Which museums are free today, this Sunday or on your travel dates: 389 museums and sites in 55 cities, plus every Italian state museum, checked on 12 October 2026.
- Free, no sign-up
- Official rules, with sources
- Add free days to your calendar
When
- Free all day
- Free for some hours
- Always free
How free museum days work
Most countries in Europe let you into some museums for free, but each one does it differently: one Sunday a month in Italy, a few Sundays in France, the last two hours of the day at the Prado, every day at the British Museum. The calendar above puts all of this together, so you can see what is free on the days you are there.
- Free days are busy. Go at opening time, or in the last hour, and expect queues at the famous places.
- Check if you need a slot. Some museums want a free booking, some take no bookings at all on free days, and a few charge a small booking fee. For normal days, the book-ahead checker tells you when tickets for the Colosseum, the Uffizi, the Louvre and 27 more go on sale.
- Young people often get in free on any day: under 18 in Italy, under 19 at Austria’s federal museums, EU residents under 26 at French national museums.
- Rules change. We checked every rule on the official sites on 12 October 2026. Anything we could not confirm is marked, and the official site always wins.
Free museum days in Italy
Italy has the biggest free day in Europe. On the first Sunday of every month, about 370 state museums, archaeological parks and sites are free for everyone (the programme is called Domenica al museo). That includes the Colosseum with the Roman Forum and the Palatine, Pompeii, Herculaneum, the Uffizi, the Accademia with the David, Castel Sant’Angelo and the Pantheon. Sicily, the Aosta Valley and Trentino-South Tyrol run their own museums and are not part of it.
There are a few more national free days: 25 April and 2 June every year, and 4 November, which several museums already list for 2026 although the ministry has not announced it yet. Under 18s are free at state museums on any day, and EU, EEA and Swiss citizens aged 18 to 25 pay 2 euros.
On free Sundays the Colosseum, Pompeii, the Uffizi, the Accademia, Castel Sant’Angelo, Herculaneum and the Naples Archaeological Museum take no bookings: you queue, so go early. The Borghese Gallery (2 euro booking fee), the Last Supper (bookable online from 12:00 on the Wednesday before) and Brera need a booking. The Vatican Museums are not Italian state museums: they are free on the last Sunday of the month, 9:00 to 14:00, last entry 12:30, with long queues.
Rome: 12 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Parco archeologico del Colosseo (Colosseo, Foro Romano, Palatino) | The first Sunday of the month On 4 November 2026 (expected) | 18 euros (24 h, timed Colosseum slot); Full Experience 24 euros; EU 18 to 25: 2 euros | No booking |
| Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Musei Vaticani e Cappella Sistina | The last Sunday of the month, from 09:00 to 14:00 | 20 euros at the ticket office, 25 euros online; reduced 10 euros, plus 5 online | No booking |
| St Peter's Basilica Basilica di San Pietro | Every day it is open | Free; dome, Treasury, Necropolis, Petros eni and guided or audio visits are paid | |
| Pantheon Pantheon e Basilica di Santa Maria ad Martyres | The first Sunday of the month On 4 November 2026 (expected) | 7 euros since 1 July 2026 (was 5 euros); EU 18 to 25: 2 euros | No booking |
| Borghese Gallery Galleria Borghese | The first Sunday of the month On 4 November 2026 (expected) | 16 euros + 2 euro compulsory booking fee; last slot 11 + 2 euros; EU 18 to 25: 2 + 2 euros | Required |
| Castel Sant'Angelo Museo nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo | The first Sunday of the month On 4 November 2026 (expected) | 18 euros; EU 18 to 25: 2 euros | No booking |
