MoMA stays open into Friday evening and waives admission for New York State residents from 5:30 to 8:30 PM — and the Friday of Labor Day weekend, with half the city out of town, is one of the calmer nights to claim it. Reserve ahead, bring proof of residency, and you get six floors of the collection plus drop-in drawing, gallery talks, and film screenings for nothing. Tickets go live a week out and do run out.
What to expect
Free run of the museum — collection galleries and special exhibitions — during the 5:30–8:30 PM window. Evening programming typically includes Drop-in Drawing, Creativity Lab activities, Friday Night Talks, and films, and the Design Store stays open. Expect the free allotment to be claimed quickly on a holiday weekend.
Good to know
- Free tickets are for New York State residents only; bring proof of residency.
- Reserve in advance at moma.org — tickets are released one week ahead, limited to two adult tickets per reservation.
- The free window runs 5:30–8:30 PM; tickets are subject to availability.
- MoMA members don't need to reserve — just show up.
- If free tickets are gone, standard admission is still available for the evening.
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Common questions
Do I have to live in New York City to get in free?
No — any New York State resident qualifies with proof of residency. Out-of-state visitors pay regular admission.
How do I get a free ticket?
Reserve online in advance at moma.org. Tickets are released one week ahead, up to two adult tickets per reservation, subject to availability.
What happens during the evening?
Full gallery access plus Drop-in Drawing, Creativity Lab activities, Friday Night Talks, and film screenings; the MoMA Design Store is open too.
What if the free tickets run out?
The free allotment is limited, so reserve as soon as tickets release; standard paid admission remains available that evening.
