Whitney Free Fridays: Accessible and free
Looking for a cost-effective Friday night out? Make your way to the Whitney Museum!
Photo by Merielen Espino/The Barnard Bulletin
March 10, 2025
Free, fun, Friday! Entry to the Whitney Museum in Chelsea is free from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday nights. The Whitney offers a window into American art just a short walk from the subway stop on 14th Street — and without a train transfer, which is a big win in my opinion! Surrounded by restaurants, stores, and cobblestone streets, it is a great place to start or end your night.
On a cold, rainy Friday night, when campus was quiet, I ventured to the Whitney with Ilana Talamo (BC ‘25) and Galia Labowitz (GS ‘27). As soon as we arrived, I noticed how many people were out and about despite the weather. There was live music in the lobby, people were dancing, and drinks were available for purchase.
“I found myself immediately captivated by the art, especially the opening sculpture of what seems to be two dancers beautifully intertwined in their movement, and it was quite exciting to see multiple pieces from artists I spent a good amount of time studying last semester in my 20th-century art history course,” said Talamo. Bringing our knowledge from the classroom to the museum ultimately made the trip an even more enjoyable experience.
The Whitney is dedicated to the works of American artists, bringing emerging American artists to broad national and international attention. Its specific collection attracts locals, tourists, art lovers, and novices alike. Works of art on display range from up-and-coming artists to the infamous paintings by Jean-Michel Basquiat and Kara Walker.
Recently, they exhibited choreographer Alvin Ailey’s art, life, and dances in an exhibition titled “Edges of Ailey.” The space was filled with people actually enjoying the art, rather than just tourists crowding the room and posing for photos, which is a regular occurrence in the city. People took their time moving through the exhibition, admiring each piece, and conversed with those around them. To be in a space where people appreciated the art in front of them was an uplifting experience. “This art exhibit was undoubtedly the most lively one I have ever attended — starting from the music and bar scene in the transformed lobby and continuing through the exploration of the works themselves — and I think a lot of this has to do with the Whitney's new ‘Free Fridays’ programming,” noted Talamo.
Later that night, we returned to campus having had a great night out without breaking the bank. Not only was it an enjoyable way to spend an evening, but a cost-efficient one. Whitney Free Fridays are an accessible and affordable way to experience the arts in New York City, allowing art lovers and art virgins to experience Whitney’s collection.
“Through artistic accessibility, we’re able to create the space for people to engage with ideas that they might never have encountered otherwise, allowing for real, tangible intellectual, spiritual, and even emotional growth,” said Labowitz. “Ultimately, when we make art accessible, we affirm that creativity is not just for a privileged few, it’s for everyone. And in that shared experience, a community becomes more empathetic.”
You can get a free ticket to enter on their website. Free for everyone on Fridays and second Sundays, the Whitney is also free during regular hours of operation for 25 and under and for members.
Similarly, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has Date Night at the Met, when the museum is free Friday and Saturday nights from 5 to 9 p.m. And the MoMA has Uniqlo Friday Nights, when the museum is free from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. These programs are a step in the right direction for museums everywhere to be more accessible — an opportunity that is few and far between.
I’d highly recommend Barnard students visit the Whitney on any upcoming Friday!