World Cup 2026 at the Whitney
Photograph by Max Touhey
This summer, the Whitney welcomes the world.
As the World Cup 2026 transforms New York City into the global capital of football, the Whitney Museum of American Art welcomes the world as a vibrant hub for art, sport, and community. Experience the landmark Whitney Biennial 2026, featuring artists from across the globe, alongside live match screenings, global sounds, and hands-on art making—all just steps from the High Line. Take in iconic views from our terraces and enjoy more ways to visit for free than ever before with special Free Friday Nights, Free Second Sundays, and free admission every day for visitors 25 and under.
Located in the Meatpacking District at the southern entrance to the High Line, the Whitney Museum of American Art is shaped by the understanding that American art has always developed in dialogue with the world. This summer brings that perspective into focus as New York hosts World Cup 2026.
Free Experiences During the World Cup
Free Friday Nights
Every Friday, 5–10 pm
Admission to the Whitney is free for all visitors on Fridays, 5–10 pm, with access to exhibitions, DJ sets, live performances, special programming, and cocktails on the terraces. This summer, Friday nights feature music inspired by the nations competing in the World Cup.
Free Second Sundays
June 14 and July 12
Admission to the Whitney is free for all visitors on the second Sunday of every month, with access to exhibitions, all-ages artmaking inspired by works on view, tours, the Whitney’s restaurants, and city views. A perfect free museum day in NYC for families visiting during the World Cup.
Always Free Visitors ages 25 and Under
The Whitney is free every day for visitors 25 and under. Book a timed ticket or, to enjoy unlimited visits, sign up for the Free 25 and Under Anytime Pass walk-in access all summer, and beyond.
World Cup Special Events
Member Night at the Whitney Museum of American Art, July 23, 2025. Photograph by Filip Wolak
Watch Games
Watch the action live. We will be livestreaming most matches during regular operating hours, offering a vibrant, family-friendly, and communal space for fans and art lovers alike.
DJ April Hunt performing at Free Friday Nights at the Whitney Museum of American Art, November 1, 2024. Photograph by Summer Surgent-Gough
Special Programming During Free Days and Nights
Global Soundscapes
Live DJ sets and performances inspired by the traditions of participating nations.
Artmaking and Refreshments
Sports-themed artmaking for all ages, paired with seasonal treats from Frenchette.
West Side Fest
A neighborhood-wide celebration with special programs and events from more than 20 cultural institutions on Manhattan’s West Side.
On View this Summer
Whitney Biennial 2026
On view through August 23, the Whitney Biennial 2026 brings this into focus. Featuring 56 artists—more than twenty of whom were born outside the United States, with roots across Latin America, the Middle East, East Asia, and Africa—the exhibition reflects the international conditions that also define the tournament. Curated by Marcela Guerrero and Drew Sawyer following visits to more than 300 studios worldwide, the Biennial considers how contemporary American art is shaped across geographies and lived experience. The Museum’s collection extends this dialogue, with works by artists including Hopper, Rothko, and Basquiat. The building itself is worth the trip, with four floors of open-air terraces where you can watch the sun set over the Hudson with a drink from Studio Bar.
American Classics and Skyline Views
“Untitled” (America)
A monumental installation featuring icons like Edward Hopper, Mark Rothko, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Mabel Dwight: Cool Head, Warm Heart
Dwight came to New York at the turn of the century as an illustrator and later fell in with the downtown artists who frequented the Whitney Studio Club, a precursor to the Museum. She ultimately found her voice in portraying her constant subject: the people and places of New York.
The Terraces
Step outside onto four levels of outdoor terraces for panoramic views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline.
Photograph by Max Touhey
Explore the Meatpacking District
The Whitney is steps from the High Line, Little Island, Chelsea Market, Hudson Yards, and some of the city’s most celebrated dining, shopping, and nightlife. Enjoy special discounts and benefits in the neighborhood when you show your Whitney Membership card or same-day admission ticket.