Phoenix Art Museum
Money is tight for just about all of us. So Monday Funday is about those entertaining and enjoyable activities that you, your family, and your friends can do at little to no cost.
Do you enjoy visiting art museums? How would you like to visit those museums for free? Here are some ways to get discounted or even free tickets to some amazing locations.
Institutions That Are Always Free
You can find museums across that country where admission is always free for everyone. This includes the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Museum and Gold Vault in New York City, and the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
In addition, all of the Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. always have free entry. This includes the National Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Zoo. However, please be aware that you may have to reserve entry passes. For more information, consult their website at https://www.si.edu/museums.
To find more locations, an internet search for “free museums” plus the city or state where you live or are traveling to will yield many more results.
National Air and Space Museum
Reserve Tickets Through Your Local Library
Your local library will often offer free tickets to art museums and cultural events in your community, especially if you live in a larger city. All you need is a valid library card. Often, you can find more information on your local library’s website.
For example, if you live in Philadelphia, the Free Library System offers The Experience Pass, which allows their cardholders to check out free digital passes to cultural institutions, science centers, botanical gardens, art museums, and historical sites around the city. For more information, go to https://libwww.freelibrary.org/programs/experience-pass/.
The MET Cloisters
Bank or Credit Union Offers
Many banks and credit unions offer discounted tickets to art museums, and you should consult their websites. However, if you have an account through Bank of America, you can participate in their program, Museums on Us.
According to their website, B of A offers their cardholders free general admission during the first full weekend of every month to more than 225 cultural institutions in dozens of cities across the U.S.
Their list contains some truly amazing museums. Do you live in the Seattle area? The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) participates in this program. The Phoenix Art Museum with its gorgeous You Who Are Getting Obliterated in the Dancing Swarm of Fireflies infinity room by Yayoi Kusama is on the list, too. You can gain free entry to The MET Cloisters in New York City. And the list doesn’t only include art museums. The Adler Planetarium in Chicago also takes part and offers free admission.
For a list of participating institutions in your state, visit https://about.bankofamerica.com/en-us/what-guides-us/arts-and-culture/partners.html
Not a Bank of America member? Most likely, your own financial institution will have a similar offer available to you.
Seattle Art Museum
Check the Museum’s Calendar
Many museums allow the public to enter for free on certain days or during certain hours. For example, admission to both the de Young and the Legion of Honor museums in San Francisco is regularly $15.00. However, it is free on the first Tuesday of every month. If you live within the San Francisco city limits, admission is also free every Saturday.
Adler Planetarium
Discounts Based on Age or Other Criteria
Many museums offer patrons discounts based on age, job, or other criteria. Teachers, students, and senior citizens can often enter at a reduced rate.
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