1978. It is a contemporary art museum in the city of Dallas. Art is in the eye of the beholder and the exhibitions at this museum showcase that so well. Good lighting and use of space to display work.
Address: 161 Glass St, Dallas, TX 75207, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Saturday(11 am – 6 pm), Sunday(12 pm – 5 pm)
5. Kimbell Art Museum
This is one of the very popular free museums in Fort Worth, Texas. This museum not only has important works of art from all over the world it presents them exceptionally well. The design of the museum with its indirect lighting and modern architecture is perfection. Side panels of information about the art are very well done and informative.
Address: 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Saturday(10 am – 5 pm), Sunday(12 pm – 5 pm)
6. Museum of Geometric and MADI Art
This free museums is dedicated to abstract art and Madi movement. The admission to this museum is free. Also, this is one of the underrated art museums in the city of Dallas. If you can handle modern art and as the architecture of the Art Deco period, I highly recommend this place.
Address: 3109 Carlisle St, Dallas, TX 75204, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Saturday(11 am – 5 pm), Sunday(1 pm – 5pm)
7. The Samurai Collection
It has a collection of Japanese samurai armor and weapons. The Samurai Collection museum is free for the public. It is one of the most unique on-display collections by a Texas family yet not that many people even know it exists.
Address: 2501 N Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Saturday(11 am – 6 pm), Sunday(11 am – 5pm)
8. Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
Fort Worth is blessed with many museums that are first class. This one does not disappoint. Art is presented in a museum that is architecturally exceptional. Exhibits have plenty of room for display and the museum was not crowded on this day. Side panels explaining the art were very well done. This place knows how to make art live. Under 18 age is free admission.
Address: 3200 Darnell St, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Sunday(10 am – 5 pm)
9. Interurban Railway Museum
It’s not a big museum like others but the staff is incredibly knowledgeable, funny and personable. Great historic outing right in Plano. It is small, well kept and explained the museum. Very interesting and great for young teens and younger kids and also cool for adults.
Address: 901 E 15th St, Plano, TX 75074, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Friday(10 am – 3 pm), Sunday and Saturday closed.
10. Blanton Museum of Art
This is one of the largest university art museums in the United States. Beautiful artifacts from all over the world! Looks small from the outside but reserve at least 3 hours to see everything because it’s well worth it. Children under 12 years free and every Thursday is free.
Address: 200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78712, USA
Timing: Saturday-Friday(10 am – 5 pm), Sunday(1 pm – 5 pm)
11. Texas Military Forces Museum
In this free museums, you will be able to see the history of Texas military forces from 1823 to the present. Amazing museum, especially considering it’s free! Really provides a Texas-centric view of military engagements through the years – from Mexico secession all the way through 9/11 and current day.
Address: 2200 W 35th St building 6, Austin, TX 78703, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Sunday(10 am – 4pm)
Museum in Georgia
12. George Washington Carver Museum
The museum is a wonderful concept. I really liked the exhibits. It’s small but packed with educational facts. The staff is incredibly helpful and eager to share. However, the museum definitely needs financial contributions from the city and private donors. Make it your business to visit. It’s worth the trip. The entry is free but they often ask for a donation.
Address: 1165 Angelina St, Austin, TX 78702, USA
Timing: Monday – Saturday(10 am – 6 pm)
13. Georgia Capitol Museum
Fun place to visit to see the state government in action and see some history. Great free place to visit to learn about the history of GA. There are displays about the Civil War, Civil Rights, and the geology of GA. Architecture is amazing.
Address: 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334, USA
Timing: Monday-Friday(8am – 5pm)
14. Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking
This may be your coolest free museums for you if you visit in the future. If you love to read books or if you’re a writer, then you must have to visit here once time. You will learn a lot about Paper Making from clay tablets to bookbinding. Entrance is free and it’s so worth the time. It was also easily accessible by bus.
