Unlock Free Access to 1000+ Museums This Saturday

Museum Day Live: Experience Culture for Free

This Saturday, more than 1000 museums across the US will open their doors to the public for free, aiming to promote a wealth of cultural experiences available throughout the nation.

Hosted in association with Smithsonian Magazine, the 17th annual Museum Day Live will take place on Saturday, September 18, marking a significant return since last year’s pandemic-related cancellation. Visitors simply need to download a branded ticket for participating institutions to gain entry at no cost. This includes museums, zoos, and cultural centers, enabling access for one guest as well.

Main entry canopy view of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is one of the venues participating in Museum Day Live.

“As we begin to feel a sense of normalcy in our day-to-day lives, we are honored to welcome the public back to museums across the nation this Museum Day,” commented Amy Wilkins, Chief Revenue Officer at Smithsonian Media. “This year’s event serves as a reminder of the people, places, and cultural experiences that unite us all during these challenging times.”

Participating Museums and Cultural Centers

Hundreds of museums in all 50 states have signed up for this year’s initiative, indicating a promising year ahead. Notable participants include:

  • The Grammy Museum in Los Angeles
  • The Museum of Arts & Design in New York City
  • The Gibson House Museum in Boston
  • The National Museum of African American History and Culture in DC
  • The Blues Hall of Fame in Memphis

This year’s campaign also includes an exciting partnership with Quaker, featuring a back-to-school giveaway. Children have the opportunity to win one of 100 Smithsonian science kits daily. Furthermore, teachers and students can enter a grand prize contest for an exclusive Q&A session with a museum educator during a cultural field trip for their class.

Each ticket for Museum Day Live provides access for the holder and one guest. It’s important to note that one ticket is allowed per email address. For further information on downloading tickets for Museum Day Live, please visit the Smithsonian website.

This article was first published on July 9, 2021, and updated on September 14, 2021.


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