(**************) These New York City museums and cultural institutions that offer free access every day that they are open -- confirm hours/days that they're open to avoid disappointment.

• American Folk Art Museum

Admission is always free at the American Folk Art Museum where you can see the 9/11 National Tribute Quilt, as well as temporary exhibits and selections from the Museums' permanent collection. Address: 2 Lincoln Square | Phone: 212-595-9533

• Forbes Galleries

Admission is always free to this interesting museum featuring collectibles such as toy soldiers, Monopoly games and more. The Forbes Galleries are open Tuesday - Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Thursdays are reserved for groups with prior reservations.) Address: 62 Fifth Avenue (at 12th Street) | Phone: 212-206-5548

• Goethe Institut

Weekdays you can experience German language and culture exhibits for free at the Goethe Institut. Address: 72 Spring Street, 11th floor | Phone: 212-439-8700

• Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology

Admission to the museum displaying articles from the permanent collection, as well as changing exhibits on fashion, is always free. Address: Seventh Avenue at 27 Street | Phone: 212-217-5970

• National Museum of the American Indian

Admission to the the sixteenth museum in the Smithsonian Institution is always free. Address: 1 Bowling Green, George Gustave Heye Center | Phone: 212-514-3700

• Queens Botanical Garden

Off-season visits to the Queens Botanical Garden are free daily (closed Mondays) from November through March. Address: 43-50 Main Street, Flushing, NY | Phone: 718-886-3800

• Sony Wonder Technology Lab

Admission is always free to this entertainment and technology museum located in Midtown. Address: Sony Plaza Public Arcade at 56th Street and Madison Avenue | Phone: 212-833-5414

• Swiss Institute of Contemporary Art

Admission to the exhibitions at the Swiss Institute is always free -- it's open Wednesday through Sunday from 12-6. Address: 495 Broadway 3rd Floor | Phone: 212-925-2035

(**************) These New York City museums allow you to use your discretion when paying admission. Of course, they rely on income from admission sales to present their collections and do their work, but you can pay what you can afford (or what you feel represents your visit to the museum) with the suggested admission policy. At most of these museums, the full-price admission price is posted, but you can tell the cashier how much you want to pay and they will admit you. Another thing to keep in mind is that you can't purchase tickets online for less than the suggested admission.

• American Museum of Natural History

The suggested adult admission at the American Museum of Natural History is $19, but you can make whatever contribution you see as appropriate to enter the museum (though you'll have to pay full price for planetarium shows, etc.). Address: Central Park West at West 79th Street | Phone: 212-769-5000

• The Bronx Museum of the Arts

The flagship cultural institution of the Bronx, the Bronx Museum collects and celebrates 20th century and contemporary art, with a particular emphasis on artists of African, Asian and Latin American ancestry and those with a connection to the Bronx. Suggested admission is $5. Address: 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn | Phone: 718-638-5000

• Brooklyn Museum

One of the oldest and largest art museums in the world, the Brooklyn Museum is housed in a beautiful Beaux-Arts building. The suggested admission is $12 to see not only the museum's impressive permanent collection, but also a range of ever-changing exhibits that are often amazing. Address: 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn | Phone: 718-638-5000

• El Museo del Barrio

Located in East Harlem, El Museo del Barrio collects and exhibits Caribbean, Latino, and Latin American art. The museum's suggested admission of $9 offers you the opportunity to explore both temporary exhibits, as well as displays from the museum's permanent collection. Address: 1230 Fifth Avenue (104th Street) | Phone: 212-831-7272

• Metropolitan Museum of Art & The Cloisters

Although they raised the suggested admission to $25, you can pay what you can afford to see one of the greatest art museums in New York City.

