Free and Suggested Admission

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New York City Cultural Organizations with Free and Suggested Admission

Photo by Tagger Yancey IV/NYC Tourism + Conventions.

Photo by Tagger Yancey IV/NYC Tourism + Conventions.


New York City is home to hundreds of galleries, theaters, dance companies, museums, concert halls, zoos, botanical gardens and more, which together form a cultural ecosystem that strengthens our communities, drives our economy, and makes our city the cultural capital of the world.

The Department of Cultural Affairs supports more than 1,000 cultural nonprofits across the city, many of which offer free, low-cost, and family friendly programming so that New Yorkers from all walks of life have the opportunity to engage with our city’s extraordinary cultural assets. Below, you will find that this list has been categorized by borough and by which venues offer free or suggested admission every day and which have free admission on certain days and hours, all for New York City residents.

The admissions policies summarized below are subject to change, so please confirm details directly with the host organization before planning your visit. Note that even at organizations with free or suggested admission, special programs and exhibitions often include a separate, required admission charge. Admissions policies often vary for visitors based on a number of factors including place of residence, age (e.g. discounts for seniors), and other factors. The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs is not responsible or liable for the delay and/or cancellation of events or modification of admission policies at the institutions listed below.

Last Updated: January 2025

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Bronx

Always Free or Suggested Admission

Venues with Free Hours or Days

Brooklyn

Always Free or Suggested Admission

Venues with Free Hours or Days
Unless otherwise noted, the organizations below offer free admission during hours or days listed.

 

Manhattan

Always Free or Suggested Admission

Venues with Free Hours or Days
Unless otherwise noted, the organizations below offer free admission during hours or days listed.

Queens

Staten Island

Multi Borough Arts & Culture

Always Free or Suggested Admission

  • ChaShaMa | Free Admission
    • ChaShaMa is an arts organizations dedicated to providing creative space for artists to work while also hosting and supporting a variety of events and exhibitions throughout the city.
  • Creative Time | Free Admission
    • Creative Time commissions and presents art installations around New York City, the country, and the world. Check back regularly to see what’s in store.
  • NYC Percent for Art 40th Anniversary Map | Free Admission
    • The City of New York's Percent for Art program commissions permanent, site-specific artworks for a wide range of public facilities. Explore 40 public art projects across the five boroughs with the celebratory 40th anniversary map.
  • NYC Parks – Art in the Parks | Free Admission
    • Through collaborations with a diverse group of arts organizations and artists, NYC Parks brings to the public both experimental and traditional art in park locations across the five boroughs.
  • Public Art Fund | Free Admission
    • Public Art Fund is dedicated to installing dynamic artworks around New York City for all to experience.

Free Access Initiatives

  • Culture Pass
    • Explore New York City’s museums and attractions with Culture Pass. If you have a library card, you can reserve free passes to 100+ participating cultural institutions.
  • IDNYC
    • IDNYC is a card for all New Yorkers, regardless of their immigration status. Free for all New Yorkers, this identification card for residents provides access to a wide variety of services and programs, including benefits and discounts offered by cultural institutions.




Do you have comments, edits, or something you think should be added here? Email us at pr@culture.nyc.gov.