How To Score Free Admission to Museums Nationwide This September

While some of the nation’s most beloved museums, cultural centers, zoos, and other attractions come with a hefty price of admission, Smithsonian Magazine is helping to make them more accessible to visitors, at least for one day. The 18th annual Museum Day is back for 2022, offering free entry to some of the top cultural destinations in the country, with tickets available as of now.

Museum Day 2022 will take place on Saturday, September 17, and each ticket will provide free admission for two people to dozens of attractions nationwide, from the American Space Museum in Titusville, Florida to the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, California. This year’s theme will be “The American Experience,” and will shine “a spotlight on wonderful arts, culture, sciences, innovation and history exhibits across the country,” according to Travel + Leisure.

In a statement to T+L, Amy Wilkins, the chief revenue officer at Smithsonian Media said: “We are so thrilled to be able to bring Museum Day to the public for the 18th year and to once again be able to highlight many of the museums and cultural institutions that make America so special. Through the support of our incredible sponsors… we are able to enhance this initiative and continue to foster a sense of boundless curiosity for knowledge and culture across the country.”

Interested attendees can reserve their ticket in advance on Smithsonian Magazine’s website from August 15, allowing for one ticket per email address. Each ticket includes admission to the selected location and does not include extras such as parking, special exhibits, film/IMAX screenings, and the like.

Along with the annual event, Smithsonian Magazine is teaming up with the Quaker Oats Company to give away 100 Smithsonian Science kits per day through September 17. Five grand prize winners will also win a trip to Washington, D.C., which includes a visit to the Smithsonian museums.