Address: 500 10th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
Timing: Monday – Friday(9am – 5pm)
15. David J. Sencer CDC Museum
Truly unique and eye-opening Museum at Centers for Disease Control & Prevention headquarters showcasing public-health history. Incredibly interesting. Must have an ID to enter. And they check all the visitor’s vehicles. Free parking. Yes, you are allowed to take pictures.
Address: 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
Timing: Monday – Friday(9 am – 5 pm)
16. Fernbank Science Center
Great place to bring kids and get them interested in science and all things about planets and history of satellites. The museum is free and planetarium show is inexpensive.
Address: 156 Heaton Park Dr, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA
Timing: Monday- Wednesday(12 – 5pm), Thursday – Friday(12-9pm), Saturday(10 am- 5pm).
17. Museum of Aviation
This free museums is really amazing. When you go make sure you have a few hours to spend there. There are multiple buildings and outside exhibits to check out. Each building has a large number of exhibits and information. The staff was super friendly and helpful.
Address: 1942 Heritage Blvd, Robins AFB, GA 31098, USA
Timing: Monday – Friday(9am-5pm)
18. The National Infantry Museum
The amount of detail and information they provide is astounding. This is the place I always recommend to people visiting Columbus. It’s completely free and really educational, great for kids and adults of all ages. They rely mostly on donations, gift shop and restaurant sales, and extras to cover operating costs.
Address: 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus, GA 31903, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Saturday(9am – 5pm), Sunday(11am – 5pm)
Also Read: Alway Free Museums in NYC
Museum in Tennessee
19. Tennessee Agricultural Museum
Educational and interesting. The scope of the museum isn’t all that wide but can provide enough for a school field trip or small independent group of curious visitors. This place can be best for a photo shoot.
Address: 404 Hogan Rd, Nashville, TN 37220, USA
Timing: Monday – Friday(9am – 4pm)
20. Tennessee State Museum
The Tennessee State Museum is absolutely gorgeous. The kid’s area is beautifully decorated, nice and open, with plenty to do – coloring, dress-up, instruments, and more. For the adults, the main exhibits are beautifully displayed. You could easily spend all day looking at and reading about Tennessee’s rich history.
Address: 1000 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
Timing: Monday – Friday(9am – 4pm)
21. Cooter’s Nashville Museum
Awesome place if you love the dukes of Hazzard. A very interesting side of the road stop. The gift shop has a large selection of items. Museum has free admission and contains a lot of memorabilia.
Address: 2613B McGavock Pk, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
Timing: Monday – Sunday(9am – 8pm)
22. Frist Art Museum
This is a great free museums of rotating exhibits meaning there is no permanent collection and every visit can be different. The building is art deco, a former post office and worth a look by itself. Youth 18 and under are always free. They also offer college students free admission every Thursday and Friday night from 5-9 p.m!
Address: 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Timing: Monday – Wednesday(10am – 5:30pm), Thursday – Friday(10am – 9pm), Sunday(1 pm – 5:30pm)
23. Military Branch Museum
Definitely recommend so cool and had amazing displays. It was in a cool area and you could go see the Vietnam memorial right after which is nice!! There is no admission charge to the Tennessee State Museum’s permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Address: 1000 Rosa Parks Blvd. (at Jefferson St.) on Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park Nashville, TN 37208
Operating Timing:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Sunday: 1 – 5 p.m.
- Closed on Mondays
24. Frank H. McClung Museum
A great little free museums to learn anew or review East TN history. Natural as well as modern-day. Also, the exhibits seem to change often enough to keep you coming back. Great opportunity to learn about Tennessee prehistory in both fossils and archaeology, but also interesting contributions of hominin evolution and North African culture.
Address: 1327 Circle Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37916, USA
Operating Timing:
- Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Sunday, 1–5 p.m.
25. Knoxville Museum of Art
Free and worth an admission fee. Great collections that can amaze and also make you think. It offers interactive art as well as cool exhibits for the kids.
