FAQs

Free WiFi access is available throughout the building as well as on the Front Terrace. 

Feel free to text, post, and share what you see during your visit. As a courtesy to other visitors, please set your phone to vibrate and take all voice calls outside of the galleries. 

Still photography for personal, noncommercial use is permitted unless otherwise noted. Tripods, selfie sticks, and flash photography are not permitted. 

Pencils, sketchbooks, and notebooks are permitted. However, pens, paints, and easels are not permitted. 

Coat check is currently available on the first floor. 

We cannot accept materials without prior approval. Please send a description of your proposed donation, as well as photographs or scans, to collections@mcny.org. 

The Museum offers guided tours for school groups and private groups. There is a $5 minimum fee per person for walk in groups of more than 10 people.

Maintaining a clean Museum is paramount to our daily operations. Hand sanitizer dispensers are posted throughout the Museum. We encourage guests to sanitize their hands upon entering and exiting the Museum. 

The Museum has a state-of-the-art HVAC system that was installed with our recent building renovations, completed in 2016. Our HVAC system runs 24/7, both for the health and safety of visitors and to protect all of the historic objects in the Museum. 

Outside air will be recirculated at a minimum of 20%, and up to 100% outside air when possible. All outside and indoor recirculating air is always being filtered. Our central air and other HVAC filtration system uses a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) 14 Filter, which exceeds the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers guidelines. 

• We ask that all visitors be respectful of one another, the objects on view, and our facility as we work together to provide a safe, inspiring environment.  
• Avoid visiting if you have symptoms of COVID-19, have been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 14 days, or have been in close contact (within 6 feet for 10 minutes or more) with someone infected with or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 within the past 14 days. 
• Masks are recommended, but not required. Proof of vaccination is no longer required. 
• Follow directions from staff and signage for use of facilities. Do not enter non-public areas without authorization. 
• Children under age 12 must remain with adults at all times. 
• Eating is prohibited in Museum galleries. Water is allowed in closed containers. Please use tables at Chalsty’s Café for meals and snacks when visiting. 
• Please be considerate of persons with disabilities when using elevators and benches. 
• Large bags or backpacks (more than 11” x 17”) or luggage will not be permitted. Please where backpacks in front of your body. 
• Bikes, roller skates, skateboards, wagons, sporting equipment, and scooters are prohibited. 
• Do not run, climb, or sit on exhibits or railings 
• Please avoid yelling, using audible music devices, or drones  
• Weapons, including firearms, knives, scissors, aerosols such as pepper spray and Mace, and hazardous materials, are strictly prohibited on the property. All bags are subject to inspection upon entry 
• The Museum does not allow soliciting, posting or distributing any sign, notice, ad, or print material  

I'm a Neighbor Program— If you live or work in zip codes 10029, 10035, or 10037 (the areas bounded by 96th & 142nd Streets to the south and north, and by Fifth Avenue and East and Harlem Rivers to the west and east), visit the Museum free of charge. Simply show your I.D. or a piece of mail with your current address and the suggested admission charge will be waived.

Museum admission is always free for:

• Caregivers and personal aides
• CUNY and NYU students
• Educators
• Employees of other Museums
• Employees of the City of New York
• Members of the Museum of the City of New York
• U.S. Military (active duty and veterans)

Please show your Employee/School ID or a business card and the suggested admission charge will be waived.

The Museum is part of the following reciprocal admission programs:

• American Alliance of Museums (AAM) — admission for the cardholder +1 guest
• Cool Culture Family Pass — general admission for family groups
• International Council of Museums (ICOM) — admission for the cardholder +1 guest
• North American Reciprocal Museums Association (NARM) — admission for the cardholder +1 guest

Please show your membership card to redeem your free admission. 

Other free admission opportunities:

• Culture Pass. Reserve with your local public library.
• Same-day visitors with tickets to El Museo del Barrio receive free admission to MCNY. Present your admission ticket or receipt.
• Members of the Press. Must present press credentials.
• Tour Guides. Must present tour guide credentials.