09 Jun Museum Mile Festival 2025 – A Free Evening of Art and Fun for Families

Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Time: 6pm–9pm
Location: Fifth Avenue from 82nd to 110th Street
Cost: Free

Each year, New York City families get a rare treat: the chance to visit some of the city’s most famous museums for free — all in one evening. The Museum Mile Festival returns on June 10, 2025, turning a stretch of Fifth Avenue into a lively, car-free celebration filled with art, music, and kid-friendly activities.

What to Expect

From 6pm to 9pm, Fifth Avenue will be closed to traffic, giving families the freedom to walk safely between museums while enjoying live performances, street art, chalk drawings, face painting, and food vendors. The event is open to everyone, with no tickets or registration required.

Museums Offering Free Admission

Eight museums along the route will offer free entry during the festival:

• The Met (82nd St) – Ideal for kids who enjoy Egyptian mummies, knights in armor, and giant sculptures.
• Neue Galerie (86th St) – Features Austrian and German art; children under 12 not permitted.
• Guggenheim Museum (89th St) – Famous spiral design with contemporary and modern art.
• Cooper Hewitt (91st St) – Interactive design exhibits, including digital drawing tools.
• The Jewish Museum (92nd St) – Cultural exhibits with music and family activities.
• Museum of the City of New York (103rd St) – Focuses on NYC’s history with family-friendly exhibits and workshops.
• El Museo del Barrio (105th St) – Showcases Latino and Caribbean art; expect dance and crafts.
• The Africa Center (110th St) – Contemporary African art and cultural programming.

Many of these museums plan extra activities just for the evening — from live music to hands-on art projects.

Tips for Families

Arrive early (around 5:45pm) to beat the crowds, especially if you want to visit The Met or the Guggenheim.

Bring small bags — larger ones may need to be checked at museum entrances.

Choose 2–3 museums max and enjoy the street events in between.

Use public transit: the 4/5/6 subway to 86th St or M1–M4 buses are most convenient.

The event happens rain or shine, so check the forecast and pack accordingly.

Why It’s Great for Kids

The open streets, creative energy, and evening atmosphere make it extra fun for children of all ages. You can dip in and out of museums, stop for snacks, dance to live music, and enjoy art in all its forms, without spending a dime.

Check out more events happening this week.