These New York City museums, memorials, monuments and art-filled attractions are either always free, free on specific days of the week or free for select hours. Find ones that interest you, and take advantage of their generosity.Note that this takes into account general admission only; certain events and special exhibitions may still require a fee (we have pointed this out in some instances). Many spots have a pay-what-you-wish policy, though with a suggested admission price; in any case, donations are always encouraged. As well, some museums require advance reservations even for free admission—best to check the website of your intended destination before your visit.Always Free (memorial only; museum requires admission except for certain visitors and on Monday evenings—see below) (except during special events) (NYC residents pay what you wish) (special exhibitions extra) (suggested admission) (open Sun 11am to 4pm) & (suggested donation) (NYC residents pay what you wish) (free for NYC residents; suggested admission otherwise, effectively "pay what you wish") (suggested donation) , Grand Central Terminal (except during special events) (public galleries) (gallery) (Parsons School of Design) (grounds and botanical garden only) (suggested donation) (suggested donation)Sometimes FreeThe following museums typically require paid admission but open their doors for free on specific days or times—though again, some do charge for admission to specific events or sections or if you are visiting with an organized group. Consult the websites or call ahead if you hope to see a specific exhibition or are making arrangements for a group visit. Note too that certain institutions require advance ticket reservations even for the free admission dates.Mondays (5:30 to 7pm; tickets are available on the website each Monday beginning at 7am and are first come, first serve) (pay what you wish, 5 to 6pm) (pay what you wish) (pay what you wish, 4 to 5:30pm)Tuesdays (pay what you wish, 5 to 6pm) (J. Pierpont Morgan's Library only, 3 to 5pm) Wednesdays (park entry only; advance online reservation required; does not include admission to special exhibitions like the Butterfly Garden, Congo Gorilla Forest and JungleWorld) (pay what you wish, 5 to 6pm) (pay what you wish, 2 to 6pm; museum reopening April 2025) (3pm to close; advance tickets required) (free grounds access 10 to 11am; free grounds access all day to NYC residents; does not include entry to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, special exhibitions or Tram Tour) (April to mid-December, 3 to 6pm) (2pm to close)Thursdays (2 to 5pm)(5 to 8pm) (pay what you wish, 5 to 6pm) (4 to 8pm) (2 to 6pm) (all day; also, always free for Bronx residents) (all day)Third Thursday of the Month (5 to 8pm; free)Fridays (5 to 8pm) (pay what you wish, 5 to 6pm) (5 to 8pm; reservations required) (pay what you wish) (2 to 5pm; book tickets for this from 10am the same day., and note, does not include Rocket Park Mini Golf, 3D theater shows) (pay what you wish, 5 to 8pm) (all day) (5 to 10pm)First Friday of the Month (7 to 9pm) (NYC residents only, 5.30 to 8.30pm) (5 to 8pm) (all day; tickets released two weeks before each date at noon)Saturdays (pay what you wish, 5 to 6pm) (the island is always free, but the ferry from Battery Maritime Building is also free Saturdays before 11am) (pay what you wish, 4 to 5:30pm)First Saturday of the Month (5 to 11pm; currently on hold and scheduled to resume in May 2025)Sundays (pay what you wish, 5 to 6pm) (island is always free, but ferry from Battery Maritime Building is also free Sun before 11am) (11am to 4pm) (J. Pierpont Morgan's Library only, 3 to 5pm) (April to mid-December, 9 to 11am)First Sunday of the Month9/11 Museum (free 4–7pm to NYC residents only, through 2025; tickets become available on a rolling basis each month)Second Sunday of the Month (all day)Seasonal (pay what you wish, December to February, Tuesday to Friday) (mid-December to March, Tuesday to Sunday)
