The Metropolitan Museum of Art, in collaboration with the City of New York, has launched a new free Explorer Membership program for New Yorkers participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), aiming to provide consistent and welcoming access to cultural experiences for over 1.7 million residents.
This initiative, announced on June 2, 2026, by The Met, the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, and the Department of Social Services, offers a complimentary one-year museum membership. Benefits include free general admission for the cardholder, one guest, and children 17 and under, access to select Member Preview Days, a digital membership card, and invitations to community programs.
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani emphasized the administration's belief that "the very best of our city should belong to the people," highlighting the program as a step towards making this vision a reality. Max Hollein, the Museum's Director and CEO, reiterated that "The Met is here for everyone," expressing honor in partnering with the city to extend easy access to SNAP recipients.
NYC Cultural Affairs Commissioner Diya Vij called the program "a beautiful example of making sure all New Yorkers are not just welcome but actively invited into our city's greatest cultural treasures." DSS Commissioner Erin Dalton added that removing financial barriers creates "opportunities for learning, belonging and inspiration that extend beyond individual beneficiaries to the whole community."
Eligible individuals can enroll in the Explorer Membership program at the Membership Desks at The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. The Met will promote the membership through flyers in libraries, community centers, NYCHA developments, and partnerships with grassroots organizations, ensuring broad awareness.
The launch coincides with The Met's robust lineup of Spring and Summer programming and exhibitions, including "Raphael: Sublime Poetry," "Costume Art," "Musical Bodies," and "Creatures of Myth and Imagination: Europe and the Americas" at The Met Cloisters. The museum continues its commitment to access, having participated in the Museums for All program since 2024 and as a member of the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs' Cultural Institutions Group.