15 Best Free Museums in NYC + MAP

The `Big Apple` is renowned for its exceptional collection of museums, but what may not be realized is that there are many free museums in New York City. So, if you’re seeking free things to do in NYC, think about dedicating a day to one of these institutions.

Numerous free art galleries, science institutions, and history displays thrive in New York City, ensuring engagement with subjects appealing to diverse interests. This guide outlines 15 premier gratis museums in the metropolitan region, in addition to facilities occasionally offering admission-free periods and hours across the week. Forearmed with this knowledge, planned visits can maximize both cultural enrichment and financial thriftiness.

I will share a map with the locations of all the institutes and museums with you so that you can easily find the ones along your route. Be sure to have it handy in case you come across a rainy day during your travels, or you feel like experiencing some art and culture while visiting NYC!

1. American Museum of Natural History, the best free museum in NYC

♦ Pay-what-you-wish for occupants of NY, NJ, and CT

Initially, the American Museum of Natural Historyis a globally renowned institution, therefore it must be visited. One proviso to the free admission is that one must reside in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut; otherwise, one will have to pay the full price for a ticket.

It’s worth visiting since this is undoubtedly one of the top free museums in NYC. The museum’s famous rotunda showcasing Theodore Roosevelt was featured in the movie Night at the Museum, and its collection of dinosaur fossils is the largest worldwide.

Among the striking fossils here are a T-rex, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, and Brontosaurus. There are also magnificent whale bones hanging from the ceiling, so you can grasp the vastness of these creatures.

Along with collections of fossils, the museum houses several exhibits dedicated to mammals, birds, and reptiles, displays highlighting biodiversity, and cultural galleries exploring ancient civilizations and peoples. The planetary and earth science displays are also worth seeing as they feature meteorites, minerals, gems, and the 20-carat Okavango Blue Diamond. For all these reasons, the American Museum of Natural History stands out as one of the premier activities in New York City, so be sure to check it out.

2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of NYC’s best free art museums

♦ Pay-what-you-wish for occupants of NY, NJ, and CT

The most expansive art museum in the Western Hemisphere, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is also one of the museums located in Manhattan that you can visit at no cost if you reside in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. If you see yourself as an aficionado of art, then you cannot visit NYC without going to the Met.

The Plaza conveys vintage New York charm, making it one of the finest 5-star hotels in all of New York City. It’s in one of the most renowned buildings in NYC, a French Renaissance estate with a green-tiled sloped roof and a marble facade.

Within the various artwork, sketches, sculptures, pottery, and handicrafts, The Met displays medieval armor, thousands of costumes, musical instruments, and photographs. Moreover, as one of the premier art galleries globally, it hosts temporary exhibits that rotate, so there is regularly something novel to see.

Without any uncertainty, if you’re seeking a free museum of art in NYC, The Met should top your list. Visitors can easily spend a day exploring the galleries and installations, and if the weather is pleasant, the rooftop gardens. But don’t worry if you have only 3 days in NYC. You can cover the primary highlights in 1 or 2 hours.

3. The Bronx Museum of the Arts, one of the top free art museums in NYC

♦ Free entrance for everyone

Another complimentary NYC art museum worth a visit is the Bronx Museum of the Arts, which showcases contemporary American works. While the core collection spotlights artists from the United States, the museum also hosts temporary exhibits from South America, Asia, and Africa.

Best of all, no fees are charged to see the collection, so anyone interested can view the works. Externally, the institution has an accordion-like structure, while internally, a sculpture garden on the second floor displays additional pieces.

As you explore the different sections of the museum, you will see various modern pieces and artistic installations, many of which motivate you to delve deeper into their underlying significance. In the past, the museum has highlighted works produced by Hispanic artists situated in the U.S., street artists based in Harlem, and creations by artists involved in the museum`s fellowship program. Hence, spending time at this museum serves as a great way to broaden your horizons and learn more about other cultures while admiring great works of art.

