My Favorite Free and Cheap Museums

            A friend of mine recently told me that one of her New Years resolutions was to visit ten museums in New York in the next three months. It got me thinking about how many great museums the Big Apple has to offer. I'm all for cultural experiences and learning new things but when you have to pay $15 to $30 to get it, it puts a bit of a damper on the outing. But have no fear, there is a plethora of amazing, world-renown museums in NYC that cost nothing...or very close to it. Here are some of my favorites:

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art- If you've never been to the Met, you're missing out on one of the city's greatest attractions. The largest art museum in the United States and one of the most extensive in all the world, the Met is a place where someone could spend days and not see everything. With galleries devoted to American, Asian, and African Art in addition to modern and contemporary sculpture, photographs, and even furniture there is literally something for everyone. The price of admission is $20 and well worth the money to see one-of-a-kind artifacts and art but that price is only suggested. So don't feel shy about giving the attendant a nickel. I promise they'll let you in.
2. The Museum of Natural History- Whether you're a gem enthusiasts, animal lover, or horticulture aficionado, (or just bored on a weekday afternoon) the Museum of Natural History is a great museum to visit. My favorite part is the fine jewel gallery; so much beauty in so little space! Again, general admission is suggested so feel free to use change to pay for your visit. But beware, the price to see any of the special exhibits is non-negotiable, meaning you'll have to shell out $25 if you want to see one and a whopping $33 if you want to see them all. 
3. The Museum of the City of New York- New York is so great, why shouldn't there be a museum dedicated to it. Exhibits focus both on New York history like "Greatest Grid," which traced how Manhattan was planned out and executed in its formative years, as well as highlight current issues in NewYork. Their newest exhibit, "Making Room" showcases designs and models for living small in a city where real estate is at a premium and people are utilizing what little space they have in innovative ways. Admission is suggested at this gem of a museum as well!
4. The Museum at FIT: Always free to the public, this museum is the only one of its kind in the United States. Museum curator Valerie Steele is a pillar of the fashion industry and curates the museum impeccably. Visitors can browse the extensive collection of garments the museum has on display. Their special exhibits draw fashion enthusiasts from around the globe. I'm really looking forward to the "Shoe Obsession" exhibit opening on February 8th which features shoes new and old from designers like Salvatore Ferragamo, Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik.
5. Museum of Art and Design- MAD waves its $15 admission fee on Thursdays between 6 PM and 9 PM. The museum is known for it's unusual and unique exhibits. Not to be missed is their current "Art of Scent," the first major museum exhibition to feature fragrance as an art form. Visitors can smell various scents from different eras and can even take samples home. Other exhibits focus on various aspects of the art and design world. It's a great (free) way to spend a Thursday night.

Let me know in the comments if you have any recommendations for other free or cheap museums in the city. I'm always looking to brighten my cultural horizons!