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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFor most adult visitors, admission to The Metropolitan Museum of Art is $30. Seniors 65 and over pay $22, students pay $17, and children 12 and under enter free. New York State residents and students from New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut can pay what they wish, subject to a $0.01 minimum per ticket and specific purchase rules. The prices below are those listed by The Met on October 8, 2026; check its Plan Your Visit page before you go.
How much does admission to The Met cost?
The Met’s published general-admission prices vary by visitor category. A ticket includes exhibitions and same-day entry to both Met locations for the date printed on it.
| Visitor | Listed admission | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $30 | General admission |
| Senior, age 65 and over | $22 | General admission |
| Student | $17 | General admission |
| Visitor with a disability | $22 | Purchase in person |
| New York State resident | Pay what you wish; $0.01 minimum per ticket | Online purchase requires a New York State billing address; proof of residency may be requested |
| Student from New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut | Pay what you wish; $0.01 minimum per ticket | New Jersey and Connecticut students must buy in person and show valid student ID |
| Child, age 12 and under | Free | Complimentary admission |
| Member or Patron | Free | Scan membership card at an entrance |
| Care partner accompanying a visitor with a disability | Free | Complimentary admission |
These are the rates on The Met’s official visitor page, accessed October 8, 2026. The museum accepts several forms of New York State residency evidence: a New York State driver’s license or identification card, IDNYC, a current bill or statement showing a New York State address, student ID, or New York library card.
Can you pay what you wish at The Met?
Yes, but the offer is limited to New York State residents and students from New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. The minimum is $0.01 per ticket, so admission is not technically free under this option.
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- New York State residents: Pay what you wish online or in person. Online checkout requires a New York State billing address; the museum may ask for proof of residency.
- Students from New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut: Pay what you wish. New Jersey and Connecticut students must purchase at the museum and show valid student ID.
The Met’s Plan Your Visit page lists the minimum and purchase conditions. A New York City address alone is not the stated eligibility rule; the policy is for New York State residents.
Who can get into The Met for free?
Free admission listed on the visitor page
- Children age 12 and under.
- Members and Patrons, who receive free unlimited entry. Membership starts at $90 per year, according to the visitor page.
- A care partner accompanying a visitor with a disability. The visitor’s own listed discounted admission is $22 and must be purchased in person.
Complimentary admission through passes and affiliations
The Met’s complimentary-admission policy lists additional qualifying routes, including IDNYC; New York State EBT/SNAP cards through Museums for All; eligible AAM or ICOM memberships, the Museum Council of NYC, and participating reciprocal institutions; certain staff, volunteer, press, and corporate IDs; a Met-issued guest pass; Cool Culture; Culture Pass; and Bank of America Museums On Us on the first full weekend of each month, subject to that program’s eligibility rules. Some require visitors to collect a ticket at an on-site desk, and proof requirements differ by pass.
The policy says IDNYC cardholders may receive complimentary admission and are eligible for a complimentary one-year IDNYC Membership at The Met. It also lists New York State EBT/SNAP cardholders as eligible for complimentary admission through Museums for All and a complimentary Met membership. The stated admission limit is up to nine people per visit, including up to two adults and children age 17 and under. Check the current policy for enrollment details and terms before relying on either benefit.
Free Explorer Membership for eligible SNAP recipients
In an announcement dated June 2, 2026, The Met and New York City agencies introduced a free one-year Explorer Membership for New Yorkers receiving in-state SNAP benefits. The Met says it covers general admission for the cardholder and one guest, plus children age 17 and under. Eligible visitors can enroll at a Membership Desk at either The Met Fifth Avenue or The Met Cloisters. See the June 2 announcement for details.
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Students at specified schools
The complimentary-admission policy names students at Bard Graduate Center, Barnard College, Columbia University, Macaulay Honors College–CUNY, New York City high schools, NYU Institute of Fine Arts, and NYU Institute for the Study of the Ancient World. Current Columbia faculty and staff are also listed. Check the policy for eligibility and proof requirements.
The Met says it does not accept vouchers or passes from outside ticket sellers. Confirm a pass against the museum’s current official policy and use the Museum’s own site or ticket desk for admission.
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Do you need to buy Met tickets in advance?
No. The Met says advance tickets are not required, though visitors can buy online. A ticket is valid for same-day entry to both locations on the date printed. The museum also identifies a free Bloomberg Connects digital guide for The Met Fifth Avenue; it is optional and not required for admission.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where is The Met, and when is it open?
The Met Fifth Avenue is at 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028. The museum lists hours as 10 am–5 pm Sunday through Tuesday and Thursday, and 10 am–9 pm Friday and Saturday; it is closed Wednesday. Listed closures include Thanksgiving Day, December 25, January 1, and the first Monday in May. Check the visitor page for the day’s hours and any changes before traveling.
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College and university group admission
Group rates differ from individual admission. The Met requires groups of 10 or more to register in advance. Its college and university group page lists:
| Group visitor | Listed admission | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Student | $12 | College or university group rate |
| Tri-State college student | Pay what you wish | Group visit |
| Adult | $28 | Group rate |
| Senior | $20 | Group rate |
| Group leader | Free | One per reservation |
Groups from specified institutions—including Bard Graduate Center, Barnard College, Columbia University, CUNY campuses, NYU Institute of Fine Arts, and NYU Institute for the Study of the Ancient World—are listed for complimentary admission, with reservations required. Consult the college and university group visit page for current terms.
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