Free Museums of

the USA

Whether you’re looking for ancient artifacts or colorful paintings, the best things in life certainly are free at the country’s best no-fee museums.

Smithsonian MuseumsWashington, DCThe Smithsonian has the distinction of being the world’s largest museum complex with 13 free museums in Washington, DC, alone. The collections in each of the Smithsonian’s museums are so vast that it’s impossible to narrow down the greatest hits or appreciate the full array of artistic wonders in just 1 trip.

Getty Center Los Angeles, CaliforniaThe Getty Center may be one of LA’s best, and cheapest, date spots because just about everything is free. The cool modern architecture, expansive city views and labyrinthine gardens are just as impressive as the inside exhibits of Western art including paintings, sculpture, drawings, photos, illuminated manuscripts and decorative arts by European and American artists.

Walters Art MuseumBaltimore, MarylandUncover a treasure trove of art from around the globe including ancient Greek sculptures and Roman sarcophagi, paintings by the Old Masters and fabulous Art Deco jewelry.

National Museum of Mexican ArtChicago, IllinoisThe National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago is the country’s largest Latino cultural organization with a range of exhibits depicting rich Mexican culture, both in the States and south of the border. Visitors can enjoy over 6,000 pieces in the permanent exhibits depicting life on both sides of the border with folk art including Day of the Dead masks, woven and embroidered indigenous clothing, photographs, prints, drawings and paintings.

Museum of Contemporary PhotographyChicago, IllinoisThe Museum of Contemporary Photography is a free museum located on the campus of Columbia College Chicago. Since 1984, this museum has been the leading photography museum in the Midwest with a strong focus on offering students, educators and researchers a space to explore contemporary photography.

Frye Art MuseumSeattle, WashingtonThe Frye Art Museum has been carrying on the legacy of its founders and bringing free art to the larger Seattle community since 1952. In addition to the free exhibits at the museum, visitors can participate in Art Talks with curators and educators, 1-hour interactive Guided Tours and the Magic Lantern series with screenings and talks on the art of film.

Cleveland Museum of ArtCleveland, OhioThe founders of the Cleveland Museum of Art set the standard high when they established the mission in 1913 to make the museum “for the benefit of all people forever.” You’ll find rooms devoted to contemporary art, American and European painters, African art, ancient works and medieval treasures.

Baltimore Museum of ArtBaltimore, MarylandThe Baltimore Museum of Art has come a long way since it was founded in 1914 with just 1 painting. Today there are more than 90,000 works of art in the collection, and the museum invites visitors to check them out for free. Art fanatics are thrilled by the museum’s collection of Matisse works, the largest in the world, as well as masterpieces from beloved artists including Picasso, Cézanne, van Gogh and Warhol.

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