Free Access to Downtown Cultural Institutions at Third Annual Night at the Museums

Families can enjoy free admission—as well as unique experiences and tours—at 15 Lower Manhattan museums and historical sites when The Downtown Culturals Group presents the third annual Night at the Museums on June 21 from 4-8pm, according to a press release.

The event is presented as a part of River To River Festival 2016, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council’s annual summer arts festival. Visitors can spend an evening exploring New York City’s history and heritages, and all museums and historical sites are within walking distance so visitors can hit up multiple spots throughout the night.

All activities are free, but some require tickets or advance reservation. For example, The National September 11 Memorial Museum tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the museum starting at 4pm. Walking tours offered by Lower Manhattan Tours also require an advance reservation and a limited number of tickets will be available for walk-ups.

Other museums participating in the event include African Burial Ground National Monument, The Anne Frank Center USA, Fraunces Tavern® Museum, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution, Poet House, The Skyscraper Museum, South Street Seaport Museum and more. For complete information, including a map and schedule of events, visit NightAtTheMuseums.org or pick up a free Night at the Museums Guide at any of the participating institutions.

And Night at the Museums is just the beginning. This year, visitors can also enjoy Make Music New York, a live, free musical celebration on June 21, the longest day of the year, with over 1,200 concerts on streets, sidewalks and parks across the five boroughs, including Lower Manhattan. In addition, beginning on June 21 and every Tuesday until August 20, visitors are invited to experience the growing and vibrant food scene in Lower Manhattan. Sign up at downtownny.com/getlow to get discounts, freebies and other surprises at 35 restaurants across the district.

You can also get information on all events at http://lmcc.net/program/river-to-river/

RELATED: Find a Museum Near You

Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest updates on fun events and other family activities in your area.