Furthermore, the Bronx is known for its artistic roots, generally graffiti art and hip-hop, so after visiting the museum, you can explore other locations in The Bronx.

4. American Folk Art Museum, another awesome free museum in New York City

♦ Free entrance for everyone

Situated in Manhattan’s Upper West Side district, the American Folk Art Museum consists of an establishment that is free of charge to visit in New York City holding various inspiring drawings, paintings, textiles, and handicrafts. Many of the works exhibited here mirror a particular culture or folk tradition, rendering it one of the more novel museums in the large city.

What’s great concerning this institute is that there is something for everyone, whether you prefer classic art forms like painting and sculpture, or you’re into contemporary work like found-object art and 3D installations.

Many works showcased here were fashioned by self-taught artists, making this a unique, complimentary NYC museum encouraging imagination and creative expression. Admission is constantly free of charge, and the proximity to Central Park renders the location highly practical.

5. National Museum of the American Indian, a fun, free museum in NYC to visit

♦ Free entrance for everyone

The National Museum of the American Indian in Manhattan is part of the Smithsonian Institution, and thus it is considered one of the top museums in NYC overall that is associated with that institution. It also happens to be one of NYC’s free museums to visit, so there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t check it out!

Here, hundreds of Native American artifacts and artworks from North, Central, and South America can be viewed. Notable collections incorporate headdresses, ceremonial apparel, and pottery on display. These items craft an impeccable journey through Mesoamerica, the Amazon, the Andes Mountains, and Patagonia. The museum also shows works by modern Native artists, rendering it a beautiful collection spanning various generations and regions.

In addition to ancient objects and artifacts, the museum contains multimedia installations, photography, and a performance area.

6. El Museo del Barrio, another cool free museum in New York City

♦ Offering pay-what-you-wish admission for all

El Museo del Barrio is another museum located in New York City where visitors can pay what they wish, including being able to access free exhibitions. The museum’s collections focus on Latin American culture and art representing South America and the Caribbean. Here, people can find a variety of items including paintings, photographs, mixed-media pieces, fine prints, pre-Columbian archaeological objects, and additional artifacts.

The museum also hosts educational programs, cultural performances, films, and events to celebrate Latin American culture for the public. You’ll notice a unique focus on Puerto Rican art and community, reflecting the sizable Puerto Rican population in New York City.

The scope of the museum’s compilation is impressive, as you could find anything from modern art to 20^th-century prints, to folk artwork and relics from the indigenous Taíno people of the Caribbean. Relying on while you visit, you may locate the museum web hosting or sponsoring unique exhibitions and festivals, like Three Kings Day in early January.

7. Queens Museum, another free art museum in NYC to visit

♦ Offering pay-what-you-wish admission for all

The Queens Museum is another stunning, complimentary art museum in NYC that I highly recommend. Admission is pay-what-you-are-able, and inside, you’ll find over 10,000 objects, many of which were fashioned for the World’s Fairs of 1939 and 1964.

Within the collection are paintings by Salvador Dalí, photographs by Robert Moses, and an assortment of Tiffany glass. The permanent collection also incorporates the Panorama of the City of New York, a 9,335-square-foot model of New York City’s five boroughs. The architectural replica was built for the 1964 World’s Fair and has undergone updates over the years to keep the model precise.

In addition to these classic creations, the Queens Museum also exhibits contemporary and current work, like Black, Trans, & Alive (Queens Song), a mural by NYC-based musician Glori Tuitt. Moreover, the museum is in Flushing Meadows – Corona Park, one of the prime parks in NYC. So, after exploring the museum, you can spend some time appreciating this public park, which was also built for the 1939 World’s Fair.

8. Museum of the City of New York, a free NYC museum with lots of art and history

♦ Offering pay-what-you-wish admission for all

• February, March, and April – As spring draws closer, the weather begins to get warmer again. The days also start to lengthen, but there’s still a high probability of seeing an aurora display. Best of all, these months, particularly March, tend to have fewer cloudy conditions than the rest of year .

