18 May Guggenheim New York Summer Public Programs

As the city warms, a season of public programs invites family audiences to gather for Museum Mile, and kid-friendly offerings inspired by exhibitions on view.

This summer, the Guggenheim New York invites visitors of all ages and interests to venture outside and explore the museum’s vibrant cultural offerings. From accessible gallery experiences to family-friendly activities, the Guggenheim’s programs foster thoughtful dialogue and hands-on creativity. Special weekend Stroller Hour and drop-in Art Cart programs will continue, welcoming families with children of all ages, while Teen Circle and Teen Tuesdays support independent discovery.

The annual Museum Mile Festival returns to Fifth Avenue on June 9, during which the Guggenheim will host outdoor chess games and activities while providing free admission to all exhibitions.

During June and July, the New York metropolitan area will host one of the world’s most celebrated global events—the 2026 FIFA World Cup. To celebrate, the Guggenheim welcomes local New Yorkers and visitors from across the world to experience the global spirit of soccer through an artist’s lens at one of the city’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The video work Zidane, a 21st century portrait by Douglas Gordon and Philippe Parreno will be on view in the Peter B. Lewis Theater.

Seasonal family-friendly programming highlights include:  

Museum Mile Festival
Tuesday, June 9, 6–9 pm
Learn More
Free for Everyone

Seventeen museums and several neighborhood partners are once again coming together for the 48th annual Museum Mile Festival, the city’s biggest block party, held rain or shine. 

The Guggenheim New York invites Museum Mile Festival visitors of all ages to share an evening inside and outside the museum with free admission, outdoor chess and interactive experiences for an evening of creativity and discovery. All exhibitions on view, including Carol Bove and Guggenheim Pop: 1960 to Now, will be free to explore.  

Bring Your Own (Chess) Board
Sundays, May 24, June 14, and July 12, 3–5 pm
Reserve Tickets
Free with Admission

One Sunday each month, Carol Bove’s invitation to play extends beyond the rotunda into Café Rebay, where visitors of all ages and skill levels can convene for friendly competition and learning. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chess boards, but additional chess sets will be available for play. Check-in begins at 2:45 pm, with games starting at 3 pm. Museum admission will include a 10% discount at the café. 

Teen Circle
Ongoing
Learn More
Free to Join

The Teen Circle is a free pass for NYC teens ages 13–18 to connect with the arts, meet other creative teens, and be part of a vibrant cultural community at the Guggenheim New York. Members can explore the museum for free, bring up to four guests, and access exclusive events, performances, and other special offerings. 

Teen Tuesdays
First Tuesday of every month, 4–5:30 pm
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Free with RSVP

This drop-in series for teenagers takes place on the first Tuesday of every month. Teen Tuesdays offer a relaxed hangout where teens come together through art, culture, and community, with free museum admission, giveaways, snacks, and art materials included. 

Open to ages 13–18. Participants are welcome to drop in anytime during the event; however, advance RSVP is encouraged to reserve a spot for one or more sessions.   

This program is part of the Guggenheim’s free Teen Circle Membership. 

Teen Collab
Applications open August–September, program begins fall 2026
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Free to Apply

The Teen Collaborative is a pre-professional arts program that brings together NYC public high school students to learn about the museum and produce content for their peers. Students collaborate to make the museum more accessible to teen audiences, learn about careers in the arts, and cultivate leadership and other skills that prepare them for the next steps of their young adult lives. Students will receive a stipend for their participation. 

Stroller Hour
Monthly on Saturdays, 9:30–10:30 am
Reserve Tickets
$30 Adults, Free for children 12 and under and Members at the Dual/Family Level and Above

Once a month on Saturdays, families, parents, and caregivers with young children are invited to experience the Guggenheim New York before the museum opens to the public for an hour. Guests can explore the exhibition Carol Bove in a welcoming environment, including interactive spaces for rest, reflection, and play. Plus, participate in a guided artmaking activity designed to nurture creativity and connection.  

Advance registration is required. Program registration includes museum admission. 

Art Cart
Saturdays at select times, 10:30 am–12:30 pm and 3–5 pm
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Free with Admission

On Saturdays, families and visitors of all ages are invited to pick up materials from a museum educator and participate in communal art making in the galleries. Each month features a new theme and encourages participants to explore their own creativity while actively making meaningful connections with works on view. Sessions begin with a motivating question to guide shared exploration of materials, processes, and ideas. 

Art Cart is open to visitors of all abilities; previous art-making experience is not necessary.  

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
1071 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10128