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Get FREE Admission to 30+ NYC Attractions!

Get FREE Admission to 30+ NYC Attractions!

If you live in New York City, you can get free admission to over 30 museums, concert halls, gardens, performing arts centers and more across New York City! All you need is a FREE government-issued ID card called idNYC!

This card is absolutely amazing – and it’s also absolutely free! 

Library Card: Your idNYC also functions as a library card. All you have to do is take it to your local library branch to activate it! You’ll either add it to an existing account or create a new one. In fact, you can enroll in idNYC at either the Bronx Library Center or Mid-Manhattan Library.

Valid Photo ID: Your idNYC card is a valid, government-issued ID. This is particularly beneficial to vulnerable populations who may have a hard time getting an ID, like undocumented immigrants, young people, the homeless and the formerly incarcerated.

Proof of Veteran’s Status: If you are a veteran, don’t forget to get your veteran’s designation! It unlocks even MORE freebies! You’ll need to provide a DD214, DD 2, VA ID, NGB-22 or Attestation from May’rs Office of Veteran’s Affairs.

Please note that participating cultural institutions do not always participate every year. For example, there are some 2016 participants that are not returning to the program in 2017. Don’t let your opportunity to snag a FREE annual membership to these institutions slip by!

DISCOUNTS ON PRODUCTS

Animal Care Centers of New York – $25 off

Receive $25 of adoption fees for cats, dogs and rabbits. The adoption fee, which is usually $50 to $100, includes vaccinations, microchipping, spay/neuter services, a free ID tag and a free office visit at a participating veterinarian.

Ballet School NY – 10% discount

Ballet School NY offers a 10% discount for an adult 10-class card or $2 discounts for a single adult class.

Barclay’s Center – 25% off

Save 25% on tickets to world championship boxing, college basketball, Brooklyn Nets and New York Islanders games, family shows and more at the Barclays’ Center.

Baruch Performing Arts Center – 15-20% off

You can get 15% off all BPAC productions, 20% off all concessions and $10 rush tickets on performance day.

Chelsea Film Festival – FREE tickets!

With idNYC, you can get free tickets to specific events, 30% off VIP and regular festival passes and 50% off supporter and VIP memberships.

Citi Bike – 15% off

Save 15% on your annual Citi Bike membership during your first year as a Citi Bike member.

CourseHorse – 15% off

Get 15% off on 75,000 NYC-based classes from CourseHorse. You can learn coding, cooking, art, writing, dance, language, business and more!

Food Bazaar – 5% off

Get a 5% discount on all purchases at Food Bazaar supermarkets on weekdays between 7am and 7pm. Some exclusions apply.

Modell’s Sporting Goods – 10% off

Save 10% on your in-store purchases at Modell’s Sporting Goods when you show your idNYC card. Some exclusions apply.

New York City Football Club – $3 off

Save $3 on individual game tickets when you show your idNYC card at the NYCFC box office.

New York City Parks Department – 10% off

Save 10% on an annual or semiannual NYC Parks Recreation Center memberhsips for guests age 25-61.

New York City YMCA – 15% off

Receive 15% off family and adult memberships at all 22 YMCA centers in New York City. Just show your IDNYC card at the front desk!

New York Pass – 25% off

This sight-seeing pass lets you visit more than 80 attracts across all five boroughs. You’ll get access to the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, Sightseeing Cruises, Walking Tours, the Statue of Liberty, Madame Tussaud’s, Art Museums and more. Get 25% off a 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 or 10 day pass!

Browse more IDNYC discounts by clicking here!
You’ll need your card information to log in.

free idnyc card dinosaur surprised

FREE MEMBERSHIPS FOR ONE YEAR

Please note that, as a general rule, you cannot obtain a free membership if you have had a membership there (free or otherwise) in the last three years. Some venues have other rules and exclusions.

American Museum of Natural History

When you claim your free membership to the American Museum of Natural History, you’ll receive great benefits for you and up to four guests under the age of 18. Your benefits will include:

  • FREE unlimited general admission to all 45 permanent halls
  • FREE admission to the LeFrak Theater, which shows 3D films
  • 10% discount on Museum Shop purchases
  • 15% discount on Museum restaurant purchases
  • Advance notice of upcoming educational programs
  • Priority service at the Members-only ticket desk

idNYC cardholders under age 18 are not eligible for this membership package.

