Museums and Cultural Institutions

Museums and Cultural Institutions

The Museum and Cultural Institution Benefits

  • IDNYC cardholders are now eligible for free one-year memberships or discounted tickets at a number of participating institutions.
  • Your IDNYC card must be valid. It DOES NOT matter when you received your card.
  • If you redeemed a free membership or paid for a membership less than five years ago, you will not be eligible for a free membership with an IDNYC card. 

The following cultural institutions will provide free membership benefits to all eligible IDNYC cardholders:

  • American Museum of Natural History
  • Bronx County Historical Society
  • Brooklyn Children's Museum
  • Carnegie Hall
  • Central Park Zoo (Enrollment is available at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium)
  • China Institute
  • Flushing Town Hall
  • King Manor
  • Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • MoMA PS1
  • El Museo del Barrio
  • Museum at Eldridge Street
  • Museum of Jewish Heritage
  • Museum of Modern Art
  • Museum of the City of New York
  • New York Aquarium (Enrollment is available at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium)
  • New York City Ballet
  • New York City Center
  • Prospect Park Zoo (Enrollment is available at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium)
  • Public Theater
  • Queens Museum
  • Queens Zoo (Enrollment is available at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium)
  • The Shed
  • Staten Island Children's Museum
  • Staten Island Museum
  • Wildlife Conservation Society at the Bronx Zoo

Participating institutions and their full membership terms are listed below:

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Bronx County Historical Society

Bronx County Historical Society logo

Founded in 1955, The Bronx County Historical Society is an educational and cultural institution committed to preserving, documenting, and promoting the dynamic and diverse history of The Bronx and its peoples. The Society does so through its permanent collections, special exhibitions, education programs, lectures and walking tours, research library and archives, and two national landmark historic house museums: Edgar Allan Poe Cottage and the Museum of Bronx History.

Bronx County Historical Society IDNYC Membership Benefits:

  • Personalized Membership card
  • 10% discount at the museum gift shops and online store
  • Free admission to all of our sites
  • Invitations to Members-only tours and preview exhibitions
  • Subscription annual Bronx County Historical Society Journal
  • Subscription to triannual e-newsletter

To redeem your IDNYC membership, contact Teresa Brown, Chief Administrative Officer, at tbrown@bronxhistoricalsociety.org or 718-881-8900 x103, or in person at 3309 Bainbridge Avenue, The Bronx, NY 10467 between the house of 9am and 5pm, Monday-Friday.

Wildlife Conservation Society / Bronx Zoo

Bronx Zoo logo

The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world's largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. As the world's largest urban zoo, the Bronx Zoo features more than 600 species from around the globe.

WCS, at the Bronx Zoo, IDNYC Member Benefits:

  • Free general admission for one adult to the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo and Queens Zoo
  • 10% discount at select gift shops and restaurants at the Bronx Zoo and Central Park Zoo
  • Discounts on Education programs and courses
  • Invitations to Members' Evenings
  • Free e-newsletters

*enrollment is available at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium.


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Brooklyn Children's Museum

Brooklyn Children's Museum logo

A pioneer in education, Brooklyn Children's Museum was the first museum created expressly for children when it was founded in 1899. With award-winning, hands-on exhibits and innovative use of its collections, the Museum engages children from pre-school to high school in learning adventures. It is the only children's museum in New York City, and one of few in the country, to be accredited by the American Association of Museums.

Brooklyn Children's Museum Individual Membership Package:

  • Free admission for 1 person per visit to Brooklyn Children's Museum.
  • Member express entry on weekends and school holidays
  • Invitations to Member-Only Museum events
  • Receive monthly e-newsletter

NY Aquarium (Enrollment is available at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium)

NY Aquarium logo

As a part of the Wildlife Conservation Society, access to the New York Aquarium is included with the WCS IDNYC Membership.

Enrollment is available at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium.

Please refer to "Wildlife Conservation Society/Bronx Zoo" listing above for further information.

Prospect Park Zoo (Enrollment is available at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium)

Prospect Park Zoo logo

As a part of the Wildlife Conservation Society, access to the Prospect Park Zoo is included with the WCS IDNYC Membership.