Address: 1050 Worlds Fair Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37916
Operating Timing: Tuesday – Saturday (10am – 5pm), Sunday(1pm – 5pm)
Museums in Oregon
26. Portland Art Museum
The Portland Art Museum has an impressive collection of regional Pacific Northwest artwork as well as Native American works. It’s on the smaller side, so one can easily make it through the entire museum in 3-4 hours.
Address: 1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Sunday(10am – 5pm)
27. Portland Puppet Museum
Great place to visit while in Portland. You will learn a lot about puppets and got to enjoy the marvelous pieces in the museum. This museum has a lot of history about the puppets being displayed. They also have shown in the garden.
Address: 906 SE Umatilla St, Portland, OR 97202, USA
Timing: Thursday – Sunday(2pm – 8pm)
28. The Oregon Historical Society Museum
This was not a very large museum, but a very educational and interesting place to visit to learn about Oregon and it’s history from various times. There were a good number of well-displayed exhibits with lots of great facts and information to immerse yourself in this great State’s history.
Address: 1200 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205, USA
Timing: Monday – Saturday(10am – 5pm), Sunday(12pm – 5pm)
29. Oregon Rail Heritage Center
Highly recommended!! Great for families or just adults. We totally LOVED the Saturday train. Be sure to go and take your friends. It’s a great place to visit, especially if you’re in a budget since it’s free. Their exhibits are interactive and the train ride was wonderful.
Address: 2250 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214, USA
Timing: Thursday-Friday(1pm – 5pm), Saturday-Sunday(12pm – 5pm)
Free Museums in Los Angeles
30. The Marciano Art Foundation
Great museum, The rotating collection of works are always phenomenal. The installations and artist’s they host are great as well. They have a comprehensive gift shop/book store. And the parking/entrance is free.
Address: 4357 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010, USA
Timing: Thursday -Friday(11 am – 5 pm), Saturday – Sunday(10 am – 6 pm)
31. Craft and Folk Art Museum (CAFAM)
Excellent art, very intriguing and diverse artists as well as a commitment to displaying art from artists who would likely be ignored by more elitist art museums. Good atmosphere, considerate staff, very relaxed environment.
Address: 5814 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Friday(11 am – 5 pm), Saturday – Sunday(11am – 6pm)
32. California African American Museum
Another of my favorite free museums. This retrospective featured the iconic master Ernie Barnes. You gotta really look at the subtle yet dramatic messaging and muscularity in his works.
Address: 600 State Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Saturday(10am – 5pm)
33. California Science Center
This is an educational and fun place to visit. They offer hands-on exhibits for all ages. Elevators for those with physical challenges.
Address: 700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037, USA
Timing: Monday – Sunday(10am – 5pm)
34. Getty Center
If you’re into art and architecture then don’t miss this place. The grounds and collection are extensive so allow a few hours to see everything. The garden is beautiful and the views are pretty special too.
Address: 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Friday(10am – 5:30pm), Saturday(10am – 9pm)
35. Fowler Museum at UCLA
This free museums is a little-known treasure for anyone interested in anthropology. Significant improvements have been made in the last few years. Admission is free, but parking is expensive.
Address: 308 Charles E Young Dr. N, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
Timing: Thursday – Sunday(12 – 5pm), Wednesday(12-8pm)
36. Getty Villa
The Getty Villa is absolutely beautiful and is filled with lots of early art pieces from the Greeks and Romans. Admission is free, but if you take your own car parking is $20.
Address: 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Timing: Wednesday – Sunday(10 am – 5pm)
37. Japanese American National Museum
This free museum is small, so it doesn’t take a long time to view all of the interiors, but it is full of Japanese-American heritage and history.
Address: 100 N Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Sunday(11 am – 5 pm)
38. The Hammer Museum
A nice family-friendly place. There are a bar area and restaurant where you can enjoy a drink in the courtyard. The museum has wonderful pieces of art. Best of all entry is free!