| Capitoline Museums Musei Capitolini | The first Sunday of the month | 15 euros, 16.50 with 'Angeli' until 1 Nov 2026; reduced 9.50 euros; 1 euro presale fee | No booking |
| Palazzo Barberini (National Gallery of Ancient Art) Gallerie Nazionali di Arte Antica, Palazzo Barberini | The first Sunday of the month On 4 November 2026 (expected) | 15 euros with Galleria Corsini (20 days); EU 18 to 25: 2 euros; Metrebus annual pass 12 | Recommended |
| National Roman Museum, Palazzo Massimo Museo nazionale romano, Palazzo Massimo | The first Sunday of the month On 4 November 2026 (expected) | 15 euros, one entry to each Museo Nazionale Romano site in a week; EU 18 to 25: 2 euros | |
| Vittoriano and Palazzo Venezia (VIVE) VIVE, Vittoriano e Palazzo Venezia | The first Sunday of the month On 4 November 2026 (expected) Every day it is open (monument and garden only) | 18 euros: panoramic lift, Sommoportico, museums, exhibition, 7 days; EU 18 to 25: 5 euros | |
| Ara Pacis Museum Museo dell'Ara Pacis | The first Sunday of the month | 14 euros museum only, reduced 8.50; with 'L'Ara si rivela' 15 euros, reduced 13 | No booking |
| Ostia Antica Parco archeologico di Ostia antica, Area archeologica | The first Sunday of the month On 4 November 2026 (expected) | 18 euros; EU 18 to 25: 2 euros |
Florence: 10 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uffizi Gallery Gallerie degli Uffizi, Gli Uffizi | The first Sunday of the month On 4 November 2026 (expected) | 25 euros on the day, 29 euros in advance; 16 euros from 16:00; EU 18 to 25: 2 euros | No booking |
| Pitti Palace Gallerie degli Uffizi, Palazzo Pitti | The first Sunday of the month On 4 November 2026 (expected) | 16 euros on the day, 19 in advance; Pitti + Boboli 22 or 25 euros; EU 18 to 25: 2 euros | No booking |
| Boboli Gardens Giardino di Boboli | The first Sunday of the month On 4 November 2026 (expected) | 10 euros on the day, 13 ahead; with Giardino Bardini 15 (desk only); EU 18 to 25: 2 euros | No booking |
| Galleria dell'Accademia (Michelangelo's David) Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze | The first Sunday of the month On 4 November 2026 (expected) | 20 euros; with Bargello 26 euros (48 h); all GAMB 38 euros (72 h); EU 18 to 25: 2 euros | No booking |
| Bargello National Museum Museo Nazionale del Bargello | The first Sunday of the month On 4 November 2026 (expected) | 12 euros since 1 Feb 2026 (was 10); EU 18 to 25: 2 euros | No booking |
| Medici Chapels Museo delle Cappelle Medicee | The first Sunday of the month On 4 November 2026 (expected) | 11 euros; EU 18 to 25: 2 euros; Michelangelo's Secret Room 32 euros (booking required) | No booking |
| Palazzo Vecchio Museo di Palazzo Vecchio | No free day for adults | 18 euros; 18 to 25s and students 12 euros; Arnolfo tower and walkway 20 euros, reduced 13 | |
| Santa Croce Complesso monumentale di Santa Croce | On 8 November 2026, 20 December 2026, 26 December 2026, 1 January 2027 and more, from 14:00 to 17:30 | 10 euros (+1 euro online fee); reduced 6 euros (12 to 17, university students, groups) | |
| San Marco Museum (Fra Angelico) Museo di San Marco | The first Sunday of the month On 4 November 2026 (expected) | 11 euros; EU 18 to 25: 2 euros | |
| Florence Cathedral (Duomo) Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore | Every day it is open | Cathedral free; dome and other sites need a Brunelleschi, Giotto or Ghiberti Pass |
Venice: 6 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doge's Palace Palazzo Ducale | No free day for adults | 35 euros (I Musei di Piazza San Marco); 30 online over 30 days ahead; reduced 15 euros | |
| Correr Museum Museo Correr | No free day for adults | 35 euros, only via I Musei di Piazza San Marco; 30 online over 30 days ahead; reduced 15 | |
| Gallerie dell'Accademia Gallerie dell'Accademia di Venezia | The first Sunday of the month On 4 November 2026 (expected) | 20 euros; EU 18 to 25: 2 euros; Friday 17:15 to 19:00 ticket for ages 26 to 34: 15 euros | No booking |
