It is the cheapest legitimate way into one of the world's best modern collections, and the evening slot means the Monets and the Starry Night crowds have thinned from their midday peak. The programming layered on top - talks, drop-in drawing, films - makes it a night out rather than a rushed gallery lap. Everything currently on view in the atrium and the temporary galleries is included.
What to expect
A busy but manageable museum in the early evening, with a timed entry line at the West 53rd Street doors and staff checking residency. Galleries stay open until closing, with drop-in drawing, Creativity Lab activities and a Friday Night Talk running alongside. Films screen in the downstairs theaters and the design store stays open.
Good to know
- Free admission is limited to New York State residents and you must show proof of residency at the door
- Reservations open a week ahead and are released in batches - they go fast, so set a reminder
- MoMA members skip the reservation entirely and walk in
- The extended evening hours apply to all visitors; it is the free ticket that is residency-limited
- This covers the Manhattan museum on West 53rd Street, not MoMA PS1 in Long Island City
- Closest subway is the E or M to Fifth Avenue-53rd Street, or the B, D or F to 47-50 Streets-Rockefeller Center
Planning Sep 18–20, 2026 in NYC?
This list keeps changing as events are verified. We'll send you the final version the Thursday before — and you can unsubscribe right after if that's all you need.
Common questions
Who gets in free?
New York State residents, with proof of residency, who reserve a ticket in advance. Up to two adult tickets per reservation; child tickets require an accompanying adult ticket. MoMA members enter free without a reservation.
When exactly are the free tickets valid?
Tickets are valid from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday evenings. They are released one week in advance on MoMA's site and are subject to availability.
What is there to do besides the galleries?
MoMA typically runs drop-in drawing sessions, Creativity Lab activities, a UNIQLO Friday Night Talk on works in the collection, and film screenings in the theaters. The design store and cafe stay open too.
More free events