• The Met - Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue | Phone: 212-535-7710
• The Cloisters - Address: 99 Margaret Corbin Drive, Fort Tryon Park | Phone: 212-923-3700
• MoMA PS1

PS1 exhibits contemporary art in a former Public School in Long Island City, Queens. Suggested admission is $10, which gains you access to temporary exhibitions, as well as long-term exhibits at the museum. Admission is also free for MoMA ticket holders within 30 days. Address: 22-25 Jackson Ave. at 46th Ave., Long Island City | Phone: 718-784-2084

• Museum of Bibical Art

Suggested admission is $7 at this Upper West Side museum that exhibits and interprets art related to the Bible and its cultural legacy. Address: 1865 Broadway at 61st Street | Phone: 212-408-1500

• Museum of the City of New York

The Museum of the City of New York features a permanent collection and changing exhibits about the history of this fascinating city. They suggest visitors pay $10, and offer free admission to people who live or work above 103rd Street in East Harlem. Address: 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street | Phone: 212-534-1672

• Queens Museum of Art

The Queens Museum of Art collects and exhibits art reflecting the urban experience, with an emphasis on artists working and living in New York City and Queens. Suggested admission of $5 gives you a chance to see their most famous exhibit, The Panorama of the City of New York built by Robert Moses for the 1964 World's Fair. Address: New York City Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens | Phone: 718-592-9700

• Sculpture Center

Founded in 1928, the Sculpture Center collects and commissions contemporary sculpture, and exhibits work by emerging and established sculptors. A donation of $5 is suggested for admission to this Queens museum open Thursday - Monday from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Address: 4419 Purves Street, Long Island City, Queens | Phone: 718-361-1750

• Staten Island Museum

The Staten Island Museum prides itself on dynamic exhibits highlighting its multidisciplinary collection related to natural science, art, and history. Suggested admission is just $3. Address: 75 Stuyvesant Place, Staten Island | Phone: 718-727-1135

• The Studio Museum of Harlem

The Studio Museum of Harlem asks for a $7 suggested donation to see their exhibits which focus on the works of local, national and international artists of African descent. Address: 144 West 125th Street | Phone: 212-864-4500

• Tibet House

The Tibet House Cultural Center features exhibits of classical and contemporary Tibetan art, as well as art inspired by Tibetan culture. Admission is free, but there is a box to contribute your donation ($5 suggested). Address: 22 West 15th Street | Phone: 212-807-0565

(**************) While many museums are closed on Mondays, these ones are open and offer free and pay-what-you-wish options for admission on Mondays.

• Museum at Eldridge Street Visitors to the Museum at Eldridge Street have the opportunity to learn about the 1887 Eldridge Street Synagogue, its history and architecture, as well as the story of the Jewish immigrants who worshiped there. (Full-priced admission is usually $10)

Address: 12 Eldridge Street | Phone: 212-219-0888

• Yeshiva University Museum Admission is free on Mondays (open from 5-8 p.m.) to the YUMuseum, where you can explore exhibits that celebrate Jewish intellectual and artistic achievements. (Full-price admission $8)

Address: 15 West 16th Street | Phone: 212-294-8330

(**************) New York City Museums With Free Admission on Tuesday

• Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Enjoy the beautiful gardens, conservatory and exhibitions at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens for free every Tuesday. (Admission is also free every weekday from mid-November through February) Address: 1000 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY | Phone: 718-623-7200

• China Institute

Access to the China Institute galleries is free from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesdays. The galleries feature changing exhibits about Chinese art and culture. Address: 125 East 65th Street | Phone: 212-744-8181

• McKim Rooms at the Morgan Library & Museum

From 3-5 p.m. on Tuesdays, visitors can access the McKim Rooms, which include Piermont Morgan's library, study and the rotunda, for free. Address: 225 Madison Avenue | Phone: 212-685-0008

• Staten Island Museum

Admission is free on Tuesdays from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Staten Island Museum which has exhibits exploring history, art and natural science. Address: 75 Stuyvesant Place, Staten Island, NY | Phone: 718-483-7114

(**************) New York City Museums With Free Admission on Wednesdays

• Bronx Zoo

Admission by donation gets you into the Wildlife Conservation Society's flagship Bronx Zoo all day on Wednesday. Address: 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY | Phone: 718-367-1010

• Museum of Jewish Heritage

Admission is free on Wednesdays from 4-8 p.m. at the Museum of Jewish Heritage which focuses on Jewish history, life and culture before, during and after the Holocaust. Address: 36 Battery Place | Phone: 646-437-4202

• New York Botanical Garden

Free admission on Wednesdays covers access to the NYBG grounds only. Address: Bronx River Parkway and Fordham Road, Bronx, NY | Phone: 718-817-8700

• Queens Botanical Garden

Enjoy free admission to the Queens Botanical Garden on Wednesdays from 3-6 p.m. Address: 43-50 Main Street, Flushing, NY | Phone: 718-886-3800

