If you’re looking for something fun, and free, to do this fall, you may want to head to a museum. Smithsonian Magazine’s 18th annual Museum Day returns on September 17, allowing guests to experience museums, zoos, and cultural centers around the country for free.
“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,” Amy Wilkins, chief revenue officer at Smithsonian Media, said in a release.
This year’s theme is The American Experience, shining a spotlight on wonderful arts, culture, sciences, innovation, and history exhibits across the country.
Museum Day
Museum Day is an annual celebration hosted by Smithsonian Magazine. Participating locations across the country emulate the spirit of the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington, D.C.-based facilities, which offer free admission every day.
But it does much more than just getting people in the museum doors, “it acts as a springboard to empower and help advance the hopes and ambitions of the public, especially school-aged children and those in underrepresented communities. It represents a national commitment to access, equity, and inclusion,” according to a news release from Smithsonian Magazine.
Where You Can Go For Free
At this point, 42 states have venues that are participating. States like Florida have 28 registered. You can visit the American Space Museum, Emerald Coast Science Center, Key West Museum of Art and History, and Pensacola Museum of Art.
In California, you can visit Folsom History Museum, Los Angeles Maritime Museum, and the Sacramento History Museum.
In Pennsylvania, visit the National Museum of Industrial History, the National Watch and Clock Museum, and the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.
There are still venues registering for the event, but you can find a list of locations here.
How To Get Tickets For Museum Day
If you’d like to attend, tickets can be downloaded through the Smithsonian Magazine website. They’ll be available beginning on August 15, 2022. Guests are allowed to download one ticket per email address and it’s good for general admission for two people.
If you’re interested in history museums, be sure to read The Smithsonian: 12 Can’t-Miss Sights For History Lovers.