| Peggy Guggenheim Collection Collezione Peggy Guggenheim | No free day for adults | 17 euros; reduced 14 or 9 euros | |
| Ca' Rezzonico (Museum of 18th-century Venice) Ca' Rezzonico, Museo del Settecento Veneziano | No free day for adults | 20 euros with Palazzo Mocenigo and Casa di Carlo Goldoni (3 months); reduced 10 euros | |
| Ca' Pesaro (International Gallery of Modern Art) Ca' Pesaro, Galleria Internazionale d'Arte Moderna | No free day for adults | 20 euros with Museo Fortuny and MUVEC Mestre (3 months); reduced 10 euros |
Milan: 7 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Last Supper Museo del Cenacolo Vinciano | The first Sunday of the month On 4 November 2026 (expected) | 15 euros; EU 18 to 25: 2 euros; booking always required | Required |
| Brera Art Gallery Pinacoteca di Brera | The first Sunday of the month On 4 November 2026 (expected) | 20 euros: timed Pinacoteca + Palazzo Citterio that day or next 6; EU 18 to 25: 4 euros | Required |
| Sforza Castle museums Musei del Castello Sforzesco | The first Sunday of the month (not confirmed) | 10 euros, reduced 8 euros (18 to 25, over 65) | No booking |
| Museo del Novecento | The first Sunday of the month | 10 euros, reduced 5 euros | No booking |
| Modern Art Gallery (GAM, Villa Reale) GAM Galleria d'Arte Moderna | The first Sunday of the month | 8 euros, reduced 4 euros | No booking |
| Civic Archaeological Museum Civico Museo Archeologico | The first Sunday of the month | 5 euros, reduced 2.50 euros | No booking |
| MUDEC Museum of Cultures MUDEC, Museo delle Culture | Every day it is open | Permanent collection free; temporary exhibitions paid |
Naples: 9 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN) Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli | The first Sunday of the month On 4 November 2026 (expected) | 20 euros with exhibitions; EU/EEA, Swiss, Uruguayan, some permit holders 18 to 25: 2 euros | No booking |
| Capodimonte Museum and Royal Park Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte | The first Sunday of the month (not confirmed) On 4 November 2026 (not confirmed) | 10 euros | |
| Royal Palace of Naples Palazzo Reale di Napoli | The first Sunday of the month On 4 November 2026 (expected) Every day, from 09:00 to 19:00 (courtyard and garden only) | 15 euros; 18 to 24: 2 euros | |
| San Martino Charterhouse and Museum Certosa e Museo di San Martino | The first Sunday of the month On 4 November 2026 (expected) | 6 euros; 18 to 25: 2 euros | |
| Sansevero Chapel (Veiled Christ) Museo Cappella Sansevero | No free day for adults | 12 euros; 18 to 26: 8 euros; 10 to 17: 6 euros | |
| Pompeii Parco Archeologico di Pompei | The first Sunday of the month On 4 November 2026 (expected) | Pompei Express 20 euros, Pompei Plus 25, 3-day multi-site 30; EU 18 to 25: 2 euros | No booking |
| Herculaneum Parco Archeologico di Ercolano | The first Sunday of the month On 4 November 2026 (expected) | 16 euros; EU 18 to 25: 2 euros | No booking |
| Paestum Parco Archeologico di Paestum e Velia (area archeologica e museo di Paestum) | The first Sunday of the month (not confirmed) On 4 November 2026 (not confirmed) | ||
| Royal Palace of Caserta Reggia di Caserta | The first Sunday of the month On 4 November 2026 (expected) | 18 euros (+1 euro online); park and English Garden 9 euros; EU/EEA/Swiss 18 to 25: 2 euros | Recommended |
Turin: 5 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egyptian Museum Museo Egizio | No free day for adults | 18 euros, online only; over 70s 15; ages 15 to 18 and students 3; ages 6 to 14: 1 euro | |
| Royal Museums of Turin (Royal Palace, Armoury, Sabauda Gallery) Musei Reali di Torino | The first Sunday of the month On 4 November 2026 (expected) | 15 euros; 'Open' ticket 18 euros; EU 18 to 25: 2 euros | No booking |
