Museums in NYC

People travel from around the world to visit New York City museums. We encourage you to check out these museums, especially on the days that they offer free admission. View comments.

American Folk Art Museum
Free Fridays 5:30pm - 7:30pm
45 West 53rd Street New York, NY 10019
(212) 265-1040
The museum displays a collection of more than five thousand artworks that span three centuries of American artwork.

The American Numismatic Society
Always free
96 Fulton Street New York NY 10038
(212) 571-4470
Until the exhibition hall opens, the ANS currently has a major exhibition on view at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The society has permanent collections of old Roman Empire coins and US Military Medals.

Artists Space
Free Tuesday to Saturday, 11am - 6pm
38 Greene Street 3rd Floor New York NY 10013
(212) 226-3970
Explore contemporary arts here with exhibits from artists working in the visual arts, including video, electronic media, performance, architecture and design.

Asia Society Museum
Free Fridays 6pm - 9pm (Suspended July 4 to Labor Day)
725 Park Avenue New York NY 10021
(212) 288-6400
The museum collection contains nearly three hundred works of art. A complimentary cell phone audio tour is included in the price of admission. Additionally, check out happy hour at Leo Bar on Fridays 6pm - 9pm which features exotic cocktails at a cash bar. No cover in adition to free museum admission and free exhibition tours at 7:15 and 7:45 pm.

Bronx Museum of the Arts
Free Fridays
1040 Grand Concourse @ 165th Street Bronx NY 10456
(718) 681-6000
BxMA’s permanent collection is focused on contemporary art by artists of African, Asian, and Latin American descent. Admission fees are otherwise a suggested contribution.

Brooklyn Museum
Free on first Saturdays of the month, 5pm - 11pm
200 Eastern Parkway Brooklyn New York 11238
(718) 638-5000
The museum offers free art and entertainment programs and is second-largest art museum in New York City. Its permanent collections include objects of ancient Egypt to contemporary art, representing almost every culture in the world. Admission fees are otherwise a suggested contribution.

You can see art for free at the many Chelsea Art Galleries. See Citysearch's list of the galleries by type of art.

Center for Book Arts Gallery
Always free
28 West 27th Street,third floor New York, NY 10001
The Center has mounted over 175 exhibitions dedicated to preserving the traditional artistic practices of book-making, as well as exploring and encouraging contemporary interpretations of the book as an art object. The center also offers classes and workshops but these are not free.

Center for Jewish History
Free tours Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2pm
15 W16th Street New York NY
(212) 294-8301
The tours last about 1 1/2 hours and include the galleries of all the Partners except the Yeshiva University Museum (YUM). If you choose to schedule in advance, also offered are a free 30-minute session on how to conduct research on family history and a free 20-30 minute talk with an archivist or librarian.

China Institute
Free on Tuesdays & Thursdays 6pm - 8pm / Buy 1 admission get one free
125 E 65th Street New York NY 10021
(212) 744-8181
China Institute in America is a nonprofit institution that promotes the understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of traditional and contemporary Chinese civilization, culture and heritage. The Institute offers exhibitions, programs, activities, and seminars.

Cooper Union
Free exhibits throughout the year
The Great Hall
7 East 7th Street New York NY 10003
(212) 353-4196
Exhibits range from graphic design and typography to art and psychology.

DUMBO galleries and artists' studios
Free first Thursdays 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Casual browsers as well as serious art collectors are welcome to this festive event, with 30+ galleries, studios and cultural organizations in DUMBO. Some galleries/artists may vary during the summer and holidays. Gallery receptions, neighborhood dining and bars, and live music add to the evening's festivities.

El Museo del Barrio
Free for Seniors on Thursdays
1230 Fifth Avenue at 104th Street New York NY 10029
(212) 831-7272
New York City's only Latino museum dedicated to Puerto Rican, Caribbean and Latin American art. Admission fees are otherwise a suggested contribution. Free walking tours on some weekends at 3:30pm. See website calendar for more details.

Federal Hall National Memorial
Always free
26 Wall Street New York NY 10005
(212) 825-6888
The building serves as a museum and memorial to President George Washington and the beginnings of the US. Tours are at 10am, noon and 2pm.

Federal Reserve Bank
Tours are free, Monday to Friday 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm
33 Liberty Street, btwn Nassau & William Streets New York NY 10045
(212) 720-6130
Interested in learning about money and government finance? Tours are not given on Bank holidays and last approximately 60 minutes. Arrive 20 minutes before the tour.

The Forbes Galleries
Free Tuesdays to Saturdays (not Thursdays) 10am - 4pm
62 Fifth Avenue, at the corner at 12th Street New York NY10011
(212) 206-5548
The museum offers a permanent exhibits of toy soldiers, toy boats, Monopoly® games, trophies, as well as temporary collections.

Harbor Defense Museum of Fort Hamilton
Always free
230 Sheridan Loop, Fort Hamilton Military Community Brookyln, NY 11252
(718) 630-4349/4306
Known as NYC's only US Army Museum, collections include United States Army weapons, uniforms, small arms, cannons and accoutrements from 18th century to present. There are also military themed art and historical items from Fort Hamilton.

Hispanic Society of America Museum and Library
Free admission and tours on Saturdays at 2pm
Audubon Terrace
Broadway between 155 and 156 Streets
(212) 926-2234
The society houses a museum and reference library for the study of the arts and cultures of Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. The museum houses a collection of Hispanic art which includes paintings by Goya, El Greco and Velasquez. The tours of the building and collections last 45 minutes.

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