MoMA PS1 to Become New York City’s Largest Free Museum in 2026, Made Possible by Gift from Sonya Yu Celebrating 50th Anniversary

Beginning January 1, 2026, MoMA PS1 will offer free admission to all visitors, removing financial barriers to entry for the next three years. Made possible by a gift from creative entrepreneur Sonya Yu, the expansion of the museum’s free admission for New Yorkers program to all visitors will make PS1 the largest free museum in New York City. This initiative is being launched for MoMA PS1’s 50th anniversary in 2026, offering all visitors free entry to signature programming, including Greater New York, opening on April 16, 2026.

“For fifty years, MoMA PS1 has made the work of living artists relevant and accessible,” said Connie Butler, The Agnes Gund Director. “I am deeply grateful for Sonya Yu’s transformative support, which will make free access to our oasis for contemporary art and culture here in Queens possible for all. Thanks to Sonya’s extraordinary gift, we can invite even more New Yorkers and audiences from across the world to engage with our program.” 

“I have always believed that building authentic creative communities is a powerful force for social change,” said Sonya Yu. “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. I hope this contribution helps to inspire new generations to see themselves in art and experience its incredible power at PS1.”

Free admission expands the museum’s recent efforts to bolster accessibility, including language access initiatives in English, Spanish, and Chinese; free event tickets for LIC residents; and strengthened community partnerships with local organizations. In addition to Greater New York, visitors will be offered free admission to the entire slate of 50th-anniversary exhibitions and programs.