Enrollment is available for this location at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo and the New York Aquarium


Please refer to "Wildlife Conservation Society/Bronx Zoo" listing above for further information.


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American Museum of Natural History

American Museum of Natural History logo

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world's preeminent scientific and cultural institutions. Since its founding in 1869, the Museum has advanced its global mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education, and exhibition. The Museum is renowned for its exhibitions and scientific collections, which serve as a field guide to the entire planet and present a panorama of the world's cultures.

American Museum of Natural History - New York Membership Entails:

  • Free unlimited general admission to the Museum (plus up to four additional visitors under the age of 18 when accompanied by NY Membership holder)
  • Individuals will receive unlimited complimentary general admission to the iconic 45 permanent halls of the Museum, which include: Biodiversity and Environmental Halls, Birds and Reptiles & Amphibians Halls, Earth and Planetary Sciences Halls, Fossil Halls, Human Origins and Cultural Halls, Mammal Halls, Rose Center for Earth and Space & the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial.
  • Notice of upcoming educational programming: throughout the year, the Museum's scientific and educational staff conduct numerous scientifically-based educational programs for members and the public to attend. Members will receive advanced notice of these programs via email.
  • Discounts in the Museum Shop: Individuals will receive a 10% discount on Museum Shop purchases.
  • Discounts in the cafes and food court: Individuals will receive a 15% discount on Museum restaurant purchases. Food court and cafes are temporarily unavailable.
  • AMNH Membership Card: Individuals will not receive an AMNH membership card and must present their IDNYC card during every visit.
  • Card holders under the age of 18 are not eligible for this membership package.
  • All Members must provide a valid email address to receive informational updates about the Museum.

Carnegie Hall

Carnegie Hall logo
Carnegie Hall presents more than 180 concerts each year—from orchestral performances, chamber music, recitals, and choral music to folk, world, musical theater, and jazz. The venue is also home to over 500 independently produced events each year. Through the work of The Weill Music Institute at Carnegie Hall, wide-reaching music education programs serve people in the New York City metropolitan region, across the United States, and around the world, playing a central role in Carnegie Hall's commitment to making great music accessible to as many people as possible. Continually building on its long-standing tradition of excellence and innovation, Carnegie Hall remains one of the world's premier concert venues.


Carnegie Hall IDNYC Membership Benefits:


Ticket pre-sales and discounts are not available until Carnegie Hall resumes normal operations. IDNYC applications can only be submitted via email until Carnegie Hall resumes normal operations

  • Two complementary passes to Open Working Rehearsals
  • Access to subscriptions and single tickets before the general public
  • Half-price ticket offers on select Carnegie Hall-presented concerts
  • Digital access to selected performances on Carnegie Hall+, our new premium subscription channel
  • Monthly Keynotes email benefit guide
  • Discounts at neighborhood restaurants, stores, hotels and more
  • 10% off breakfast and lunch offerings at Carnegie Hall's Weill Café
  • Exclusive discount of 10% off purchases from the Carnegie Hall Shop, as well as monthly offers

Central Park Zoo (Enrollment is available at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium)

Central Park Zoo logo

As a part of the Wildlife Conservation Society, access to the Central Park Zoo is included with the WCS IDNYC Membership.

Enrollment is available at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium.

Please refer to "Wildlife Conservation Society/Bronx Zoo" listing above for further information.

China Institute

China Insitute logo

Founded in 1926, China Institute is the nation's oldest, and most comprehensive educational and cultural center devoted to teaching the public about China and Chinese language, art, culture, and U.S.-China business. China Institute's arts and culture programs, education platforms, and services for business enhance the fabric and landscape of Lower Manhattan and reach diverse audiences, including art-lovers, students of all ages, educators and school administrators, families, scholars, general audiences from across the New York metropolitan area, and domestic and international tourists.

China Institute IDNYC Membership Benefits:


  • Complimentary admission to select programs, including arts & culture, business, fashion, food, film and more!
  • Complimentary admission to Renwen Society lectures (conducted in Mandarin)
  • Unlimited complimentary admission to China Institute Gallery
  • 25% off discount on all Gallery publications
  • Discount on admission to fee-based programs
  • Discount on tuition for classes at School of Chinese Studies

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc.

