Whitney free entry, hours, tickets and the best time to avoid crowds
Quick answer
The Whitney is free on Fridays from 5pm to 10pm and on the second Sunday of each month, and always for visitors 25 and under. General admission is $30 ($24 students and seniors). It is open 10:30am–6pm, Fridays until 10pm, and closed Tuesdays. Best time: 10:30am on a weekday.
Hours and prices checked on · Official website
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How free entry works
On Fridays from 5pm to 10pm and on the second Sunday of each month, admission is free. These slots tend to fill up; reserve a timed entry if the site allows it and arrive with time to spare. Visitors 25 and under and members always get in free with ID.
- Arrive 30 minutes before 5pm on Fridays if you have no ticket.
- Book ahead for the second Sunday.
- If you are 25 or under, you don't need the free slot: bring ID.
Best time to visit the Whitney without crowds
- A weekday at 10:30am with an online ticket.
- Avoid Friday evenings if you want quiet galleries.
- Weekend afternoons are usually busier.
- Summer and holidays bring more people because of the nearby High Line.
Where to buy tickets
Buy only on whitney.org to avoid reseller mark-ups. The ticket sets your entry time. Instead of renting an audio guide, the AnyArt app recognises works with your camera and tells their story.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Whitney free on Fridays?
Yes, from 5pm to 10pm. It is one of the busiest slots, so arrive early.
How much is the Whitney in 2026?
General admission is $30 and students and seniors pay $24. Visitors 25 and under are free. Check the official site.
What day is the Whitney closed?
Tuesdays. The rest of the week it opens 10:30am–6pm and until 10pm on Fridays.
Do I need to book?
Booking a timed ticket online is recommended, especially on Fridays and second Sundays.
Can I enter without a ticket?
Only the ground floor, which is free during museum hours.