MoMA PS1 Announces Free Admission Policy Effective 2026

MoMA PS1 in New York City has announced that it will offer free admission to all visitors from 2026 through 2028, coinciding with the museum’s 50th anniversary celebration. This initiative, set to begin on January 1, follows a significant gift from Bay Area art collector and entrepreneur Sonya Yu. Yu is known for her involvement with the Hammer Museum and the San Francisco Museum of Art.

This decision is part of a broader effort to address financial barriers and make art more accessible to the public. Free admission is particularly significant in a city where museums like the Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim, and the Whitney Museum of American Art have increased admission costs, which currently stand at around $30 for adults.

MoMA PS1 has been offering free admission to New York residents, with out-of-towners previously paying $10 for entry and available discounts for seniors and youth. The upcoming free access initiative positions MoMA PS1 as the largest free museum in New York City.

This move is reminiscent of the Whitney Museum of American Art’s recent program, which provided free admission to visitors under 25 after a $2 million donation from artist Julie Mehretu and support from philanthropist Susan Hess. The exact amount of Yu’s donation to MoMA PS1 has not been disclosed, but her contribution underscores her belief in art’s power to foster social change and inspire new generations. Yu emphasizes the importance of art in shaping imagination and changing perspectives, reflecting on her experiences as a Chinese immigrant and mother.