New York City Museums on a Budget

Getting cultured in the Big Apple can be an expensive undertaking. Most museums charge US$15-$20 admission per person, but on certain days, you can pay what you want to see some of Manhattan’s top exhibits.

Pay What You Wish Days:

• The Museum of Jewish Heritage -- Wednesdays 4 - 8 p.m.
• Museum of Arts and Design -- Thursdays 6 - 9 p.m.
• Modern Museum of Art -- Fridays 4 - 8 p.m.
• Guggenheim Museum -- Saturdays 5:45 - 7:45 p.m.
• The Frick Collection -- Sundays 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Technically, you can donate whatever amount you’d like at the following museums. Just be warned -- the cashiers know how to make you feel guilty!

• The Metropolitan Museum (the Met) -- $20 suggested. This also includes admission to the Cloisters Museum & Gardens
• Museum of Natural History -- $16 suggested
• The Museum of the City of New York -- $10 suggested

Put your wallet and your conscience at ease -- these museums are always free:

• National Museum of the American Indian
• Federal Hall (where George Washington was inaugurated)

Note: Please check individual museum websites beforehand as these times/prices are subject to change.

Make sure to combine your museum visit with a New York City hotel deal and a show on Broadway to get the most out of a Big Apple vacation.