The MCNY conserves the history of NYC through a collection of 1.5 million items, like paintings, images, outfits, furnishings, old toys, manuscripts, and dioramas. A number of the exhibition`s rooms relate to the history of Dutch New Amsterdam, a colonial settlement that arrived in Manhattan in the 17th century.

Some of its most popular items include a selection of photos from the Great Depression era and over 3,000 prints by Currier & Ives. That said, you’ll find more than visual art here, as the museum hosts a rotating roster of free exhibits in New York City related to Broadway, music, sports, and current events.

Admission to the Museum of the City of New York is free for all, although a small donation is encouraged.

9. The Museum at FIT, a fun, fashionable, and free museum in NYC

♦ Free entrance for everyone

If you’re seeking something a bit unconventional, stop by the Museum at FIT, another complimentary museum inNew York City. The museum was established by the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), a public college focused on fashion industry business and design.

As you can imagine, the Museum of Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is an aesthetically pleasing institute that also houses historically and culturally important pieces from around the globe. The collection contains over 50,000 costumes and accessories spanning the 1700s to the present day.

Those with an eye for fashion will enjoy exploring the galleries displaying avant-garde ensembles, in addition to designer dresses by Balenciaga, Chanel, and Dior. You can also find historical clothing, the outfit Michelle Obama wore on Inauguration Day in 2008, and future-oriented eco-conscious designs. There is even a gallery floor dedicated to works by students and faculty at FIT.

Access to this exhibit space is consistently free of charge, so if you want to indulge your passion for style, be sure to check it out!

10. Brooklyn Museum, a lovely free art museum in NYC you can’t miss

♦ Offering pay-what-you-wish admission for all

Its historic center, declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, is a picturesque maze of old structures, flower-adorned balconies, charming plazas, and delightful churches. I recommend leisurely wandering through its narrow roads and swinging by the Mercado de la Recova and Plaza de España – two top attractions in La Palma.

One of the most significant museums in New York City, with around 1.5 million articles extending from Egyptian artifacts to Japanese antiquities, and European work. The works in the collection cover about 3,000 years, so there is fairly a lot to see here. On the off chance that you’re brief on time, you can plan your visit as indicated by the sort of workmanship that intrigues you.

Along with works by Rothko, Rockwell, Degas, and O’Keeffe, the Brooklyn Museum possesses a sculpture garden and a library archive containing about 300,000 items. While the museum’s collection of ancient and modern art is most impressive, contemporary pieces also showcase fashion designers, environmental art, and current feminist works.

Entrance is by donation, so be sure to check out this free NYC art gallery while exploring Brooklyn for the day!

11. Staten Island Museum, a free museum in NYC to learn about culture

♦ Offering pay-what-you-wish admission for all

It is likely that you already know taking a ride on the Staten Island Ferry is one of the best free activities available in NYC, however did you realize that Staten Island is home to one of NYC’s premier free museums? The Staten Island Museum offers admission determined by what one chooses to pay and is the sole remaining general interest museum in NYC retaining its original function.

Founded in 1881, the museum houses collections ranging from ancient history to modern topics. It categorizes its holdings into three primary branches – art, history, and science – with each branch containing subgenres and individual galleries.

Depending on your interests, you may want to explore the natural science collection, which has over 50,000 specimens of mammals, birds, insects, and fossils. The history section contains maps, photographs, audio and visual records, and artifacts dating back to the 1600s. As for the art galleries, they cover everything from ancient African art to contemporary works from the U.S.

The museum also holds an art preservation studio and history center near the Snug Harbor CulturalCenter, featuring a life-size reconstruction of a mastodon and a collection of Hudson River School landscape paintings. As can be seen, this provides a fun, cost-free museum in NYC with something for everyone, so add it to your list of must-dos! Additionally, there are many other activities to do in Staten Island.