| National Museum of Cinema (Mole Antonelliana) Museo Nazionale del Cinema, Mole Antonelliana | No free day for adults | 18 euros, reduced for all 7 Oct to 9 Nov 2026; lift 9 euros; museum + lift 23 euros | |
| Palazzo Madama (Civic Museum of Ancient Art) Palazzo Madama, Museo Civico d'Arte Antica | No free day for adults | 10 euros; reduced 8 euros (over 65, booked groups); garden only 5 euros | |
| GAM Turin (Modern and Contemporary Art) GAM, Galleria Civica d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea | No free day for adults | 10 euros, reduced 8 euros |
Bologna: 6 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Picture Gallery of Bologna Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna | The first Sunday of the month On 4 November 2026 (expected) | 12 euros; 18 to 25: 2 euros | No booking |
| Civic Archaeological Museum Museo Civico Archeologico | No free day for adults | 6 euros, reduced 4 or 2 euros | |
| MAMbo Modern Art Museum MAMbo, Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna | No free day for adults | 6 euros, reduced 4 euros | |
| Civic Medieval Museum Museo Civico Medievale | No free day for adults | 6 euros, reduced 4 or 2 euros | |
| Municipal Art Collections (Palazzo d'Accursio) Collezioni Comunali d'Arte | No free day for adults | 6 euros, reduced 4 or 2 euros | |
| Palazzo Pepoli, Museum of the History of Bologna Palazzo Pepoli, Museo della Storia di Bologna | Every day it is open (courtyard only, museum paid) | 10 euros, reduced 7 or 5 euros |
Free museum days in France
There is no single free day in France, but many museums are free on the first Sunday of the month: the Musée d’Orsay, the Orangerie, the Picasso Museum, the Quai Branly and the Cluny museum all year, the Rodin Museum from October to March. The Arc de Triomphe, the Panthéon and the Sainte-Chapelle are free on the first Sunday from November to March, and Versailles from December to March.
The Louvre has no free Sunday any more. It is free on the first Friday evening of the month from 18:00 (not in July and August) and on 14 July, with a free time slot booked online. Since January 2026 a ticket costs 22 euros for visitors from the European Economic Area and 32 euros for everyone else.
The permanent collections of the City of Paris museums are always free: the Petit Palais, Carnavalet, the Museum of Modern Art of Paris, Victor Hugo’s House and others. Residents of the EEA aged 18 to 25 get into national museums for free. The Centre Pompidou is closed for renovation until about 2030.
Paris: 25 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louvre Museum Musée du Louvre | The first Friday of the month, September to June, from 18:00 to 21:00 On 14 July 2027 | 22 euros for EEA citizens and residents; 32 euros for non-EEA visitors | Recommended |
| Musée d'Orsay | The first Sunday of the month, from 09:30 to 18:00 | 16 euros online, 14 euros at the desk; Thursday evening 12 euros online, 10 euros on site | Required |
| Musée de l'Orangerie | The first Sunday of the month, from 09:00 to 18:00 | 12.50 euros, reduced 10 euros | Required |
| Musée Rodin | The first Sunday of the month, October to March, from 10:00 to 18:30 | 14 euros | No booking |
| Musée national Picasso-Paris | The first Sunday of the month, from 09:30 to 18:00 | 16 euros | No booking |
| Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac | The first Sunday of the month, from 10:30 to 19:00 | 14 euros, reduced 11 euros | Required |
| Centre Pompidou (closed for renovation) Centre Pompidou | Closed until 2030 | Closed | |
| Army Museum (Les Invalides, Napoleon's tomb) Musée de l'Armée – Invalides | No free day for adults | 17 euros; reduced 12 euros; first-Friday late opening 10 euros | |
| Cluny Museum (National Museum of the Middle Ages) Musée de Cluny – musée national du Moyen Âge | The first Sunday of the month, from 09:30 to 18:15 | 12 euros; reduced 10 euros; Thursday late opening 10 euros | |