Address: 10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Friday(11 am – 8 pm), Saturday – Sunday(11 am – pm)
39. Homestead Museum
What a historical place to learn about California’s history in the city of Industry. It’s a great place to take your kids and students to show and explain how those lived once before.
Address: 15415 Don Julian Rd, City of Industry, CA 91745, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Friday(9am – 5pm), Saturday – Sunday(12:30 – 5pm)
40. Hollywood Bowl Museum
We had a great time at the Hollywood Bowl Museum. Bring your picnic basket and enjoy a relaxing time with friends and family. It is always a great way to spend an evening!
Address: 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Friday(10am – 5pm)
41. Travel Town Museum
Travel Town is a super (and free!) attraction for train enthusiasts, both young and old. It is a compact attraction with room for kids to explore.
Address: 5200 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
Timing: Monday -Friday(10am – 4pm), Saturday – Sunday(10am – 6pm)
42. Annenberg Space for Photography
Absolutely breathtaking & enlightening. The staff is so nice, knowledgeable, & respectful. Definitely a must-visit if you are a hip-hop fan, art lover, photography love, or looking for something to do in LA.
Address: 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067, USA
Timing: Wednesday – Sunday(11 am – 6pm)
43. USC Pacific Asia Museum
Free museums feature a very diverse collection of Asian artifacts from different countries and dynasties. And the architecture of the museum is also inspired by traditional Chinese architecture.
Address: 46 N Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA
Timing: Wednesday – Sunday(11am – 5pm)
44. The FIDM Museum & Galleries
A fantastic opportunity to see amazing costumes up close!! Definitely recommend it to anybody!
Address: 919 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Saturday(10am – 5pm)
45. Autry Museum of the American West
Really amazing free museums. Great to see with friends or family. The tours are great and it’s right across from the LA Zoo so you could do both. Tons of rich history and artifacts here.
Address: Griffith Park, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Friday(10am – 4pm), Saturday – Sunday(10am – 5pm)
46. Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust
Very interesting free museums. Gracefully done with numerous artifacts and an audio tour if you choose not to take the guided one. Lovely staff and overall a great educational experience. It’s free but the suggested donation is $10.
Address: 100 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
Timing: Monday – Sunday(10am – 5pm
47. The Huntington Library
Beautiful, fantastic campus with gardens everywhere and art inside air-conditioned buildings. Great cafeteria with healthy offerings. Enjoyed the Japanese gardens the most.
Address: 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108, USA
Timing: Wednesday – Sunday(10am – 5pm)
48. Southern California Children’s Museum
The best place to get some wiggles out for the kiddos on a hot Pasadena day! You definitely want to take advantage of their advance book package for a better price.
Address: 459 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA
Timing: Monday – Sunday(9:30am – 4:30pm)
49. Zimmer Children’s Museum
The location is kind of hard to figure out its the building with the parking structure. There is heavy security also friendly enough to guide you through. The place is great for kids especially in this hot summer and affordable.
Address: 6505 Wilshire Blvd #100, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
50. Discovery Cube Los Angeles
The different exhibitions they have are related to how the environment works and how children can find ways to take care of it. Nice place to play while learning.
Address: 11800 Foothill Blvd, Sylmar, CA 91342, USA
Timing: Monday – Sunday ( 10am – 5pm)
51. Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Los Angeles County Museum of Art is always a great place to visit and relax for the day. If you are looking for a place to take great photos this is your place. It’s a very popular place so it can get pretty busy.
Address: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
Timing: 10 am – 7 pm, Wednesday close
Free Admission Museums in Illinois
52. Museum of Contemporary Photography
Nice collection of photography, free and open to the public. 3 levels and 5 rooms of the display so not a huge space. Worth a walk down for the more well-known attractions.