BRIC 

When you claim your membership to the largest free cultural programming center in Brooklyn, you’ll receive the following benefits:

  • BRIC House individual membership
  • Discount on merchandise
  • 10% discount on qualifying Community Media classes
  • 10% discount on the Mary Anne Yancey Cafe
  • Reciprocal benefits from BRIC Neighbors
  • Advance notice of upcoming programs courtesy of the members-only email list and access to advance tickets

Bronx County Historical Society 

When you claim your membership to the Bronx County Historical Society, you’ll receive the following benefits:

  • FREE individual admission to the Museum of Bronx History for one year.
  • Admission to members-only previews
  • One-year subscription to the newsletter and journal
  • 10% discount at museum stores

Bronx Museum of the Arts 

When you claim your membership to this contemporary art museum, you’ll receive the following benefits:

  • Personalized membership card
  • VIP seating at public events
  • Early registration and members-only invitations to certain events
  • 10% discount at the Museum Shop and XM Cafe
  • Subscription to the members-only newsletter

Bronx Zoo

When you claim your free one-year membership to the Wildlife Conservation Society, you’ll receive access to all five WCS wildlife parks throughout New York City. However, you HAVE to sign up for this program at the Bronx Zoo. You cannot enroll at any of the other parks.

  • Unlimited FREE admission to all five WCS wildlife parks.
  • Discounted tickets to the Central Park Zoo and New York Aquarium 4D Theaters
  • 10% restaurant discount at the Bronx Zoo’s Dancing Crane Cafe and Terrace Cafe.
  • 10% discount at the Bronx Zoo retail shops.
  • Discounts on most educational programs and courses.
  • Invitation to Member’s Evenings at the Bronx Zoo

Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)

Your idNYC card includes access to a Level 1 BAM membership for one year. As a Level 1 member, you’ll receive:

  • 50% off same-day live performance tickets
  • 50% off performance-related talks
  • 50% off regular-price movie tickets for 1
  • 20-30% subscription discounts (to 4+ shows)
  • 15% off purchases at the Greenlight Bookstore
  • 10% off at BAMcafe and over 30 BAM Dining Partners
  • $5 off tickets to special screenings for 2
  • Early access to tickets for live performances and special screenings
  • Access to pre-show Member Mingles

Brooklyn Children’s Museum

For over 100 years, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum has thrilled young New York adventurers. With your idNYC, you can receive an individual membership package from Brooklyn Kids.

  • Free admission for ONE person per visit
  • $4 admission discount per guest
  • Express member entry on weekends and school holidays
  • Invitations to members-only events
  • Monthly members-only newsletter

Carnegie Hall

Your idNYC card qualifies you for a free Carengie Hall Friends membership for one year. You’ll receive:

  • 50% off tickets on select presentations
  • Early seating access
  • Monthly members-only guide
  • Discounts to partnering restaurants, parking garages, shops, hotels and more

Central Park Zoo

As part of the Wildlife Conservation Society, access to the Central Park Zoo is included when you claim your Wildlife Conservation Society membership. This membership must be claimed at the Bronx Zoo location. You’ll also get 10% off at the Dnacing Crane Cafe and the Zoo’s Zootique!

China Institute (NEW IN 2017!)

Explore China and Chinese language, art, culture and impact on America with this comprehensive educational and cultural center. Your idNYC membership will include:

  • Unlimited admission to the China Institute Gallery exhibitions
  • Discounts to certain programs, including language, brush painting and calligraphy classes.
  • 10% shop discounts
  • Invitations to members-only events
  • Subscription to members-only newsletter

The Drawing Center (NEW IN 2017!)

This art center focuses on drawing techniques and the impact of drawing on contemporary culture and art. Your iDNYC card includes the following:

  • Unlimited admission for two people for one year
  • Invitations to members-only events

Film Forum (NEW IN 2017!)

