NYC's Museum Mile Festival returns this June with free admission to the top museums in the city. And if you're one of those New Yorkers that's always saying you'll get around to seeing the Met eventually, now is the perfect time to finally go. With free access to eight premier museums along Fifth Avenue, this event offers a diverse range of artistic experiences. Here's everything you need to know about the Museum Mile Festival, from the participating museums to the captivating events that make it a must-visit occasion.

Museum Mile Festival 2023

When & Where

The Museum Mile Festival will take place on Tuesday, June 13, from 6 pm to 9 pm, along Fifth Avenue between 82nd and 105th Streets. The event kicks off with an opening ceremony at 5:45 pm in the Cooper-Hewitt Garden (which is worth a visit itself if you've never been), and at 6 pm, museums will open their doors to the public.

Participating Museums

Eight museums will participate, and while it's possible to hit every single one (we did the math, and you can spend 22.5 minutes at each), you'll probably want to stick to just a few to make the most of the experience. Pro Tip: Select museums that don't typically host pay-what-you-can or free entrance days.

Besides free admission, each museum will host a variety of additional activities, including performances by Broadway singers, hands-on art-making workshops, and live bands and DJs. See the list of museums below, and click the links to check out what special programming each venue has planned.

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art at 82nd Street
• Neue Galerie New York at 86th Street
• Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum at 89th Street
• Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum at 91st Street between 5th Ave & Madison Ave
• The Jewish Museum at 92nd Street
• Museum of City of New York at 103rd Street
• El Museo del Barrio at 104th Street
• The Africa Center at 109th Street

 

Admissions

Entry into every participating museum is free. No registration or reservations are required. Participation in additional performances, events, and activities is also free!

 

Street Fair & Activities

Beyond the museum walls, the Museum Mile Festival spills out onto the streets of Fifth Avenue, transforming it into a lively street fair. The stretch between 82nd and 105th will be car-free, and visitors can explore art stalls featuring local artists' works, indulge in delectable food from diverse vendors, and enjoy live music and dance performances.

 

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