Address: 600 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
Timing: Monday – Saturday(10 am – 5pm)
53. National Museum of Mexican Art
It’s a beautiful free museum that discusses and shows the beauty and story of Mexican culture. Came here on a field trip and had a tour guide walk us through the art.
Address: 1852 W 19th St, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Sunday(10 am – 5pm)
54. National Veterans Art Museum
It’s a small free museum but the expositions are really meaningful. The staff is so nice and the admission is completely free.
Address: 4041 N Milwaukee Ave 2nd floor, Chicago, IL 60641, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Saturday(10am – 5pm)
55. The DePaul Art Museum
Great little free museums, conveniently located just east of the Fullerton CTA station–you can always count on an interesting exhibit. Timewise, it does not require the commitment of a larger museum, but you will still leave feeling satisfied.
Address: 935 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Timing: Wednesday – Sunday(11am – 7pm)
Free Museums in Philadelphia
56. Liberty Bell Center
Definitely worth seeing. Entry is free in this museum. A short interesting exhibit regarding the history of the bell. If you plan to visit Philly I would suggest making reservations to see the other exhibits if possible.
Address: 526 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Monday(9am -5pm)
57. Fireman’s Hall Museum Philadelphia
Great place for the history of the firefighters of Philadelphia. Doesn’t take long to explore and it is not so far out of the way. You can easily fit this self-guided visit in when visiting the oldest street in town.
Address: 147 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Saturday(10am – 4pm)
58. Ryerss Museum & Library
A wonderful, historic place that you don’t have to go to Old City Philadelphia to see. Donation-based entry, so great if you are strapped for cash. Beautiful museum pieces from around the world, and a library.
Address: 7370 Central Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
Timing: Friday – Monday(10am – 4pm)
59. Polish American Cultural Center Museum
For anyone interested in a brief history of the Polish people. Nice place to visit if you have some time on your hands.
Address: 308 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Monday(10am – 4pm)
60. Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia
The small, free museums owned by the U of Penn., with easy parking on the street. If you are interested in learning about contemporary art, this is one of the top venues in the U.S.
Address: 118 S 36th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
Timing: Wednesday – Sunday(11am – 6pm)
61. Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
Knock once for entry. Free admission. Excellent place to stop by – probably a 30-45 minute visit for most people. The rooms are mostly empty except for some cool newspaper clippings for the time period he was here and such.
Address: 532 N 7th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, USA
Timing: Friday-Sunday(9am – 12pm)(1-5pm)
62. Science History Institute
A great hidden gem of a museum, nice exhibits and very interesting. Good for an hour pit stop. Free but full of knowledge and artifacts. A good way to spend time.
Address: 315 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Saturday(10am – 5pm)
Free Museums in NYC
63. American Folk Art Museum
Get in for free, which is great and it’s a small museum with 3 exhibitions spaces. One story but packs a good show inside. It is really pretty good.
Address: 2 Lincoln Square, New York, NY 10023, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Thursday, Saturday(11:30am – 7pm), Saturday – Sunday(11:30am – 7pm)
64. The Harbor Defense Museum
The exhibits are very fascinating but the best part is speaking to the volunteers that work there. Most of them are war veterans and have excellent stories to share.
Address: 230 Sheridan Loop, Brooklyn, NY 11252, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Friday(10am – 4pm)
65. The Bronx Museum of the Arts
Free museums showcase art from minorities; also hosts a variety of plays & shows highlighting artistic expression and talents from lesser-known but very talented artists & playwrights. Must visit this museum!
Address: 1040 Grand Concourse, The Bronx, NY 10456, USA
Timing: Wednesday – Sunday(11am – 6pm)
66. The Hispanic Society of America
The mind-blowing collection of Spanish paintings. The whole museum has a wonderful old-school Spanish charm. Best of all – it’s admission is free!