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts logo


Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc.

Lincoln Center IDNYC Membership Benefits:

  • Access to presales for Lincoln Center Presents performances
  • Electronic subscription to the Lincoln Center's newsletter
  • Electronic subscription to the Lincoln Center Presents weekly email

Additionally, IDNYC cardholder will receive the following discounts:

  • 10% discount on food and beverage at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts managed venue bars, limited to David Geffen Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and outdoor summer venues. Excludes seasonal concessionaires. 
  • 10% discount on Lincoln Center tours, limited to 2 admissions for one tour per IDNYC


Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metropolitan Museum of Art logo

The Metropolitan Museum of Art presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The museum lives in two iconic sites in New York City - The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters, located in Northern Manhattan.

IDNYC cardholders, ages 18 and older, are eligible for a free one-year Membership at the Met. Memberships are issued onsite.

Benefits Include:

  • Free admission for one to the Met Fifth Avenue, and the Met Cloisters
  • Personalized Membership card
  • Emails about exhibitions and select Museum programs

MoMA

MoMA logo

The Museum of Modern Art connects people from around the world to the art of our time. Founded in 1929, MoMA was the first museum dedicated to new art and this bold, experimental vision guides us today. Through our exhibitions, ever-changing collection, and programming for all ages, we aspire to be a catalyst for learning and creativity, and a home for artists and their ideas.

MoMA IDNYC Membership Benefits:

  • Free priority access, year-round to MoMA and MoMA PS1
  • $5 guest admission for up to five guests on every visit
  • Free tickets to MoMA films*
  • Member-only viewing opportunities, including exhibition previews and Last Looks
  • 10% discount at MoMA stores

*Film tickets may include a processing fee, and are subject to availability

Disclaimer:

IDNYC cardholders can receive a free, one-year membership that is called “MoMA NYC.” Benefits conferred are comparable to the Access category. These memberships must be redeemed in person to collect the IDNYC number.

New York State ID cardholders are not eligible for this free membership.

If you redeemed a free membership or paid for a membership less than five years ago, you will not be eligible for a free membership with an IDNYC card.

MoMA NYC members who wish to renew after their first year of membership may renew at the Access or Explore categories at a 50% discount–$55 or $100 respectively. This renewal rate is only available in their second year of membership and cannot be combined with other offers.

El Museo del Barrio

El Museo del Barrio logo

El Museo del Barrio IDNYC Membership Benefits:

  • Free entrance to the galleries for one person presenting the IDNYC
  • 10% discount to La Tienda, El Museo’s gift shop
  • Subscription to El Museo’s e-blast newsletters

Museum at Eldridge Street

Museum at Eldridge Street logo

The Museum at Eldridge Street is housed in the 1887 Eldridge Street Synagogue, a magnificent National Historic Landmark that has been meticulously restored. The Eldridge Street Synagogue is the first great house of worship built in America by Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. Explore the building's history, architecture and culture while discovering its vibrant Lower East Side/Chinatown neighborhood. Highlights include awe-inspiring architecture, a new stained-glass window by artist Kiki Smith and Deborah Gans, and award-winning digital displays.

Museum at Eldridge Street IDNYC Membership Benefits:

  • Free admission for two people
  • 25% discount off concerts/programs for up to two people
  • And a 10% discount on purchases at our gift shop


Museum of Jewish Heritage

Museum of Jewish Heritage logo

The Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust is New York's contribution to the global responsibility to never forget. The Museum is committed to the critical mission of educating diverse visitors about Jewish life before, during, and after the Holocaust. Anchoring the southernmost tip of Manhattan, the Museum of Jewish heritage completes the cultural and educational landscape it shares with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Museum of Jewish Heritage IDNYC Membership Benefits: 

