Met Museum Launches Free Explorer Membership for NY SNAP Recipients
Beginning June 2, the Metropolitan Museum of Art introduced a new Explorer membership for SNAP recipients in New York State, free of charge. This program, developed with the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Department of Social Services, offers benefits like free entry for the member, a guest, and kids under 17, along with digital membership cards, access to special previews, event invites, and help on-site. You can sign up at both the Met Fifth Avenue and Met Cloisters. About 1.7 million SNAP recipients live in NYC out of nearly 3 million in the state. The museum has had a pay-what-you-wish admission policy since 1970 and joined Museums for All in 2024. Information will be distributed through libraries and community organizations, emphasizing the need to remove financial barriers to art access.
Key facts
- Met Museum launched free Explorer membership for NY SNAP recipients on June 2.
- Program includes free admission for member, one guest, and children under 17.
- Digital membership cards and access to member preview dates are included.
- Nearly 3 million NY residents are on SNAP, with 1.7 million in NYC.
- Enrollment at Met Fifth Avenue and Met Cloisters.
- Met has offered pay-what-you-wish admission since 1970 and joined Museums for All in 2024.
- Launch follows Met Gala boycott campaign against Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos.
- Information distributed via libraries, community centers, NYCHA, faith-based groups, and grassroots organizations.
Entities
Institutions
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Department of Cultural Affairs
- Department of Social Services
- Museums for All
- New York City Housing Authority
- Amazon
- Washington Post
- Costume Institute
Locations
- New York
- New York City
- Met Fifth Avenue
- Met Cloisters
- Fort Tryon Park
- Manhattan