Address: 613 W 155th St, New York, NY 10032, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Saturday(8am – 4pm)
67. The Morgan Library & Museum
This is the perfect not overcrowded museum to visit in NY, even on Friday afternoons when it’s free (7-9pm). The line was very short and at 7 sharp we were let inside the Museum. The library is super beautiful.
Address: 225 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Thursday(10:30am – 5pm), Saturday – Sunday(10:30am – 6pm)
68. National Museum of the American Indian
Great museum with rotating exhibits. Does a nice job of highlighting the diversity of indigenous American experiences and identities. It’s a free and excellent stop for families and those interested in learning.
Address: Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Monday(10am – 5:30pm)
69. The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology
It’s a nice free gallery in an expensive city. The designs are unique, so I’d recommend taking a few minutes to explore. It’s not a large exhibit, so you wouldn’t need more than an hour unless you live for fashion.
Address: 227 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Friday(12 – 8pm)
70. Queens County Farm Museum
Great place for learning and a good place to visit as a kid and for adults. Friendly staff and relatively clean for a farm.
Address: 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy, Queens, NY 11004, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Monday(10am – 5pm)
71. The New York Public Library Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
If you’re visiting NYC and want to see the old architecture for free, this is highly recommended. Easy to walk to from Grand Central, and you’re welcome to browse freely.
Address: 476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018, USA
Timing: Monday – Wednesday(10am – 7:45pm), Thursday – Saturday(10am – 5:45pm), Sunday(1 – 1:45pm)
72. Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture
The auditorium is awesome. The staff is polite and efficient. I loved their bookstore. This is a very well-run public library that organizes top-notch intellectual events. It is super-easy to get to with public transportation.
Address: 515 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10037, USA
Timing: Thursday – Saturday(10am – 6pm), Tuesday – Wednesday(10am – 8pm), Monday(10am – 6pm).
73. New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
This library is the best New York Public Library. If you need to study or do work, this is the perfect place to be with the wide areas to work and such quiet.
Address: 40 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Saturday(10:30pm – 6pm)
74. Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
A national park gem in the middle of NYC. free admission. knowledgeable tour guide. Cool place to visit and about 60% of the items in the house are authentic to the family.
Address: 28 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003, USA
Timing: Wednesday – Sunday(9am – 5pm)
75. Socrates Sculpture Park
Awesome place to relax and enjoy the view. Great place for pictures. A lot of people are running there early in the morning and this is what I have been doing for a long time. In the evening is great when the sun goes down. The park is really clean.
Address: 32-01 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11106, USA
76. Van Cortlandt House Museum
The peace that you feel in this place is amazing! Perfect for an escape into nature and the past. Staff was very friendly and welcoming! Free admission in this museum.
Address: 6036 Broadway, Van Cortlandt Park, The Bronx, NY 10471, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Sunday(10am – 4pm)
77. New York Hall of Science
It is a great place for adults and children. They had a toddler play area on the first floor. There are lots of activities for the kids to participate in and learn from.
Address: 47-01 111th St, Corona, NY 11368, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Friday(9:30pm – 5pm), Saturday – Sunday(10am – 6pm)
78. Rubin Museum of Art
Beautiful free museums! Came here on a Wednesday evening and it was not packed at all. You will able to leisurely enjoy every floor. You loved it and would definitely be back. Cool installations on the top floor!
Address: 150 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011, USA
Timing: Saturday – Monday(11aM – 6PM), Wednesday(11am – 9pm), Thursday(11am – 5pm), Friday(11am – 10pm).
79. The Jewish Museum
A lovely museum with a nice collection. One can visit during the Leonard Cohen exhibit, which was really special. The gift shop offers a good collection of Judaica and the deli is delicious!
Address: 1109 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA
Timing: Friday – Monday, Tuesday(11am – 5:45pm), Thursday(11am – 8pm)
80. The Frick Collection
The exquisite collection of paintings, furniture, and relics. The central courtyard is tranquil enough for you to want to read or have a picnic. Be aware there’s no food allowed in this free museums.
