Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day makes museums accessible with FREE admission

FAQs about Smithsonian Museums Museum Day

When is Museum Day?
Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day will take place on Saturday, September 18, 2021.

Please check with individual museum and cultural institution websites for updates and information about local activities. We appreciate your understanding.

How do I find out if a museum in my area is participating?
To locate participating museums near you, click “Get A Ticket.” Filter your search by museum location, museum name and/or museum type.

How do I get free admission?
Tickets will be available to download beginning at midnight on Wednesday, August 18, 2021. Select “Get A Ticket” from the top navigation bar. Filter your search and click “Get a Ticket” next to the museum you wish to attend. You will be asked to enter your name, email address and confirm the museum you wish to attend before downloading your ticket. You’ll be able to download your ticket immediately and we’ll email you a copy. Check your inbox for an email from noreply-museumday@mg.smithsonianmag.com with a link to your ticket.

Does everyone get free admission?
To get free admission, guests must present an official Museum Day ticket. This ticket provides general admission for ticket holder plus one guest (not valid for special exhibits, parking, IMAX film screening or any other offer). Ticket is only valid on Museum Day, September 18, 2021. If a museum reaches capacity, the museum has the right to limit guests until space becomes available.

Can I bring my whole family to Museum Day?
Each ticket provides general admission for ticket holder plus one guest. If you go to Museum Day with more than one guest, other guests will have to pay full admission.

I have a child. Does my child count as one of the free tickets?
Please call the museum if you have specific questions related to ages and admission. Generally, if admission to the museum is free for children, the museum will not count your child as your Museum Day guest. If the museum generally charges admission for children, then your child will count as one of your Museum Day guests. Each ticket provides general admission for ticket holder plus one guest.

Can I download a ticket for more than one museum?
You may download one (1) ticket per email address. Choose wisely! There are no takebacks. Once you select a museum, you will not be able to change your selection.

Do I need to print my Museum Day ticket?
Some museums require a printed ticket, others will allow you to show your ticket via a smartphone or tablet. Not sure? Check your ticket. Museums that require a printed ticket include an asterisk under the museum address stating, “*Printed ticket required.”

My ticket is not printing properly, help!
Please download your ticket then save that downloaded ticket directly to your desktop. Then open up that saved ticket file on your desktop and print from that file, rather than printing directly from the web browser.

I don’t have a printer. How do I get my ticket?
Not all museums require printed tickets. Your ticket and the museum profile will let you know if the museum you wish to attend requires a printed ticket. Local libraries and community centers are great places to print materials if you don’t own your own printer and the museum you are attending requires a printed ticket. Ask your librarian for assistance if you need help!