The Metropolitan Museum of Art Free Days

Updated 2026-09-04 · Free · No sign-up

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is pay-what-you-wish every day for New York State residents; NY, NJ and CT students (with ID) — no free-day calendar needed. The Met is pay-what-you-wish every day for New York State residents and NY, NJ and CT students — the amount you pay is up to you, from $0.01 per ticket. Everyone else pays $30 (adult). Pay-what-you-wish tickets online require a New York State billing address; NJ/CT students buy in person with student ID Verified on The Metropolitan Museum of Art's own page, last checked 2026-09-04.

At a glance

Free dayPay-what-you-wish daily (residents)
Who qualifiesNew York State residents; NY, NJ and CT students (with ID)
ReservationPay-what-you-wish tickets online require a New York State billing address; NJ/CT students buy in person with student ID
What's includedAll tickets include exhibitions and same-day entry to both Met locations
Regular adult price$30 adult (standard)
Sourcemetmuseum.org · checked 2026-09-04

Upcoming free days

No calendar needed if you qualify: New York State residents; NY, NJ and CT students (with ID) pay what they wish on any open day. Everyone else pays standard pricing ($30 adult (standard)).

The fine print

Eligibility: New York State residents; NY, NJ and CT students (with ID). All tickets include exhibitions and same-day entry to both Met locations. Skipping the ticket window here saves $30 adult (standard) per adult.

Worth knowing: Accepted residency proof is broad: a NYS license, IDNYC, a current bill with a NY address, a student ID — even a New York library card.

Also free in New York

American Museum of Natural History (pay-what-you-wish daily (residents)) · Bronx Zoo (no regular free day) · MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) (fridays 5:30pm–8:30pm) — or see the full free museum days in New York guide.

↥ Check another museum →   Browse all free museum & zoo days →

FAQ

When is The Metropolitan Museum of Art free?

The Met is pay-what-you-wish every day for New York State residents and NY, NJ and CT students — the amount you pay is up to you, from $0.01 per ticket. Everyone else pays $30 (adult).

Do I need a reservation for The Metropolitan Museum of Art's free days?

Pay-what-you-wish tickets online require a New York State billing address; NJ/CT students buy in person with student ID

Can visitors use The Metropolitan Museum of Art's free days?

The free days are for New York State residents; NY, NJ and CT students (with ID) — typically with ID or proof of residency. Visitors pay regular admission ($30 adult (standard)).

What does a free day at The Metropolitan Museum of Art include?

All tickets include exhibitions and same-day entry to both Met locations

How much is The Metropolitan Museum of Art normally?

$30 adult (standard). That's what a well-timed visit saves you.

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