Just in time for peak exhibit-hopping season, the Whitney Museum will offer free admission for those 25 and under beginning in mid December. What’s better than a cold winter afternoon exploring some of the best art in the world — for free?!
The NYC cultural hub has always been one of the more generous NYC museums with free admission days, as those 18 and under have received complimentary access roughly over the past decade. Additionally, all ages have been able to take advantage of free Friday nights and free second Sundays of each month. Now, this initiative takes things a step further and gives more patrons access to amazing creativity.
“You can’t have any conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion without providing access, and the culture can’t change and it can’t continue to grow without new and diverse voices having access to what is being created at the moment,” said artist and museum trustee, Julie Mehretu. “I’m super excited and am grateful for the Whitney’s commitment to this program.”
The Museum claims it has seen double the average attendance that it sees during paid hours — with visitors being younger and more diverse on average. Now the 25-and-under plan will undoubtedly expand those stats.
“The launch of our first two free admissions programs have had such an incredible impact on our audience that we wanted to go even further in making the Whitney one of the most accessible large museums in America,” said Scott Rothkopf, the Whitney’s Alice Pratt Brown Director. “You can feel the amazing energy in the galleries on free days, and I couldn’t be more excited to see that grow.”
What’s more, this news comes on the heels of the opening of “Edges of Ailey,” what’s considered “the first large-scale museum exhibition to celebrate the life, dances, influences, and enduring legacy of visionary artist and choreographer, Alvin Ailey.” Then, on November 1st, “Shifting Landscapes” will open. Its focus is on “evolving political, ecological, and social issues motivate artists’ representations of the world around them.”
Support from Susan and John Hess and Julie Mehretu have made initiatives like this possible. Although the freebie will still be offered, the Museum does require reservations. Stay tuned for more on this exciting program.