What Museums Are Free in NYC with a Library Card?

New York City has an endless amount of museums to explore, but finding one that fits your budget can be a struggle. Fortunately, if you have a New York Public Library card, you can gain free access to some of the top museums in the city. In this article, we will explore the museums that offer free admission with a library card and provide some background information about each of them.

How to Use Your Library Card to Gain Free Museum Access

Before we dive into the list of museums, it’s important to understand the logistics of using your library card to gain free admission. First, you must go to your local New York Public Library branch and show your card to receive a Museums and Cultural Institutions (MCI) card. This card contains a list of participating museums and cultural institutions that offer free or discounted admission to cardholders.When you arrive at the museum, show your MCI card and your library card to receive your free admission. It’s important to note that the free admission is only valid for general admission and does not include any special exhibitions, events, or experiences.

The List of Museums That Offer Free Admission with a Library Card

Now let’s take a look at the museums that are included in the MCI program and offer free admission with your library card:

The Brooklyn Museum

The Brooklyn Museum is one of the largest art museums in the United States and offers a vast collection of ancient and contemporary art. The museum is located in the heart of Brooklyn and offers free admission to all visitors on the first Saturday of every month. However, if you have a library card and an MCI card, you can gain free admission to the museum any day of the week.

The Museum of Arts and Design

Situated in Columbus Circle, the Museum of Arts and Design offers a collection of contemporary art and design from around the world. The museum also offers educational and public programs for all ages.

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and MoMA PS1

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and its partner institution MoMA PS1 offer free admission to all visitors on Friday evenings from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm. But if you have a library card and an MCI card, you can gain free admission any time during regular hours.

The New-York Historical Society

The New-York Historical Society houses a collection of more than 1.6 million objects that depict the history of New York City and the United States. The museum also offers exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives for all ages.

The Studio Museum in Harlem

The Studio Museum in Harlem is dedicated to showcasing contemporary art by African-American artists. The museum offers a range of exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives for all ages.

The American Folk Art Museum

The American Folk Art Museum focuses on the art of self-taught artists in the United States from the 18th century to the present day. The museum offers a range of exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives for all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions About Free Museums in NYC with Library Card

If you are looking for free museum access in New York City, you may already know that some museums have specific days during the week when they are free to the public or offer pay-what-you-wish pricing. However, did you also know that some museums have made their collections accessible for free to NYC patrons holding library cards? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about what museums are free in NYC with a library card.

1. Which museums in NYC offer free admission with a library card?

Currently, the Brooklyn Museum, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Museum of Arts and Design, Museum of Chinese in America, Museum of the City of New York, and the New York Historical Society all offer free admission with a museum pass borrowed by a patron holding an active library card.

2. Are there any special conditions for getting a free museum pass with a library card?

Yes, there are some rules and restrictions to keep in mind:

• Library cardholders can borrow a museum pass for a specific day of use.
• Each museum pass varies in its “admission” benefits. For example, the pass may give admission to a select number of people or even provide free entry to special exhibitions.
• Library cardholders can reserve museum passes online up to one week in advance.
• Museum passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

3. How far in advance should I reserve a museum pass with my library card?

It is a good idea to reserve your museum pass at least one week in advance through the library’s online system whenever possible. This will help you to secure a pass before they all get reserved by other library cardholders.

4. How long can I borrow a museum pass for free museum admission?

The loan period for a museum pass is typically for one day, from opening to closing hours. However, each pass will have its terms, so be sure to check beforehand.

5. What should I do if I want to reserve a museum pass, but all the passes for the day I want are already reserved?

Don’t worry. You can add your name to the waiting list, and you will be notified if a pass becomes available for that day.

6. Can I get museum passes for more than one museum on the same day?

Some library systems allow patrons to reserve passes for multiple museums on the same day. However, not all flyers are compatible, so check in advance.

7. Can non-NY residents with library cards get free access to NYC Museums?

No, only patrons with Library cards issued by Brooklyn, the New York Public Library or Queens are eligible to reserve free museum passes.

8. Are there other ways to get free or discounted museum admission in NYC?

Yes, there are several other ways to get free or discounted access to museums in NYC, including:

• Pay-what-you-wish days: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History both have suggested admission fees, but visitors can choose to pay what they can afford.
• Bank of America Museums on Us: Bank of America credit or debit cardholders get free museum access the first full weekend of each month.
• Government employees: Some museums offer discounts to federal or state government employees with ID.
• Student discounts: Many museums offer discounts to students with valid student IDs.

In conclusion, while several museums in New York City have pay-what-you-wish days and free hours, some museums offer patrons holding an active library card free museum admittance. If you’re a book lover and appreciate the cultural activities of the city, then getting a library card and reserving a museum pass can be a fantastic way to experience NYC museums for free or at a discounted price. Be sure to reserve the museum pass at least one week in advance, and read the pass restrictions carefully before planning your visit!

How to Visit Museums for Free in NYC with a Library Card

New York City is one of the most vibrant cities in the world, and visitors are often spoilt for choice when it comes to the number of museums that they can visit. However, museum tickets can be expensive, and if you’re on a tight budget, it can be challenging. Fortunately, there is a way to visit some of the top museums in NYC for free, and that’s by using your library card. In this guide, we will show you how to visit museums for free in NYC with a library card.

Step 1: Get a Library Card

The first step is to get a library card. If you don’t already have one, you can apply for one at any branch of the New York Public Library. You’ll need to provide a photo ID and proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement. Once you’ve got your library card, you can start using it to get free admission to some of the top museums in NYC.

Step 2: Check Which Museums Offer Free Admission

Not all museums in NYC offer free admission with your library card, so the next step is to check which ones do. The museums that offer free admission with your library card include:

• American Museum of Natural History
• The Brooklyn Museum
• The Guggenheim Museum
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
• The New Museum

Step 3: Check the Admission Policy of each Museum

Once you’ve identified the museums that offer free admission with your library card, the next step is to check their admission policies. Although the museums offer free admission, there may be some restrictions or special requirements. For example, some museums only offer free admission to specific exhibitions or on certain days. Others may ask for a suggested donation or have limited hours of operation.It’s best to check the specific museum’s website or call ahead to find out their admission policy before you visit.

Step 4: Bring Your Library Card and ID

Make sure to bring your library card and a valid photo ID when you visit the museum. The museum staff will ask to see both to verify that you are eligible for free admission.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Visit

Once you’ve got your library card and identified the museums that offer free admission, and checked their admission policies, it’s time to enjoy your visit. You’ll have saved some money, and you can enjoy some of the best museums that NYC has to offer.

In Conclusion

Visiting museums in New York City can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. By using your library card, you can get free admission to some of the top museums in the city. Follow our step-by-step guide above to make the most of your library card and explore the city’s rich cultural heritage for free.