12. Socrates Sculpture Park, a beautiful outdoor free museum in New York City

♦ Free entrance for everyone

While some of the free NYC museums I’ve mentioned have garden areas featuring sculptures, it’s not exactly the same experience as visiting a full sculpture park. This is why I suggest checking out the Socrates Sculpture Park, one of the excellent museums located in Queens.

This public space/outdoor museum was built on an abandoned dumping area, and today focuses on bringing sculptures and multi-media installations to the community. Covering four acres, it’s the largest outdoor exhibition space in the city dedicated to the art of sculpture. The park also hosts workshops, programs, and free events like capoeira lessons, movies, and yoga classes.

Since opening in 1986, Socrates Sculpture Park has displayed works by prominent American artists, many located in New York City. The pieces featured range from kinetic and interactive sculptures to commemorative items and serene remnants, so visitors enjoy seeing which sculptures adorn the park on each visit.

13. Bushwick Collective, an outdoor free art gallery in NYC

♦ Free of charge for all

The Bushwick Collective first began with just one mural in Brooklyn back in 2011 and has since developed into an outdoor free gallery showcasing art in NYC. Now, the Collective is similar to an open museum demonstrating the street paintings, graffiti, and murals of New York-based musicians and famous names like Banksy and Blek le Rat.

There is a wide variety of public art here, including vibrant works with lighthearted themes and more somber creations that also serve as social commentary. Each wall tells a distinctive story, and the Bushwick Collective is one the most popular destinations to visit in Brooklyn.

Moreover, the Collective holds a free, annual street art showcase including music, food, artists, and local vendors, so if you’re visiting during the summer, check it out.

If wanting to self-guide through the Bushwick Collective, a good starting point is Flushing Avenue near the Jefferson Street Station. That said, I recommend taking this Brooklyn Street Art Tour; it will ensure nothing is missed, and it is one of the best walking tours in NYC.

14. MoMA PS1, another free art museum in NYC you should check out

♦ Offering pay-what-you-wish admission for all

Queens is home to another free museum dedicated to visual art located in New York City and one of the largest contemporary art institutions in the country, MoMA PS1. Affiliated with the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), this museum focuses on experimental art installations and innovations in fields related to art and design.

In addition to collaborating with artists from across their nation and around the world, MoMA PS1 emphasizes the work of self-taught creators and multi-dimensional pieces of art. Furthermore, the museum routinely commissions an artist to generate a work or installation for its PS1 Courtyard, which brings together the museum, neighborhood, and community in one outdoor space.

MoMA PS1 additionally plays host to a mid year music arrangement, open air exhibitions, and brief shows close by its consistent accumulation, which spreads from the 1880s to the present day. Admission is pay-what-you-care for, so on the off chance that you adore cutting edge and present day workmanship however don’t need to break the financial plan, this is the ideal free NYC exhibition hall for you!

15. Godwin-Ternbach Museum at Queens College, another top free museum in NYC

♦ Free entrance for everyone

The last free art museum in NYC that I want to highlight is also in the borough of Queens. The Godwin-Ternbach Museum at Queens College is part of the College’s Kupferberg Center for the Visual and Performing Arts. It focuses on contemporary culture and history through its collection of over 7,000 objects and artifacts.

Along with providing no-cost entry to its exhibits in NYC, the Godwin-Ternbach Museum also offers free programming and public events. In the past, the museum has hosted gallery discussions, lectures, workshops, and films that highlight the traditions and cultures of Queens.

Concerning its permanent collection, the museum maintains art from ancient global cultures, as well as modern paintings, drawings, and sculptures from Western and non-Western artists. Some highlights from the collection include the marble Mask of Silenus, a stone-carved Bodhisattva, medieval depictions of the Madonna with Child, abstract sketches from Kandinsky, and Warhol’s renowned Soup Cans series.

Sometimes-free museums in NYC

Now you have knowledge of the top free museums in NYC, but were you aware that some other museums provide exclusive free days each month? Listed below are the institutions and galleries that hold cost-free museum nights in NYC, either on a weekly or monthly basis:

NYC Museums with monthly free days