Unlimited free admission for one

  • Unlimited free admission for one
  • Up to two $8 guest tickets on every visit
  • Access to members-only programs and events
  • Invitations to preview new exhibitions
  • Discounts on public programs and events
  • 50% off Virtual Travel
  • 20% off our online Holocaust Education Courses
  • Subscription to the digital Member Newsletter
  • Access to Jewish Heritage Travel program
  • 10% off at LOX at Cafe Bergson
  • 10% off at the Pickman Shop
  • Pre-sale and savings to Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene
  • 10% off at LOX Cafe Bergson
  • 10% off at the Pickman Shop

Museum of the City of New York

Museum of the City of New York logo

The Museum of the City of New York celebrates and interprets the city, educating the public about its distinctive character, especially its heritage of diversity, opportunity, and perpetual transformation. Founded in 1923 as a private, nonprofit corporation, the Museum connects the past, present, and future of New York City. It serves the people of New York and visitors from around the world through exhibitions, school and public programs, publications, and collections.

Museum of the City of New York IDNYC Individual Membership Package:

  • Free unlimited yearly admission for one with your valid IDNYC card
  • Discounts on Public Programs, including lectures, performances, and walking tours.
  • Subscription to the e-newsletter and e-calendar.
  • 15% discount in the Museum Shop and Chalsty's Café

New York City Ballet

New York City Ballet logo

Experience New York City Ballet in a new way by becoming a NYCB member through the IDNYC program. Members watch private rehearsals onstage with renowned choreographers and ballet masters, attend members-only receptions, and celebrate NYCB with discounts at the Gift Shop.

New York City Ballet IDNYC Membership Benefits:

  • Invitation to four weekly working rehearsals onstage (member +1 guest)
  • Invitation to two working dress rehearsals onstage (member +1 guest)
  • 15% discount at NYCB's Gift Shop
  • View select Orchestra rehersals during the repertory season
  • Personalized membership card


New York City Center

New York City Center logo

New York City Center, now in its 70th year, has played a defining role in the cultural life of the city since 1943. It was Manhattan's first performing arts center, dedicated by Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia in 1943 with a mission to make the best in music, theater and dance accessible to all audiences. Today, City Center is home to many distinguished companies, including City Center's Principal Dance Company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, as well as Manhattan Theatre Club; a roster of renowned national and international visiting artists; and its own critically acclaimed and popular programs.

New York City Center IDNYC Membership Benefits:

  • Pre-sale opportunities on select events
  • Access to the Membership Hotline – a dedicated telephone number for Member services
  • City Center's exclusive monthly e-newsletter
  • A benefit's card entitling the Member to special offers at more than 30 neighborhood sites, including local restaurants and parking

The Public Theater

The Public Theater logo

The Public Theater
Public Supporter Membership

  • Access to one (1) discounted, no-fee, ticket to the Public's Astor Place season
  • Access to two (2) additional full priced, no-fee tickets to the Public's Astor Place season
  • Priority Access window to purchase tickets before the general public
  • 20% discount on food and drink at The Library restaurant and Lobby bar
  • Free ticket exchanges
  • Dedicated customer service from The Supporters Desk vis phone or email
  • Digital Membership card

The Shed

The Shed logo

The Shed commissions original works of art, across all disciplines, for all audiences. We bring together established and emerging artists in fields ranging from hip hop to classical music, painting to digital media, theater to literature, and sculpture to dance. Driven by the belief that access to art is a right and not a privilege, The Shed strives to present exciting, engaging experiences.

  • Free priority admission for up to two people to all exhibitions
  • 15% discount on up to two tickets for all live productions
  • 10% discount at The Shed bar and shop
  • Special communications from the artistic director, artists, producers, and curators

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Flushing Town Hall

Flushing Town Hall logo

Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts, located at historic Flushing Town Hall, was founded in 1979 to be a revitalizing force for its community, a catalyst for developing and promoting the visual and performing arts in Queens, and a bridge to promote intercultural understanding through the arts in the most culturally diverse county in the United States.

