Whitney Museum Eliminates Admission Fees for Visitors Under 25 Through $2 Million Donation

Beginning in mid-December 2024, the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York will eliminate its $30 admission fee for all individuals under the age of twenty-five. This initiative, set to last three years, is made possible by a generous $2 million contribution from artist Julie Mehretu and board member Susan Hess. Mehretu reflected on her past difficulties in accessing contemporary art while working as a server in New York, highlighting the importance of increasing participation for the growth of artistic dialogue. In July 2023, the museum raised adult tickets from $20 to $30, citing inflation and rising operational costs. Since January 2024, free entry has been available on Friday nights and the second Sunday of each month, drawing nearly 200,000 visitors. Director Scott Rothkopf noted that this new program aims to enhance the museum's accessibility. Current student admission is $25, and the fee increase in July 2023 was the first since 2016.