NYC’s Largest FREE Museum: MoMA PS1 Becomes the City’s Biggest Admission-Free Museum on January 1, 2026

New York City is about to welcome its largest admission-free museum — permanently shifting how millions of locals and visitors experience contemporary art. Beginning January 1, 2026 , MoMA PS1 will officially offer free admission to all , a major accessibility expansion made possible by a transformative gift from creative entrepreneur Sonya Yu . The move marks a milestone moment for the institution’s 50th anniversary , turning the Long Island City museum into the city’s biggest admission-free cultural destination for the next three years . “For fifty years, MoMA PS1 has made the work of living artists relevant and accessible,” said Connie Butler, the museum’s Agnes Gund Director in a press release Tuesday. “Thanks to Sonya’s extraordinary support, we can invite even more New Yorkers and audiences from across the world to engage with our program.” Yu’s gift grows the museum’s long-standing commitment to access — evolving its existing free-for-New-Yorkers model into one that welcomes everyone equally. As a proud Chinese immigrant, parent, and advocate for community-driven art spaces, Yu sees this initiative as a direct investment in future generations. “Access to art can shape imagination and change perspectives, ” she said in a press release, noting her hope that barriers will continue to fall for those who may never have seen themselves represented in museum spaces. The free-admission era arrives just in time for a massive anniversary lineup. In April 2026, PS1 will unveil the next edition of Greater New York , its signature survey spotlighting artists living and working across the city. Throughout the year, visitors can expect special programming, expanded community partnerships, multilingual access in English, Spanish, and Chinese, and a full slate of exhibitions marking the museum’s half-century of experimental, artist-driven work. Local officials say the shift underscores Queens’ long-standing role as one of NYC’s most diverse cultural engines. “It’s no surprise the city’s largest free museum is here in Queens,” said Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., praising the museum’s mission to break down barriers to the arts. MoMA PS1 will maintain its regular operating hours, and visitors can reserve free timed tickets online ahead of their visit . The only thing left to plan for? Deciding which train to Court Square gets you there the fastest. 📍 MoMA PS1 — 22-25 Jackson Ave, Queens, NY Source: https://secretnyc.co/moma-ps1-free-admission-starting-2026/