This independent cinema is open every day of the year and showcases indpeendent films and classic programs. The Film Forum offers three screens featuring award-winning but unusual selections and many unique programs.

  • One admission to any movie at the membership rate
  • 20% discount on Film Forum merchandise
  • Event calendars and email updates

Flushing Town Hall

This intercultural arts center offers the following benefits to idNYC cardholders:

  • Free admission to FCCA exhibitions, Jazz Jams and interactive workshops
  • Discounted member prices on all FCCA ticketed performances and events for two people
  • 10% discount in the gift shop
  • 1 FCCA Treat-a-Friend pass
  • Invitation to members-only events
  • Access to pre-show members lounge

Jamaica Center for Art and Learning

When you redeem your idNYC membership at Jamaica Center for Art & Learning, you’ll receive:

  • Unlimited free access to exhibitions
  • 30% discount on admission tickets
  • Discounted parking vouchers
  • Invitations to members-only events

Jacques Marchais Center for Tibetan Art (NEW IN 2017!)

As the first museum in America that is dedicated solely to Tibetan art, the Jacques Marchais Center offers a unique experience for idNYC cardholders.

  • Unlimited free admission for cardholders
  • Discount for meditation and tai chi classes
  • 10% discount in the museum shop

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc.

When you claim your free one-year membership to the Lincoln Center, you will receive:

  • 50% discount on Lincoln Center tours
  • Advance access to tickets to Lincoln Center Presents performances including American Songbook, Great Performers, Lincoln Center Festival, Mostly Mozart Festival and the White Light Festival.
  • Electronic subscriptions to members-only newsletters

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met is world-renowned as one of the planet’s largest and finest art museums. More than two million works of art await you here. When you claim your free one-year admission, you’ll receive:

  • Unlimited free admission to the Met Fifth Avenue, the Met Cloisters, and the Met Breuer
  • Free guided tours of the collection (available in 10 languages)
  • Discount on Audio Guide rentals (available in 9 languages)
  • Invitations to members-only programs

To claim your idNYC membership, you’ll need to go to the Met Fifth Avenue.

Metropolitan Opera

The Metropolitan Opera attracts the best and most talented singers, conducts, musicians, directors, designers, artists, choreographers, dancers and composers from around the world. Now, you can use your idNYC card to receive:

  • Ticket discounts
  • Invitations to final dress rehersals
  • 10% discounts at the Met Opera Shop

MoMA & MoMA PS1

The Museum of Modern Art and MoMA PS1 offer a joint one-year membership that includes:

  • Free individual admission to MoMA PS1 and The Museum of Modern Art during regular hours
  • Free same-day, on-site tickets to MoMA Film screenings
  • $2 discount on same-day, on-site tickets to Sunday Sessions and Warm-Up programs at MoMA PS1
  • 10% discount in the MoMA stores
  • Monthly members-only newsletter

Museum at Eldridge Street (NEW IN 2017!)

Housed in the Eldridge Street Synagogue, a National Historic Landmark, this museum provides awe-inspiring architecture as well as exhibitions.

  • Unlimited free admission to the Museum and special exhibits
  • Unlimited free admission for two guests under the age of 18
  • 25% discount on concerts and talks for 2 people
  • 10% discount in Museum shop

Museum of Arts and Design (NEW IN 2017!)

MAD champions the work of contemporary artists and designers. You’ll receive:

  • Unlimited free admission to the Museum for one adult. Please note that all guests 18 and under are always free.
  • Discount on public programs, performances, talks, panels and screenings.
  • 10% discount at the store.

