I have been to the Louvre in Paris — and I got in for FREE. Not because I snuck in, but because I went on one of their free admission days. That experience changed how I think about museums forever.
You don’t have to pay a fortune to experience world class art and history. Here’s every way I know to get into museums for free — from national programs to local hidden gems.
National Programs — Free Museum Admission Anywhere in the US
1. Bank of America Museums on Us
If you have a Bank of America, Merrill, or Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit card this is one of the best kept secrets out there. The first full weekend of every month — Saturday AND Sunday — cardholders get free admission to hundreds of museums across the country. No registration required, just show your card at the door.
Participating museums include major institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago, the Intrepid Museum in NYC, the Met, and hundreds more. Check the Bank of America website for the full list of participating museums near you.
2. Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day
Once a year in September Smithsonian Magazine hosts Museum Day — a single day when hundreds of museums across the country open their doors for free. You just download a free ticket from their website — one ticket admits two people.
Museums participate from all 50 states and the list grows every year. Mark your calendar for September and grab your tickets as soon as they’re available — they go fast!
3. Blue Star Museums — Free for Military Families
Active duty military personnel and their families get free museum admission at over 2,000 museums across the country through the Blue Star Museums program. The program runs from Armed Forces Day in May through Labor Day every summer.
Just show your military ID at participating museums. This is one of the most generous and underused military benefits out there!
4. Museums for All — Free with EBT Card
This one is huge and almost nobody knows about it. If you receive SNAP benefits you can get free or reduced admission to over 1,600 museums across the United States simply by showing your EBT card and a photo ID at the door.
No registration, no application — just show up. Visit museums4all.org to find participating museums near you.
5. The Smithsonian Institution — Always Free
All 19 Smithsonian museums in Washington DC and New York are always free — every day, all year. No tickets, no registration, no catch. The National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Zoo, the National Portrait Gallery — all free forever.
If you’re ever in DC this is an absolute must!
6. National Parks Free Entrance Days
The National Park Service offers several free entrance days throughout the year when all national parks waive their entrance fees. These typically fall on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the first day of National Park Week, Juneteenth, the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, and Veterans Day.
Check the NPS website for the exact dates each year.
7. Every Kid Outdoors Pass — Free for 4th Graders
Every 4th grader in America can get a free Every Kid Outdoors pass that gives the whole family free admission to all national parks and federal lands for an entire school year.
Valued at $80 — completely free. Sign up at everykidoutdoors.gov and download your pass instantly.
Free Museum Days by Group
For Teachers
Hundreds of museums across the country offer free admission to teachers year round or on specific days. Always bring your school ID.
Many museums also offer free teacher preview days before major exhibitions open. Check with your local museum directly — this benefit is wildly underused.
For Kids
Most museums in the US offer free or deeply discounted admission for children under 12. Many are free for kids under 5.
Always check the museum website before you go — you may be surprised how much you save just by having kids with you!
For College Students
Many major museums offer free admission to college students with a valid student ID. The Whitney Museum in NYC is free for anyone under 25.
Many Smithsonian affiliates offer free student access. Always ask — the worst they can say is no.
Free Museum Days Around the World
The Louvre — Paris, France
I went to the Louvre on a free day and it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. The Louvre offers free admission on the first Friday of every month from 6PM to 9:45PM for visitors under 26. Under 18 is always free. EU residents under 26 get in free every day. If you’re planning a Paris trip — plan it around a free Friday evening. It is absolutely worth it.
British Museum — London, England
The British Museum is always free — every day, all year round. No tickets required for the permanent collection. Same goes for the National Gallery, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. London has some of the best free museums in the world.
Pro Tips to Maximize Free Museum Visits
- Check your library card — many public libraries offer free museum passes you can check out just like a book. Ask your library about their Discover and Go or Museum Adventure Pass program
- Check your credit card benefits — Bank of America is the most well known but other cards offer museum perks too
- Go on free days strategically — free days are often evening hours when crowds are lighter and the experience is better
- Sign up for museum email lists — many museums send free ticket offers and event invitations to subscribers before the public
- Ask about pay what you wish — many museums have pay what you wish hours that aren’t widely advertised — even $1 gets you in
- Check reciprocal memberships — if you have a membership at one museum it often gets you free or discounted entry at hundreds of others through the ASTC or ACM programs
Free Museum Admission — Frequently Asked Questions
How to Get Into Museums for Free — Your Questions Answered
What is the Bank of America Museums on Us program?
Bank of America, Merrill, and Bank of America Private Bank credit and debit cardholders get free admission to hundreds of museums on the first full weekend of every month. Just show your card at the door — no registration required.
Are all Smithsonian museums really free?
Yes — all 19 Smithsonian Institution museums and the National Zoo are always free every day of the year. No tickets, no registration, no fees of any kind for the permanent collections.
How do I get free museum admission with my EBT card?
Show your EBT card and a photo ID at any of the 1,600+ participating Museums for All locations. No registration required. Visit museums4all.org to find participating museums near you.
When is the Louvre free?
The Louvre is free on the first Friday of every month from 6PM to 9:45PM for visitors under 26. It is always free for visitors under 18. EU residents under 26 get in free every day.
Are London museums free?
Yes — the British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, and National Gallery are all always free every day. London has some of the best free museums in the world.
When is Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day?
Museum Day is held annually in September. Download a free ticket from the Smithsonian Magazine website — one ticket admits two people to participating museums nationwide. Tickets are released each summer so watch for the announcement!
Looking for more ways to experience things for free? Check out my Freebies section — updated daily with the best free stuff out there!
