Free Museums in New York City

From the revitalized hipster-haven neighborhood Williamsburg, in Brooklyn, to the many galleries of Chelsea, to the museum mile of the Upper East Side, one is never at a loss for art while in New York City. If your wallet is thin and you’ve exhausted gallery hopping, don’t fret. As long as you pay attention to a calendar you still have so many more free options. While museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) generally charge $20. for admission you can get around that fee by going on a night designated “Pay as you wish.”

Pay as you go wish nights are usually one specific night per week where a museum will open its doors to anyone who wishes to enter regardless of whether they can pay. On these nights, you can gain admittance for free, or if you’re feeling charitable you can drop a few bucks or whatever amount “you wish” towards the museum. Some museums offer a suggested amount for donation, but you are never required to pay anything on these nights; it’s always at your discretion. No don’t shy away at the mention of “suggested donation.” I very often see people ignoring the suggested amount and donating nothing.

There are many museums around the city that offer free admission nights. Here is your guide, organized by night of the week.

TUESDAYS

Brooklyn Botanic Garden
While this isn’t a traditional art museum, it definitely shares a fine art sensibility. Walk through the grounds and you can see beautiful plants in full bloom or turtles swimming in ponds. Just a mere subway ride away, this is a treat for a nature lover who feels crowded by the big buildings of Manhattan. Free all day. At 1000 Washington Ave, Brooklyn. 718-623-7200. Take the 2/3 train to Eastern Parkway Station or the D train to Prospect Park Station. Also the B41, B43, B48, and B71 all stop there.

Cooper Hewitt Museum
Dedicated to historic and contemporary design, this museum is part of the Smithsonian Institution. The museum is inside of the Andrew Carnegie Mansion and contains more than 200,000 design objects. Free 5pm-9pm. At 2 East 91st St on 5th Ave. 212-849-8400. Take 4/5/6 trains to 86th St. Station.

Jewish Museum
While the Jewish Museum is one of the largest Jewish museums in the world it is also an American art museum. A permanent exhibit there focuses on the history of the Jewish people. Free 5pm-8pm. 1109 5th Ave at 92nd Street. 212-423-3200. Take the 4/5/6 Trains to 86th St Station.

WEDNESDAYS

Bronx Museum of the Arts
This museum takes into consideration its neighborhood and therefore reflects it with art of many cultures, particularly African-American and Latin. It hosts hundreds of 20th Century and Contemporary pieces of art. Free all day. 1040 Grand Concourse at 165th Street, Bronx. 718-681-6000. Take the 4/B/D Trains to 161 St. Station.

The Children’s Musuem of Arts
Geared toward children 10 years old and younger, this museum is great fun for the family as it features interactive exhibitions. Free 5pm-7pm. 182 Lafayette St. between Grand St. and Broome St. 212-941-9198. Take the 6 Train to Spring St. or Canal St. Station, or N/R Trains to Prince St. or Canal St. Stations.

THURSDAYS

American Craft Museum
If you’re a contemporary art nut, this may be the place for you. Featuring sculptures in a variety of mediums, there are many unique pieces at the American Craft Museum. Free 6pm-8pm. 40 West 53rd St. 212-956-3535. Take E/F to 5th Ave Station, B/D to 7th Ave Station, N/R to 49th St. Station, or Q to Rockefeller Center Station.

New Museum of Contemporary Art
Just as it sounds this museum is dedicated to Contemporary Art. Located in the SoHo neighborhood, a lot of the work displayed is quite unusual. Free 6pm-8pm to visitors under 18, all others $3.00. 583 Broadway between Prince adn Houston Streets. 212-219-1222. Take 6 Train to Spring or Bleeker St. Stations, N/R Trains to Prince St. Station, C/E Trains to Spring St. Station, and F Train to Broadway/Lafayette St. Station.

FRIDAYS

Asia Society
This museum is focused on works relating to Asia and the Pacific, and its population. Free 6pm-9pm. 725 Park Ave at 70th St. 212-288-6400. Take 6 Train to 68th St/Hunter College Station or F Train to 63rd St./Lexington Ave Station.

Museum of Modern Art
One of the most famous museums in the entire world, this newly renovated museum is a must-stop destination for both tourists and natives. Boasting over 100,000 works of art, MOMA hosts pieces from many different mediums. Expect the unusual, as the museum has many modern works. New Museum of Contemporary Art www.newmuseum.org
Just as it sounds this museum is dedicated to Contemporary Art. Located in the SoHo neighborhood, a lot of the work displayed is quite unusual. Free 6pm-8pm to visitors under 18, all others $3.00. 583 Broadway between Prince adn Houston Streets. 212-219-1222. Take 6 Train to Spring or Bleeker St. Stations, N/R Trains to Prince St. Station, C/E Trains to Spring St. Station, and F Train to Broadway/Lafayette St. Station.


.