The best New York deals: Location-based deals and free museum days

Find out how to take advantage of free museum admission at three New York City institutions.

By Sarah Theeboom Tue Aug 14 2012

Louis Armstrong House Museum Photograph: Jessica Lin

Sometimes the neighborhood you live in can help you score a great deal. Learn where you’ll find free museum days for Harlem and Long Island City residents, as well as discounted fares to the Louis Armstrong House Museum in Queens.

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MoMA PS1

Price band: 1/4

A Long Island City fixture since 1976, this institution mounts cutting-edge contemporary art shows throughout the year. Neighborhood residents can view it all for free; the $10 admission fee is waived with proof of LIC residence, as is the $15 cover charge for the museum’s Warm Up parties (Sat 18 at 2pm). Works currently on view include Berlin artist Ilja Karilampi’s video, which imagines that rapper Dr. Dre once studied architecture (through Sept 17), and an installation of spinning car-wash brushes by Italian artist Lara Favaretto (through Sept 10). • 718-784-2084, momaps1.org

22-25 Jackson Ave, (at 46th Ave)

More info

Museum of the City of New York

Price band: 1/4

Those living or working above 103rd Street are exempt from the $10 suggested donation at this Gothamcentric institution. Locals can check out MCNY’s 10,000-strong toy collection, or eye exhibits of street photography from NYC or London, which the museum staged to coincide with the 2012 Olympic Games. • 212-534-1672, mcny.org

1220 Fifth Ave, (between 103rd and 104th Sts)

More info

Louis Armstrong House Museum

Price band: 1/4
Critics choice

Visit the former digs of the great trumpeter, who lived here from 1943 until his death in 1971. Neighbors who live on Satchmo’s old block pay a mere $2 admission, instead of the usual $10, and also receive 20 percent off the $45 annual membership fee. Tap your toes to live music in the museum’s Japanese-inspired garden: Latin-jazz pianist Arturo O’Farrill plays on Thu 16 (2pm; free), and New Orleans jazz band the Lucky Dogs performs on Sat 18 (2pm; $15). • 718-478-8274, louisarmstronghouse.org