• Staten Island Zoo

Visit the Staten Island Zoo for free on Wednesday afternoons from 2-4:45 p.m. Parking is always free too! Address: 614 Broadway, Staten Island | Phone: 718-442-3100

• Yeshiva University Museum Admission is free on Wednesdays from 5-8 p.m. to the YUMuseum, where you can explore exhibits that celebrate Jewish intellectual and artistic achievements. (Full-price admission $8)

Address: 15 West 16th Street | Phone: 212-294-8330

• Van Cortlandt House Museum

Built in 1748, the Van Cortlandt House was part of the family's 1,000 acre estate. Visitors will enjoy visiting the house and seeing its impressive furniture collection for free on Wednesdays. Address: Van Cortlandt Park (Broadway at West 246th Street), the Bronx | Phone: 718-543-3344

(**************) New York City Museums With Free Admission on Thursday

• Children's Museum of the Arts

Free arts-oriented fun for the kids, since you can pay what you wish on Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. Address: 103 Charlton Street | Phone: 212-274-0986

• China Institute

Access to the China Institute galleries is free from 6-8 p.m. on Thursdays. The galleries feature changing exhibits about Chinese art and culture. Address: 125 East 65th Street | Phone: 212-744-8181

• Museum of Arts and Design

Pay-what-you-wish from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday nights at this Columbus Circle museum that explores design and offers you the chance to watch artists at work. Address: 2 Columbus Circle | Phone: 212-299-7777

• Museum of Chinese in the Americas

Admission is free all day on Thursdays to this Chinatown museum dedicated to Chinese American history. Address: 215 Centre Street | Phone: 212-619-4785

• New Museum

Visit the New Museum for free from 7-9 p.m. on Thursdays to experience their contemporary art exhibitions. Address: 235 Bowery | Phone: 212-219-1222

(**************) New York City Museums With Free Admission on Friday

• Asia Society and Museum

Free Admission on Fridays from 6-9 p.m. (does not apply July 1 - Labor Day) Address: 725 Park Ave. at 70th St. | Phone: 212-288-6400

• The Bronx Museum of the Arts

Admission is free on Fridays when the museum is open from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. at the Bronx Museum. The Bronx Museum collects and celebrates 20th century and contemporary art, with a particular emphasis on artists of African, Asian and Latin American ancestry and those with a connection to the Bronx. Address: 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn | Phone: 718-638-5000

• Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Seniors can enjoy free admission on Fridays at the BBG. Address: 1000 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn | Phone: 718-623-7200

• Children's Museum of Manhattan

On the first Friday of every month, admission to CMoM is free from 5-8 p.m., thanks to Target. Address: 212 West 83rd Street | Phone: 212-721-1223

• Historic Richmond Town

A living history museum located on 100 acres over four sites on Staten Island, access to Historic Richmond Town is free on Fridays from 1-5 p.m. Address: 441 Clarke Avenue, Staten Island | Phone: 718-351-1611

• International Center for Photography

Admission to the frequently changing photography exhibitions is available with your voluntary contribution on Fridays from 5-8 p.m. Address: 1133 Avenue of the Americas at 43rd St. | Phone: 212-857-0000

• Japan Society Gallery

Explore the Japan Society Gallery for free on Friday evenings from 6-9 p.m. Address: 333 East 47th Street | Phone: 212-832-1155

• McKim Rooms at the Morgan Library & Museum

From 7-9 p.m. on Fridays, it's free to visit Piermont Morgan's library, study and the rotunda. Address: 225 Madison Avenue | Phone: 212-685-0008

• Museum of Arts and Design

Pay-what-you-wish from 6-9 p.m. on Friday nights at this Columbus Circle museum that explores design and even has artists you can observe working in studios at the museum. Address: 2 Columbus Circle | Phone: 212-299-7777

• Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Free Admission on Target Fridays from 4 - 8 p.m. gives you access to see the MoMa's impressive collections and exhibits, which normally cost $25. Address: 11 West 53 Street | Phone: 212-708-9400

• Museum of the Moving Image

Visiting the galleries of this museum dedicated to all things film is free on Fridays from 4 - 8 p.m., but it does not include film screenings. Address: 35 Avenue at 36 Street, Astoria | Phone: 718-784-0077

