Geoffrey from New York

About me I travel to discover how people elsewhere live, how they manage living with low incomes in expensive cities, how they grapple with hard times and failing economies, how they deal with ageing or crumbling families and how they themselves age and adapt. Knowing and loving New York comes from having lived through many of its manifestations while witnessing its changes....

Oct 4, 2025

Museum Tips New York

Save money on admissions

"You don't actually need to pay the suggested price of $20 to enter some of New York's biggest museums. Here's some tips on how to save money on admissions."

Two popular New York museums --- The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Museum of Natural History --- have a suggested ticket price of $20, or more. Admission is actually by donation so, if you are on a tight budget, you can pay what you wish.

This means if you can afford only one dollar, it will be enough to get you through the door. Cashiers are fine with this as many New Yorkers who know this policy pay according to their means. No one will bat an eye or say a word.

This makes visiting with a partner, friend or family far more affordable, and frees up some money for when you visit fixed price museums like The Neue Gallerie, The Frick (at 71st and Fifth Avenue, just downtown from the Met) or The New York Historical Society, across the street from the Natural History Museum on the West Side of Central Park.

By the way, the Gem Gallery at the Natural History Museum has reopened following a substantial facelift. It is where you can see the Star of India, one of the world’s largest sapphires. Their collection is profound.

On March 1, 2018, the Met instituted a $25 mandatory fee for patrons who do not reside in New York State. The ticket covers the Met (Fifth Avenue), the Met Breuer and the Cloisters.

Art & culture

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

About this spot

Central Park West & 79th Street

By donation:

US$

Website

2127695100

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