MoMA PS1 will eliminate admission fees for all visitors starting on January 1, 2026, marking a major expansion of access at the New York institution as it approaches its 50th anniversary next year.
The move was made possible by a donation from creative entrepreneur Sonya Yu, best known for her creative agency, Four One Nine, which supports artists. It will enable MoMA PS1 to extend its existing free-admission program for New Yorkers to all visitors for the next three years, making it the largest free museum in New York City during that period. The total donation amount was not disclosed.
“I have always believed that building authentic creative communities is a powerful force for social change, ” said Yu, in a statement. “That’s why supporting MoMA PS1 is so important to me. Under Connie Butler’s leadership, PS1’s commitment to authentic community building and expanding access is a shining example of how institutions can build bridges and foster genuine inclusion. As a proud Chinese immigrant and a mother, I’ve seen firsthand how access to art can directly shape imagination and change perspectives.”
Connie Butler, the Agnes Gund director of MoMA PS1, described the initiative as aligned with the museum’s long-standing mission to connect audiences with contemporary art. In a statement, she credited Yu for removing financial barriers and allowing broader public engagement with PS1’s programming.
This decision also drew praise from city and state leaders. Queens borough president Donovan Richards Jr. noted that this program is “an incredible way to immerse families into the unmatched culture offered in Queens.” Meanwhile, New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez emphasized that “access to arts and culture is essential to the well-being of our communities, and for our efforts to keep an affordable and diverse New York.”
MoMA PS1 has expanded its accessibility in recent years. It offers multilingual resources in English, Spanish, and Chinese. The museum also previously offered complimentary event tickets to Long Island City residents and partnered with local businesses and organizations.
For its 50th anniversary next year, the museum will organize a full slate of programming planned to mark the milestone, including “Greater New York,” opening April 16, 2026. This exhibition program was first founded in 2000 to bring together New York–based artists. This year, the show will feature some 50 artists, curated by the entire in-house curatorial team for the first time.