| Arc de Triomphe Arc de triomphe | The first Sunday of the month, November to March | 16 euros October to March and on Wednesdays all year; 22 euros April to September | Recommended |
| Pantheon Panthéon | The first Sunday of the month, November to March | 13 euros October to March and on Wednesdays all year; 16 euros April to September | Recommended |
| Sainte-Chapelle | The first Sunday of the month, November to March | 16 euros for EEA nationals and residents of 4 months or more; 22 euros for others | Recommended |
| Conciergerie | The first Sunday of the month, January to March and November, from 09:30 to 18:00 | 13 euros; with Sainte-Chapelle 23 euros EEA, 30 euros non-EEA | Recommended |
| Palace of Versailles Château de Versailles | The first Sunday of the month, December to March, from 09:00 to 17:30 | November to March 25 euros, EEA 22 euros; April to October 35 euros, EEA 32 euros | Required |
| Petit Palais (City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts) Petit Palais, musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris | Every day it is open | Permanent collection free; temporary exhibitions paid | |
| Carnavalet Museum (History of Paris) Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris | Every day it is open | Permanent collection free; temporary exhibitions paid | |
| Museum of Modern Art of Paris Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris | Every day it is open | Permanent collection free; temporary exhibitions paid | |
| Victor Hugo's House Maison de Victor Hugo | Every day it is open | Permanent collection free; temporary exhibitions paid | |
| Cernuschi Museum (Asian arts) Musée Cernuschi, musée des Arts de l'Asie de la Ville de Paris | Every day it is open | Permanent collection free; temporary exhibitions paid | |
| Cognacq-Jay Museum Musée Cognacq-Jay, le goût du XVIIIe | Every day it is open | Permanent collection free; temporary exhibitions paid | |
| Bourdelle Museum Musée Bourdelle | Every day it is open | Permanent collection free; temporary exhibitions paid | |
| Zadkine Museum Musée Zadkine | Every day it is open | Permanent collection free; temporary exhibitions paid | |
| Museum of Romantic Life Musée de la Vie romantique | Every day it is open | Permanent collection free; temporary exhibitions paid | |
| Balzac's House Maison de Balzac | Every day it is open | Permanent collection free; temporary exhibitions paid | |
| Museum of the Liberation of Paris (Leclerc and Jean Moulin) Musée de la Libération de Paris – musée du Général Leclerc – musée Jean Moulin | Every day it is open | Permanent collection free; temporary exhibitions paid |
Lyon: 3 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lugdunum – Gallo-Roman Museum and Roman theatres Lugdunum – Musée et théâtres romains | The first Sunday of the month, from 10:00 to 18:00 | 4 euros, 7 euros during a temporary exhibition; reduced 2.50 or 4.50 euros | No booking |
| Lyon Museum of Fine Arts Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon | No free day for adults | 8 euros collections, 14 euros major exhibition; ages 18 to 25 pay 4 euros | |
| Musée des Confluences | No free day for adults | 12 euros, reduced 7 euros |
Nice: 5 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marc Chagall National Museum Musée national Marc Chagall | The first Sunday of the month | 12 euros during exhibitions, 10 euros otherwise; reduced 10 or 8 euros | No booking |
| Matisse Museum Musée Matisse | No free day for adults | 10 euros; Pass Musées de Nice 15 euros for 4 days, all city museums | |
| Villa Massena Museum Musée Masséna | No free day for adults | Included in the Pass Musées de Nice, 15 euros for 4 days | |
| Jules Cheret Fine Arts Museum Musée des Beaux-Arts Jules Chéret | No free day for adults | Included in the Pass Musées de Nice, 15 euros for 4 days | |
| MAMAC (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art) Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain (MAMAC) | Closed for renovation | Closed |
