Free and Discounted
Admission

Enjoy free admission to the Whitney Museum of American Art during Free Friday Nights (5–10 pm), Free Second Sundays, and every day for visitors ages 25 and under. These offerings include full access to all exhibitions on view, special programs, and iconic New York City views.

While admission is free, advance tickets are required and capacity is limited. Plan your visit ahead of time to reserve your spot and make the most of your experience.

Whitney Museum Members receive free admission year-round, plus discounts at the Whitney Shop, Frenchette Bakery, our ground-floor restaurant, and Studio Bar on the 8th floor.

Major support for Free 25 and Under is provided by Susan and John Hess and Julie Mehretu. Significant support is provided by Judy Hart Angelo.

Major support for Free Friday Nights is provided by Jen Rubio and Stewart Butterfield and Paul Arnhold and Wes Gordon. Significant support is provided by Leslie Bluhm and David Helfand, and the Brown Foundation Inc., of Houston.

Major support for Free Second Sundays is provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program. Significant support is provided by Julie and Doug Ostrover.

Free 25 and Under
Every Day
10:30 am–6 pm

Admission to the Whitney is free every day for visitors 25 and under. Enjoy free access to exhibitions, special programming, city views, and more. Book a timed ticket or enjoy unlimited visits with the Free 25 and Under Anytime Pass.

Free Friday Nights
Every Week
5–10 pm

Admission to the Whitney is free for everyone from 5–10 pm every Friday night. Enjoy art, drinks, special programming, music, city views, and more. Advance tickets are recommended and free tickets are available up to five weeks in advance.

Free Second Sundays
Every Month 
10:30 am–6 pm

Admission to the Whitney is free all day on the second Sunday of every month. Visitors of all ages can enjoy artmaking, tours, classes, and specially themed events. Advance tickets are recommended and are available a month in advance.

Reserve tickets

Reserve Friday Night tickets

Reserve Second Sunday tickets

All Free and
Discounted Admission
Options

Whitney Members
Members enjoy free admission with their membership card. Discounted guest tickets may be booked online in advance. Join today to enjoy dedicated viewings, exhibition previews, and much more.

Visitors with Disabilities Visitors with disabilities receive a discounted rate of $18. Admission for one care partner is included for free. Learn more about our access services and book tickets.

Active Military and Veterans
Free admission is available to active members and veterans of the United States military with valid ID, and to military families with dependent cards. Please book tickets through the Affiliate Admissions page.

Active Military and Veterans
Free admission is available to active members and veterans of the United States military with valid ID, and to military families with dependent cards. Please book tickets through the Affiliate Admissions page.

Community Partners
Community partners are previously identified partner organizations who share the Museum’s mission of art, education, and community. Reserve tickets.

Seniors
Visitors 65 and older receive a discounted rate of $24. Reserve tickets.

SNAP/EBT Cardholders
SNAP/EBT cardholders receive one free admission per visit (children and teens 18 and under are always free). Please be prepared to present your card at arrival. Reserve tickets.

Floor 1
The gallery on Floor 1 is always free—no ticket required. Please stop in during Museum hours!

Affiliate Admission
Staff of other museums; members of AAM, ICOM, and Cool Culture; reciprocal museum members; and qualified press receive free admission. Proof of affiliate ID required upon arrival. Reserve tickets.

• AAM Members: one ticket
• Cool Culture: up to four tickets
• CUNY Faculty and
• Students: one ticket
• ICOM Members: up to two tickets
• Active U.S. Military and Veterans: up to four tickets
• Other Museum Staff: up to two tickets
• Press: one ticket; for press-related questions, please contact pressoffice@whitney.org
• Reciprocal Museum Members: up to two tickets; please contact your institution’s Membership Department for qualifying levels and details

Corporate Admission
Employees of the Museum’s corporate partners receive free admission. Contact your employer to receive a promotional code to use when booking, and present your corporate ID upon arrival. Reserve tickets.

IDNYC Cardholders
The Museum welcomes IDNYC cardholders for free admission on select dates. Check our IDNYC page or our calendar for upcoming opportunities.

• Mon, Apr 20, 2026
• Sun, Jun 21, 2026
• Wed, Oct 28, 2026
• Sat, Dec 5, 2026

University Students
Active university students receive a discounted rate of $24. Proof of ID is required upon arrival. NYU, Pratt, and SVA students and staff receive free admission and should book tickets through the Corporate admissions page. CUNY staff and students receive free admission and should book tickets through the Affiliate Admissions page.

FAQ

Where can I grab a bite? 
Our ground floor restaurant, Frenchette Bakery at the Whitney, offers a grab-and-go bakery as well as a sit-down, full-service cafe. Stop by Studio Bar on Floor 8 for snacks, beverages, and spectacular views. Check out our dining page for all of our dining options and details.

Is the Museum wheelchair accessible?
The Museum is entirely accessible via ramp and elevator. Manual wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis at the admissions desk on Floor 1 or at the coat check on Floor -1. Learn more about accessibility.

Is the Museum wheelchair accessible? 
The Museum is entirely accessible via ramp and elevator. Manual wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis at the admissions desk on Floor 1 or at the coat check on Floor -1. Learn more about accessibility.

What should I do at the Museum?
Check our calendar to see events and activities happening on Free Friday Nights and browse open exhibitions to know what you will see in the galleries. You can explore the eight floors of the Museum in any order, but we recommend starting at the top and working your way down. Check out our guide to the essentials. 

Are audio guides available?
Connect to the Whitney Free WiFi network anywhere in the building to access the Bloomberg Connects app, and other digital content.

Do you have any more information on how I can best plan my visit?
Here is what you need to know before you visit.  

Do I need a ticket?
Yes, though admission is free, tickets are required. Reserve free tickets online in advance or at the Museum. Capacity is limited, so we recommend reserving tickets in advance. Some programs or activities may have limited capacity and be ticketed separately. Please review the events calendar for more information.

In the News

“On Friday nights and on every second Sunday of the month, the Whitney offers visitors free entry, and it's one of the best date nights in the city.” —Condé Nast Traveler

“Visitors will need to reserve a ticket in advance online, and it’s popular so don’t dawdle, but with the museum remaining open until 10 pm on Fridays, you’ll get in.” —Forbes

“DO: Whitney’s Free Friday Nights and Second Sundays. Probably the West Side’s most well-known cultural powerhouse, the Whitney Museum of American Art is obviously a part of the fun.” —Coolstuff.nyc

“‘It’s nice that our kids are old enough that we get to come in, and now for Mother’s Day, I couldn’t think of anything better to do with my girls,’ said Mira’s mom, Julie Fuhrmann.” —PIX11

“La buena noticia es que los amantes del arte podrán visitar el Whitney Museum of American Art, uno de los museos más populares de la Gran Manzana, de manera gratuita en alguas fechas gracias a dos programas: Free Friday Nights y Second Sundays.” —Telemundo