• Neue Galerie

From 6-8 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, visitors can experience the Neue Galerie's collection of German and Austrian art. Address: 1048 Fifth Avenue | Phone: 212-628-6200

• New York Aquarium

Admission on Friday afternoons after 3 p.m. is by donation at this Coney Island aquarium. Address: Surf Avenue and West 8th Street, Brooklyn | Phone: 718-265-FISH

• New York Hall of Science

If you don't mind some crowds, join the free admission fun at NYSci on Fridays from 2-5 p.m. (except in July & August). Address: 47-01 111th Street Queens, NY | Phone: 718-699-0005

• New-York Historical Society

Pay-What-You-Wish on Fridays from 6-8 p.m., to visit the New-York Historical Society's exhibits that explore the history and culture of New York City and the United States. Address: 170 Central Park West (76th/77th Street) | Phone: 212-873-3400

• Noguchi Museum

Pay-what-you-wish on the first Friday of every month to see this museum founded and designed by Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi. Address: 9-01 33rd Road (at Vernon Boulevard), Long Island City | Phone: 718-204-7088

• Rubin Museum of Art

Admission is free for all visitors on Friday nights from 6-10 p.m. at this museum dedicated to the art of the Himalayas. Address: 150 West 17 St. | Phone: 212-620-5000

• Whitney Museum of American Art

Pay-what-you-wish on Fridays from 6-9 p.m. to visit the Whitney, which displays 20th century and contemporary American art. Address: 945 Madison Avenue at 75th Street | Phone: 212-570-3676

• Yeshiva University Museum Admission is free on Fridays (open from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.) to the YUMuseum, where you can explore exhibits that celebrate Jewish intellectual and artistic achievements. (Full-price admission $8)

Address: 15 West 16th Street | Phone: 212-294-8330

(**************) New York City Museums With Free Admission on Saturday

• Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Arrive at the BBG on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. and admission is free, unless there is a special public program happening. Address: 1000 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY | Phone: 718-623-7200

• First Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum of Art

Evening admission (5-11 p.m.) on the first Saturday of every month is free. Includes most exhibits, music and movie screenings. Address: 200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn | Phone: 718-638-5000

• El Museo del Barrio

On the third Saturday of every month, admission is free to this museum dedicated to the art of Latino, Caribbean and Latin American cultures. Address: 1230 Fifth Avenue (at 104th Street) | Phone: 212-831-7272

• Guggenheim Museum

Pay what you wish on Saturdays from 5:45 - 7:45 p.m. (last ticket issued at 7:15) Address: 1071 5th Avenue at 89th Street | Phone: 212-423-3500

• The Jewish Museum

Enjoy free admission on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Address: 1109 Fifth Avenue (92nd Street) | Phone: 212-423-3200

• New York Botanical Garden

Explore the grounds at the NYBG for free if you arrive from 10-11 a.m. on Saturdays Address: Bronx River Parkway and Fordham Road, Bronx | Phone: 718-817-8700

(**************) New York City Museums With Free Admission on Sunday

• The Frick Collection

On Sundays, visit Henry Clay Frick's Fifth Avenue mansion and art collection and pay-what-you-wish from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Address: 1 East 70th Street | Phone: 212-288-0700

• McKim Rooms at the Morgan Library & Museum

From 4-6 p.m. on Sundays, you can see the most famous rooms (including Piermont Morgan's library, study and the rotunda) at the Morgan Library & Museum for free. Address: 225 Madison Avenue | Phone: 212-685-0008

• Museum of Bibical Art

Admission is free for everyone at this Upper West Side museum that exhibits and interprets art related to the Bible and its cultural legacy. Address: 1865 Broadway at 61st Street | Phone: 212-408-1500

• New York Hall of Science

General admission to the museum is free on Sundays from 10-11 a.m. (except in July & August). Address: 47-01 111th Street Queens, NY | Phone: 718-699-0005

• Queens Botanical Garden

There's no charge to visit the QBG on Sundays from 4-6 p.m. Address: 43-50 Main Street, Flushing, NY | Phone: 718-886-3800

• The Studio Museum of Harlem

See the works of local, national and international artists of African descent at the Studio Museum of Harlem for free on Sundays. Address: 144 West 125th Street | Phone: 212-864-4500