Paley Museum Offers Free Admission to 1.4 Million New Yorkers

Partnership with NYC Department of Social Services expands access to cultural institution

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The iconic Paley Museum in New York City has announced a landmark partnership with the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) that will provide free admission and program access to 1.4 million New Yorkers who receive public assistance. Through this collaboration, Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cardholders across all five boroughs will enjoy free access to the Paley Museum's exhibits, experiences, and public programs.

Why it matters

This partnership reflects the Paley Museum's commitment to creating access and opportunity for all New Yorkers, serving as a cultural hub for families across the five boroughs. It aims to ensure that a household's income or background does not prevent access to the museum's renowned collection, educational programs, and immersive experiences.

The details

Under the program, EBT cardholders will receive free museum admission for up to eight guests, which includes access to blockbuster exhibits, the PaleyGX gaming and VR studio, the Paley Archive Library, educational classes, Family Days, and daily screenings. The first 1,400 EBT cardholders to enroll will also receive a complimentary Paley Family Membership, unlocking additional year-round benefits.

  • The partnership was announced on February 27, 2026.
  • The Paley Museum is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

The players

Paley Center for Media

The world's leading nonprofit cultural institution dedicated to preserving media history and exploring media's influence on culture and society.

New York City Department of Social Services (DSS)

The department that serves millions of New Yorkers annually through public assistance programs aimed at addressing poverty, income inequality, and preventing homelessness.

Maureen J. Reidy

President & CEO of The Paley Center for Media.

Molly Wasow Park

Commissioner of the New York City Department of Social Services.

William S. Paley

Media pioneer who founded the Paley Center for Media in 1975.

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What they’re saying

“For fifty years, The Paley Museum has proudly called New York City home. As we celebrate our historic 50th anniversary and our newly renovated Museum, we are thrilled to partner with the New York City Department of Social Services to ensure that 1.4 million New Yorkers have the opportunity to experience Paley's best-in-class programs and educational classes. This partnership reflects Paley's longstanding commitment to create access and opportunity for all New Yorkers and to serve as a cultural home for families across the five boroughs.”

— Maureen J. Reidy, President & CEO of The Paley Center for Media

“New York City is replete with incredible cultural and educational institutions like the Paley Museum, and we believe that a household's income or background should never be a barrier to enjoying these resources. DSS is committed to working with our partners in and outside of government to establish new ways to expand access to these institutions for the millions of New Yorkers we serve. We are proud to partner with the Paley Museum to advance this shared goal and make it easier for families and individuals to access the Paley Museum and explore the artistic impact of media for EBT cardholders. We look forward to continuing this collaboration through robust outreach to our clients, so they are aware of this new and exciting opportunity.”

— Molly Wasow Park, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Social Services

What’s next

The first 1,400 EBT cardholders to enroll in the program will receive a complimentary Paley Family Membership, unlocking additional year-round benefits.

The takeaway

This partnership between the Paley Museum and the New York City Department of Social Services demonstrates a commitment to expanding access to arts, culture, and education for underserved communities, ensuring that all New Yorkers can experience the museum's renowned collection, programs, and immersive experiences regardless of their financial background.