MoMA free entry, hours, tickets and the best time to avoid crowds
Quick answer
MoMA is free on Fridays, 5:30pm–8:30pm, only for New York State residents with advance booking. Admission is $30 ($22 seniors, $17 students) and free for under 16s. It's open 10:30am–5:30pm (Fridays until 8:30pm). The best time to avoid crowds is Tuesday morning.
Hours and prices checked on · Official website
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How free Fridays work
The UNIQLO-sponsored free Friday programme is no longer open to everyone: it is for New York State residents only. You must book a free ticket online, tickets are released a week in advance and proof of residency is checked when your ticket is scanned. Visitors from outside the state pay the standard price. Some older articles describe a free night for everyone; that is no longer the case.
- Book as soon as tickets are released; slots go quickly.
- Bring ID that shows you live in New York State.
- Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons are the busiest times.
- Under 16s get in free any day but need a timed ticket.
Best time to visit MoMA without crowds
- Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10:30am are the quietest combination.
- Go up to floor 5 first, the busiest at midday.
- Floors 2 and 3 are usually calmer than the classic modern painting floors.
- Avoid Friday and Saturday afternoons.
Where to buy tickets
Buy only from the official website (moma.org) to avoid reseller mark-ups. The price is the same online and at the door, but online you fix your entry time and skip the line. The audio guide costs extra; as an alternative, the AnyArt app recognises artworks with your camera and tells their story in your language.
Frequently asked questions
Is MoMA free on Fridays?
Yes, but only for New York State residents, 5:30pm–8:30pm, with advance booking. Everyone else pays the regular price.
Do children pay at MoMA?
No. Children under 16 get in free, though they need a timed ticket.
What time does MoMA close?
5:30pm every day and 8:30pm on Fridays.
How much is a MoMA ticket in 2026?
$30 for adults, per the rates checked in October 2026. Confirm on the official website before your visit.
What do I need for free Friday?
Your reserved free ticket and ID showing New York State residency.