Address: 1 E 70th St, New York, NY 10021, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Saturday(10am – 6pm), Sunday(11am – 5pm)
81. Brooklyn Children’s Museum
The museum is a great interactive place for kids. There are so many mechanical setups so that kids can interact with them and understand how that works. There is an also cafe with eating areas.
Address: 145 Brooklyn Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Sunday(10am – 7pm)
82. Museum at Eldridge Street Synagogue
Every Monday is free admission. Fascinating view of a vanished society. Learning about the Jewish immigrants who settled in this part of Manhattan and helped to build New York into the city it is today was really interesting.
Address: 12 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002, USA
Timing: Saturday closed, (10am – 5pm)
83. The New-York Historical Society
Nice place. All the items were properly placed. Their collection was also amazing. The atmosphere was calm and positive. All the stuff was very interesting and unique.
Address: 170 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Sunday(10am – 6pm)
84. International Center of Photography
One of the best museum for photography and visual culture Mana Contemporary in Jersey City. You don’t have paid any admission to this free museums.
Address: The Grace Building 1114 6th Avenue 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10036, United States.
85. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
This museum is offering free admission on Saturday from 7-9, but it’s very crowded. Amazing pieces of art which achieve a modern understanding of emotion and character. A must-see when in New York and when new collection at in place.
Address: 1071 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA
Timing: Tuesday(10am – 9pm), Wednesday – Monday(10am – 5:30pm), Saturday(10am – 8pm)
Free Museums in California
86. San Francisco Railway Museum
The museum is free and from the outdoors, it has an unassuming appearance. There are marvelous stories about San Francisco and there are wonderful novelty gifts you can purchase as well. Don’t miss the annual streetcar calendar.
Address: 77 Steuart St, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Sunday(10am – 5pm)
87. Museum of Craft and Design
Kids under 12 are free admission. Small but interesting museum with a well-curated main exhibit(was told they change about every 4 months). No permanent collection. Certainly worth a visit!
Address: 2569 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Saturday(11am – 6pm), Sunday(12-5pm)
88. San Francisco Cable Car Museum
FREE museums of 2 stories. It shows how cable cars operate-even today! It is a great engineering example to show kids. The gift store is also full of quality products to take home as a gift.
Address: 1201 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Monday(10am – 6pm)
89. The San Francisco History Museum – Wells Fargo
Small and free museums that introduce you to the historical times in the rise of California and in turns most of the American banking and investment industry.
Address: 420 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94104, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Friday(9am – 5pm), Monday(9am – 5pm)
Free Museums in Boston
90. Commonwealth Museum
A small museum that is worth a quick visit for its more notable documents, featuring things like Paul Revere’s handwritten expenses. Across the street from the JFK library, the collection is worth the two-minute walk as part of a trip to that part of the city.
Address: 220 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Friday(8:30am – 4:30pm)
91. Harvard Museum of Natural History
Great place to visit. There is a gift shop with exquisite finds, shows unique stones and minerals. A habitat for sea creatures also nature creatures like bees.
Address: 26 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Timing: Tuesday – Monday(9am – 5pm)
92. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Truly remarkable free museums. The architecture, exhibits, and gardens were so unique and made for a great experience. I would recommend you take a few minutes to plan out your tour otherwise you can jump around exhibits very easily. Some exhibits are spread out among two to three floors.
Address: 465 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Timing: Wednesday – Friday(10am – 10pm), Saturday – Sunday, Monday(10am – 5pm)
93. MIT Museum
In the MIT Museum, you will be able to see collections of holography, technology-related artworks, artificial intelligence, robotics, maritime history, and the history of MIT. This museum is situated in Cambridge city of Massachusetts. This museum is completely free.
Address: 265 Massachusetts Avenue Building N51 Cambridge, MA 02139
Timing: Open daily 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m
