MoMA PS1 Announces Free Admission for All Through 2028

MoMA PS1, located in Long Island City, New York, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to offer free admission to all visitors from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028. This new policy coincides with the museum’s fiftieth anniversary and is made possible by a generous gift of $900,000 from creative strategist and art collector Sonya Yu.

Since 2015, the museum has provided free entry to New York residents, while visitors from outside the city have been encouraged to pay a suggested admissions fee. The shift to completely free access aims to significantly increase attendance, which has reportedly rebounded to pre-pandemic levels of approximately 150,000 visitors annually, according to a report by the New York Times.

Boosting Visitor Engagement

MoMA PS1 anticipates that the new policy will attract 180,000 visitors each year by the end of 2026, and aims to welcome as many as 500,000 visitors within five years. “We know that contemporary art on its own is not going to necessarily always bring in the numbers, but over time, this will welcome people,” stated Connie Butler, the museum’s director, in an interview with Artnews. She emphasized the museum’s desire to eliminate barriers for potential visitors, encouraging families to come and enjoy the space, including the courtyard and various programs.

Yu, highlighting the current economic climate, noted the importance of facilitating access to art. “In today’s landscape, people have to constantly do math like, ‘Am I paying for my Netflix account, or am I paying for eggs?’” she remarked, pointing out that the free admission policy is designed to appeal to casual visitors who may feel they lack the time to engage deeply with art and culture.

Exciting Programs Ahead

In addition to the new admission policy, MoMA PS1 has a series of initiatives planned for this year to attract diverse audiences. One of the highlights is the upcoming “Greater New York,” a quinquennial survey showcasing New York-based artists. Other events include a summer gala and expanded programming for the popular Warm Up summer music series.

These efforts reflect MoMA PS1’s commitment to reaching a broader audience while fostering a vibrant cultural community. By eliminating admission fees, the museum hopes to create a more inclusive environment, making contemporary art accessible to all.