Proof that culture does not always come with a price tag: each museum below offers year-round free entry to its permanent galleries.
1. The British Museum — London, United Kingdom
Home to the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon marbles and one million other artefacts.
Official website
2. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum — Washington D.C., USA
Touch the Apollo 11 command module and stand beneath the Wright Flyer.
Official website
3. Museo Soumaya — Mexico City, Mexico
A shimmering hexagonal tower funded by Carlos Slim; houses Rodins, Riveras and Old Masters.
Official website
4. The National Gallery — London, United Kingdom
Van Gogh, Leonardo, Turner—each in rooms designed for natural light.
Official website
5. The Getty Center — Los Angeles, USA
Hill-top travertine campus with Vermeers inside and Richard Meier lines outside.
Official website
6. National Museum of Korea — Seoul, South Korea
Silla gold crowns, giant Buddhist statues and free classical concerts every Wednesday.
Official website
7. Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris — France
Free permanent collection: Delaunay, Derain, Braque. Temporary shows priced separately.
Official website
8. Shanghai Museum — Shanghai, China
Bronze Age treasures, calligraphy scrolls, Ming furniture. Reserve a free e-ticket one week ahead.
Official website
9. Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) — Brisbane, Australia
Riverfront galleries showcasing Asia-Pacific contemporary art; most exhibitions cost nothing.
Official website
Know another zero-fee institution that puts ticketed giants to shame? Drop it in the comments and we’ll fact-check for a future update.