The Whitney Museum of American Art (99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014) is celebrating two years of expanded free admission programs with a monthlong series of events featuring live music, dance classes, art activities and special giveaways.
The milestone will be highlighted by a special edition of Free Friday Nights on Jan. 16, when the museum will host a festive evening complete with cake, cocktails, a photo booth and dancing. The celebration also coincides with the final days of two major exhibitions — Sixties Surreal, closing Jan. 19, and Shifting Landscapes, closing Jan. 25 — offering visitors a last chance to experience the shows at no cost.
The anniversary marks two years since the Whitney broadened its access initiatives, which now include free admission every Friday from 5 to 10 p.m., Free Second Sundays and the Free 25 and Under program, providing complimentary entry every day to visitors ages 25 and younger. Museum officials say the programs have significantly reshaped the Whitney’s audience, drawing younger and more diverse visitors and encouraging many first-time museumgoers.
As part of the Jan. 16 celebration, visitors of all ages are invited to join an Afro-dance class led by Ailey Extension instructor Judith McCarty at 6 p.m. in the third-floor theater. The evening will also feature live music in the lobby with Sixties Surreal B-Side, an immersive collaboration inspired by the sounds of the 1960s. Trumpeter Dave Guy, known for his work with The Roots and Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, will perform alongside an Afrofuturist DJ set by Mixtape creator April Hunt.
Additional Free Friday Nights on Jan. 23 and Jan. 30 will continue the festivities, offering free admission from 5 to 10 p.m. with rotating programming that includes music, artmaking and special events. Throughout the month, the museum will also present free exhibition tours led by Whitney educators, ranging from family-focused experiences to brief 15-minute highlights tours.
While admission is free during designated times, tickets are still required due to capacity limits, and advance reservations are strongly encouraged through the museum’s website.
The Whitney’s free admission initiatives are among the most comprehensive in the country, building on a long-standing commitment to accessibility. The Free 25 and Under program is supported by major gifts from board members Susan Hess and artist Julie Mehretu, while Free Second Sundays is funded through a grant from the Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All Program.
By removing financial barriers and pairing free entry with dynamic programming, the Whitney continues to expand access to contemporary American art — turning its anniversary celebration into both a thank-you to the community and an invitation for new audiences to discover the museum.
••••• Message Center••••
Follow us on social media: Facebook • Instagram • Threads • X • Bluesky • Tiktok • Reddit
Looking for news and events beyond NYC? Finding Connecticut and Finding The Hudson Valley have the latest happenings just north of the city!
Let’s create with Victory Designs
Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.
Share your New York City experiences on instagram #findingnewyorkcity
Save on CBD!
My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding New York City. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.
Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code NYC35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.
Products we use here at Finding New York City include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops• Pet Treats