Flushing Town Hall IDNYC Membership Benefits:

  • One treat-a-friend pass redeemable for event tickets*
  • Up to 30% off event tickets: two tickets per event*
  • Free event ticket exchanges*
  • 10% Gift Shop discounts
  • Exclusive access to Flushing Town Hall's "Members Lounge", a quarterly pre-show event for members and invited guests with complimentary beverages and refreshments
  • Reciprocal benefits at Queens Botanical Garden, including half price admission to the Garden and 10% giftshop discount (just mention you're a FTH member!)
  • Reciprocal benefits at Queens Museum, including 10% giftshop discount and special invitations to Members-Only Talks (just mention you're a FTH member!)
  • Calling all visual artists! Invitation to enter Flushing Town Hall's Annual Visual Artists Member Show

King Manor

King Manor logo

King Manor was the home of Rufus King (1755-1827), a framer of the United States Constitution and early voice in the anti-slavery movement. Join us for historic tours, art exhibitions, workshops, and festivals!

King Manor Museum membership benefits:

  • Year-long Admissions Pass
  • Buy-one-get-one 50% off admission to our Governor's Ball, a 19th-century costumed party held annually each December

MoMA PS1

MoMA PS1 logo

MoMA PS1 is one of the oldest and largest nonprofit contemporary art institutions in the United States. An exhibition space rather than a collecting institution, MoMA PS1 devotes its energy and resources to displaying the most experimental art in the world. A catalyst and an advocate for new ideas, discourses, and trends in contemporary art, MoMA PS1 actively pursues emerging artists, new genres, and adventurous new work by recognized artists in an effort to support innovation in contemporary art.

MoMA PS1 invites IDNYC cardholders to enjoy a free one-year membership, offered jointly with the Museum of Modern Art's MoMA NYC program. Membership benefits include:

  • One personalized membership card
  • Free admission for one to MoMA PS1 and The Museum of Modern Art during regular operating hours
  • $2 discount on same-day, onsite tickets to Sunday Sessions and Warm Up programs at MoMA PS1
  • 10% discount in the MoMA Stores and at store.moma.org
  • Free same-day, onsite tickets to MoMA Film screenings
  • Monthly members-only e-newsletter

Queens Museum

Queens Museum logo

The Queens Museum is dedicated to presenting the highest quality visual arts and educational programming for people in the New York metropolitan area, and particularly for the residents of Queens, a uniquely diverse, ethnic, cultural, and international community.

Queens Museum Family Membership Benefits:

  • Free admission for 2 adults and up to 4 children
  • 10% discount at Museum Shop and Cafe
  • Invitations to special events and openings

Queens Zoo (Enrollment is available at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium)

Queens Zoo logo

As a part of the Wildlife Conservation Society, access to the Queens Zoo is included with the WCS IDNYC Membership.

Enrollment is available for this location at either the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo or New York Aquarium

Please refer to "Wildlife Conservation Society/Bronx Zoo" listing above for further information.


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Staten Island

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Staten Island Children's Museum

Staten Island Children's Museum logo

The Staten Island Children's Museum features 10 indoor and 2 outdoor exhibits, a dedicated art workshop and a performance space. Visitors can explore different climates, examine bugs and other arthropods, learn about construction and urban planning, build with blocks, hop on board a fire truck and play games throughout the interactive exhibits.

Staten Island Children's Museum IDNYC Membership Benefits:

  • One e-membership* permitting general admission for one with photo ID (all adults must be accompanied by a child to enter)
  • Invitations and Discounts for Special and Members Only Events
  • Children's Museum email newsletter subscription
  • Children's Museum calendar mailing three times per year

Staten Island Museum

Staten Island Museum logo

Founded in 1881, the Staten Island Museum, New York City's only general interest museum, engages visitors with interdisciplinary exhibitions and educational programs that explore the dynamic connections between natural science, art and history based on its diverse collections. The Museum is dedicated to making its current and future collections broadly accessible for educators, students, researchers and the general public by providing authentic experiences in the field and at the Museum.

Staten Island Museum IDNYC Membership Benefits

  • Free Museum admission, year-round!
  • 10% Discount in the Museum Store
  • Special Member Discounts for Events and Programs
  • Invitations to Special Events and Programs
  • Subscription to the Museum's e-blasts

This free membership package is unavailable to existing members, IDNYC cardholder who became Museum members previously, or individuals whose memberships have lapsed since 2014. Redeem the museum membership in person at the Visitor Services desk. Available to all New York City residents age 14 and older.