As the winter brings a chill to NYC, a museum visit is the perfect activity to stay warm and still have lots of fun. And what makes a plan even better in NYC? When it’s absolutely free!
Beginning January 12, 2024, the Whitney will offer free admission on Friday evenings after 5pm. It’s the museum’s grandest expansion of free access in decades. The museum used to implement pay-as-you-wish admission on Fridays, however, that policy left room for some visitor confusion.
“Pay-what-you-wish is not a phrase everybody understands,” said Scott Rothkopf, the director of the Whitney. “It’s important to be straightforward and say we’re free for anyone, at any age, wherever you come from, during those times.”
Moreover, Whitney admission will be free on the second Sunday of each month from January 14th onward.
“We want to reduce barriers to access and connect the great artists we show with even broader audiences,” said Rothkopf before thanking the staff, trustees and patrons.
Typical Whitney admission costs $30 for adults. That’s the same price charged for entry at The Met and $2 more than MoMA admission if you book in advance online.
Since museum visits have become quite costly, many museums have implemented similar strategies with free admission days or discount offers.
Interested visitors will need to reserve their spot for free admission Fridays at the Whitney ahead of time online.