Marseille: 7 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations) Mucem | The first Sunday of the month | 11 euros; reduced 7.50 euros; family ticket 18 euros | No booking |
| Marseille Museum of Fine Arts (Palais Longchamp) Musée des Beaux-Arts de Marseille | Every day it is open The first Sunday of the month, from 09:00 to 18:00 | Permanent collection free; temporary exhibitions 6, 9 or 12 euros | No booking |
| Marseille History Museum Musée d'Histoire de Marseille | Every day it is open The first Sunday of the month, from 09:00 to 18:00 | Permanent collection free; temporary exhibitions 6, 9 or 12 euros | No booking |
| Vieille Charite (Mediterranean Archaeology and African, Oceanic and Amerindian Arts museums) Centre de la Vieille Charité (MAM et MAAOA) | Every day it is open The first Sunday of the month, from 09:00 to 18:00 | Permanent collection free; temporary exhibitions 6, 9 or 12 euros | No booking |
| Cantini Museum Musée Cantini | Every day it is open The first Sunday of the month, from 09:00 to 18:00 | Permanent collection free; temporary exhibitions 6, 9 or 12 euros | No booking |
| Chateau Borely (decorative arts, faience and fashion) Château Borély – Musée des Arts décoratifs, de la Faïence et de la Mode | Every day it is open The first Sunday of the month, from 09:00 to 18:00 | Permanent collection free; temporary exhibitions 6, 9 or 12 euros | No booking |
| Museum of Contemporary Art [mac] Musée d'art contemporain [mac] | Every day it is open The first Sunday of the month, from 09:00 to 18:00 | Permanent collection free; temporary exhibitions 6, 9 or 12 euros | No booking |
Free museum days in Spain
Spanish state museums are free on four days a year: 18 April, 18 May, 12 October and 6 December. The big Madrid museums also have free hours: the Prado every day in the last two hours (Monday to Saturday 18:00 to 20:00, Sundays and holidays 17:00 to 19:00), the Reina Sofía in the evenings and the Thyssen on Mondays from 12:00 to 16:00.
The Royal Palace of Madrid has free hours only for EU and Ibero-American citizens, and is free for everyone on 18 May and 12 October. The Alhambra in Granada has no free days. Queues for free hours start well before they begin.
Madrid: 10 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prado Museum Museo Nacional del Prado | Every day except Sunday, from 18:00 to 20:00 Every Sunday, from 17:00 to 19:00 | 15 euros, reduced 7.50 euros | |
| Reina Sofia Museum Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía | Monday and Wednesday to Saturday, from 19:00 to 21:00 Every Sunday, from 12:30 to 14:30 On 6 December 2026, 18 April 2027, 18 May 2027 and 12 October 2027 | 12 euros | Recommended |
| Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza | Every Monday, from 12:00 to 16:00 Every Saturday, from 21:00 to 23:00 (exhibitions, not the collection) On 12 October 2026, from 13:00 to 19:00 | 14 euros, reduced 10 euros | Recommended |
| National Archaeological Museum Museo Arqueológico Nacional | Every Saturday, from 14:00 to 20:00 Every Sunday, from 09:30 to 15:00 On 12 October 2026, 6 December 2026, 18 April 2027, 18 May 2027 and more | 3 euros, reduced 1.50 euros | No booking |
| Sorolla Museum Museo Sorolla | Every day it is open | Free for now, tickets from the ticket desk only | |
| Museum of the Americas Museo de América | Every Sunday, from 10:00 to 15:00 Every Thursday, from 14:00 to 15:00 On 6 December 2026, 18 April 2027 and 12 October 2027 | 3 euros, reduced 1.50 euros | No booking |
| Royal Palace of Madrid Palacio Real de Madrid | On 12 October 2026, 18 May 2027 and 12 October 2027 | 18 euros with the Royal Armoury, reduced 9 euros | Recommended |
| Royal Collections Gallery Galería de las Colecciones Reales | On 12 October 2026, 18 May 2027 and 12 October 2027 | 14 euros, reduced 7 euros; with the Royal Palace 24 euros | Recommended |