Museum of Chinese in America

Explore bustling Chinatown with a free guided walking tour and other benefits from MOCA! With your idNYC, you’ll receive:

  • Unlimited free admission for the cardholder and one guest
  • One free guided Chinatown walking tour
  • Discounts on public programs
  • One-time discount for one guest
  • 15% discount at T shop
  • 10% discount in the museum shop
  • 10% discount at Red Egg restaurant
  • Invitations to members-only events

Museum of Jewish Heritage

As a memorial to those who perished during the Holocaust, the Museum invites guests to claim a free one-year membership that includes the following:

  • Unlimited free admission to the Museum and special exhibitions
  • Free guest passes (2)
  • Free admission for two to select public problems
  • Discounted admission for most programs
  • 15% discount at the Pickman Museum Shop
  • 10% discount at the Heritage Cafe

Museum of the City of New York

Founded in 1923, this museum focuses on preserving the past, present and future of New York City. Your idNYC includes:

  • Unlimited free individual admission
  • Discounts on lectures, performances and walking tours
  • 20% discount in the Museum shop
  • 10% discount in Chalsty’s Cafe

New York Aquarium (NEW IN 2017!)

Since the New York Aquarium is a member of the Wildlife Conservation Society, access is included when you claim your WCS membership at the Bronx Zoo. With your WCS membership, you’ll receive:

  • Unlimited free admission to the New YOrk Aquarium
  • Discounts to the NY Aquarium 4D Theater
  • 10% discount at the NY Aquarium Oceanic Shop

New York Botanical Garden

You can explore all 250 acres of this National Historic Landmark when you claim your idNYC membership to this location.

  • Unlimited free admission for an individual OR family (2 adults and up to 2 kids under age 12)

New York City Ballet

You can experience the New York City Ballet for membership rates through this program. The membership is limited to one per household, even if multiple idNYC holders share the same address.

  • Access to select working rehersals
  • 15% discount at the gift shop
  • 10% discount at several dining locations in the Lincoln Center plaza

New York City Center

New York’s first performing arts center invites idNYC card holders to enroll in a complimentary one-year membership that includes:

  • Advance access to tickets for certain events
  • Discounts to more than 30 neighborhood sites, including parking
  • Access to the Membership hotline

New York Road Runners

Receive a complimentary Adult, Senior, Junior, Armed Services or Collegiate annual membership to the New York Road Runners. You’ll receive:

  • 45% off NYRR race entry fees
  • Discounts on group training
  • Early access to races

Park Avenue Armory (NEW IN 2017!)

Unconventional artwork is showcased in the 55,000 square foot Armory hall. With your idNYC, you can receive:

  • Unlimited free admission to the Park Avenue Armory
  • 10% discount on purchases
  • Subscription to a members-only newsletter

Pregones & Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre

Pregones Theater and the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater united in early 2014 to offer a single multi-venue Latino company. The Puerto Rican Travelling Theatre is housed in a former firehouse building at 304 W 47th St. Pregones Theater is located in the South Bronx Cultural Corridor on Walton Ave.

  • 25% off advance and at-the-door ticket prices
  • Advance access to tickets and program information
  • First access to theater seating
  • Advance notice of upcoming events

Prospect Park Zoo

Since the New York Aquarium is a member of the Wildlife Conservation Society, access is included when you claim your WCS membership at the Bronx Zoo.

The Public Theater

The only place in New York that offers a mix of Shakespeare, musicals, contemporary, experimental and classic pieces. As a member, you will receive:

  • Access to one member discount ticket per perdocution for The Public’s downtown season during preview performances
  • 20% off food and beverages at Joe’s Pub, The Library, and The Lobby Bar
  • Priority access to performances
  • Invites to members-only events
  • Waived ticket fees
  • Free exchanges

Queens Museum

The Queens Museum presents educaitonal programs and visual arts for the residents of Queens’ diverse community. With your idNYC card, you can receive a free Family Membership.

  • Unlimited FREE admission for 2 adults and up to 4 children
  • 10% discount at Museum Shop and Cafe
  • Invitations to members-only events
  • Discount on Queens Museum Summer camp and other events

Queens Theatre

The Queens Theater is a performing arts venue that serves the 2.2 million residents of Queens. As a member, you will receive:

  • $25 Rush tickets when ordered the day of the performance. Limit 2 Rush tickets per member.
  • 15% off all tickets
  • Discount on the Queens Theatre Gala

Queens Zoo

Since the New York Aquarium is a member of the Wildlife Conservation Society, access is included when you claim your WCS membership at the Bronx Zoo.

Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden

Snug Harbor was once a home for retired sailors; now it’s a regional arts center that showcases history, visual arts, architecture, theater, music, dance, and science. The center encompasses 26 historic buildings, 9 distinctive gardens, a 2-acre farm and 10 acres of wetlands.

  • Unlimited free individual admission to Snug Harbor galleries
  • Unlimited free individual admission to New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden
  • Discounts on pre-scheduled tours
  • Invitations to members-only events

St. George Theatre (NEW IN 2017!)

This historic theater, located just two blocks from the Staten Island Ferry, provides live performances of dance, comedy, illusion, children’s theater, music and more.

  • Discounts to certain performances
  • Exclusive members-only presale access
  • $10 credit to Grand Lobby concessions
  • Invitations to members-only events

Staten Island Museum

New York City’s only general-interest museum provides exhibitions and educational programs that span countless topics.

  • Unlimited free admission
  • 10% discount in the Museum store
  • Discounts on events and programs
  • Invitations to members-only events

Studio Museum of Harlem

You can get a free one-year membership to the Studio Museum of Harlem! You’ll receive:

  • Unlimited free admission for one person
  • Free or discounted tickets to educational and public programs
  • Admission during members-only hours
  • Invitation to one exhibition opening and exclusive Member Shopping Days at the Museum store

Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling  (NEW IN 2017!)

Enjoy year-round art exhibitions, storytelling, art-making workshops, and early childhood arts education and the Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art and Storytelling.

  • Unlimited free admission for one adult. Kids 0-8 are always free!
  • One guest pass
  • 10% discount at the Shop
  • Invitation to members-only events

Symphony Space  (NEW IN 2017!)

Affordable presentations of music, literature, film, family, comedy and arts are all available at Symphony Space, located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

  • Up to 25% off tickets to Symphony Space shows for one person
  • 20% off at Bar Thalia
  • Free drink at intermission Members’ Bars throughout the season
  • Discounts to neighborhood restaurants and shops
  • Pre-sale access and priority admission to Wall to Wall
  • Invitations to the Member Season kick-off party

Wave Hill

Get unlimited free admission and free weekday parking with your Wave Hill membership! You’ll also receive the following:

  • Unlimited free admission for one adult (18+)
  • FREE weekday parking on-site in winter (Jan, Feb and March)
  • FREE admission to the Summer Sunset Wednesdays concert series
  • 10% discounts in The Shop and The Cafe
  • Invitations to members-only events

(to see the list sorted by borough, please click here)

Veterans

If you’re a veteran, you need to make sure you register as a veteran with your idNYC! You’ll get even MORE free admission and benefits than standard idNYC cardholders.

If you have any one of the following documents, you can get a veteran designation on your IDNYC:

  • DD214 – Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
  • DD 2 Retired – US Uniformed Services ID Card (Retired)
  • VIC/VHIC – Veterans Affairs Hospital Identification Card
  • NY State DMV Driver’s License or Non-Driver ID with Veteran Designation
  • Expired IDNYC with Veteran Designation
  • Attestation from Mayor’s Office of Veterans’ Affairs confirming military service

Once you’ve got that designation, you’ll also be able to get the following perks!

Free Veterans Advantage Digital Plan for one year!

Once you’ve got your veterans designation on your idNYC, you’ll be able to get free access to Veterans Advantage’s Digital Plan for 12 months. This site will give you access to discounts from the country’s largest retailers and travel providers. Enroll here!

Free Discounts through the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s Queens VETS Program!

Businesses that participate in the Queen’s VETS program accept the IDNYC Veteran Designation as proof of veteran status. See a sample of your future savings by clicking here. 

Free Membership to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum!

Sign up at the museum to receive a free Individual Membership for one year.

Access to Veteran-Specific Services from the NYC Department of Small Business Services!

They’ll help with resume preparation, job training, job placement services and more. You can also get information about the Veteran’s Entrepreneurship Program!

Get more FREE stuff in New York!

Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.

Imane

Sunday 23rd of January 2022

I love this program, it’s really amazing!!

Isaac

Thursday 10th of February 2022

Thanks for letting us know! I’m glad we were able to help.

A RICH

Thursday 18th of February 2021

FANtastics!