| Temple of Debod Templo de Debod | Every day it is open | Free | |
| Hermitage of San Antonio de la Florida (Goya's frescoes and tomb) Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida | Every day it is open | Free |
Barcelona: 8 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya | Every Saturday, October to April, from 15:00 to 18:00 Every Saturday, May to September, from 15:00 to 20:00 The first Sunday of the month, from 10:00 to 15:00 | 12 euros, valid on two days within a month; building and rooftop ticket 2 euros | Required |
| Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona | Every Thursday and Friday, from 18:00 to 19:30 Every Saturday, from 18:00 to 20:00 The first Sunday of the month, from 10:00 to 15:00 | 15 euros at the desk, 13.50 euros online, valid one month | No booking |
| Picasso Museum Barcelona Museu Picasso de Barcelona | No free day for adults | ||
| Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA Plaça del Rei) Museu d'Història de Barcelona – Plaça del Rei | The first Sunday of the month, from 10:00 to 20:00 Every Sunday, from 15:00 to 20:00 | 7.30 euros, also valid for several other MUHBA sites | No booking |
| Frederic Marès Museum Museu Frederic Marès | The first Sunday of the month, from 11:00 to 20:00 Every Sunday, from 15:00 to 20:00 On 12 February 2027, 18 May 2027 and 24 September 2027 | 4.40 euros, reduced 2.50 euros | No booking |
| Design Museum of Barcelona (Disseny Hub) Museu del Disseny – Disseny Hub Barcelona | Every Sunday, from 15:00 to 20:00 The first Sunday of the month, from 10:00 to 20:00 On 12 February 2027 and 24 September 2027 | 6.20 euros, reduced 4.20 euros | No booking |
| Sagrada Familia Basílica de la Sagrada Família | No free day for adults | 26 euros with audio guide app, 36 euros with towers | |
| Park Guell Park Güell | No free day for adults | 18 euros; 13.50 euros for ages 7 to 12 and over 65s |
Seville: 3 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Alcazar of Seville Real Alcázar de Sevilla | Every Monday | 15.50 euros, reduced 8 euros; Cuarto Real Alto 5.50 euros extra | Required |
| Seville Cathedral and Giralda Catedral de Sevilla y Giralda | Every Sunday, from 16:30 to 18:00 | 13 euros online, 14 euros at the ticket desk; includes the Church of El Salvador | |
| General Archive of the Indies Archivo General de Indias | Every day it is open | Free |
Granada: 2 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alhambra and Generalife Conjunto Monumental de la Alhambra y el Generalife | No free day for adults | 22.27 euros general daytime visit, plus online service fee | |
| Andalusi monuments of Granada (Corral del Carbón, El Bañuelo, Casa Horno de Oro, Palacio de Dar al-Horra) Monumentos andalusíes | Every Sunday, September to April, from 10:00 to 17:00 Every Sunday, May to August, from 09:00 to 20:30 | 8.48 euros (Andalusi monuments ticket) | No booking |
Valencia: 6 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valencia Museum of Fine Arts Museo de Bellas Artes de València | Every day it is open | Free | |
| IVAM Valencian Institute of Modern Art IVAM Institut Valencià d'Art Modern – Centre Julio González | Every Wednesday, from 16:00 to 19:00 Every Sunday, from 10:00 to 19:00 | 5 euros | No booking |
| National Museum of Ceramics (Palace of the Marqués de Dos Aguas) Museo Nacional de Cerámica y Artes Suntuarias González Martí | Every day from 9 June to 10 December 2026 Every Saturday, from 16:00 to 20:00 Every Sunday, from 10:00 to 14:00 On 12 October 2026, 6 December 2026, 18 April 2027, 18 May 2027 and more | 3 euros, reduced 1.50 euros; free for all 9 June to 10 December 2026 | No booking |
| Silk Exchange (Lonja de la Seda, UNESCO) Lonja de la Seda / Llotja de la Seda | Every Sunday, from 10:00 to 14:00 | 2 euros, reduced 1 euro | No booking |
| Fallas Museum Museo Fallero | Every Sunday, from 10:00 to 14:00 | 2 euros, reduced 1 euro | No booking |
| L'Almoina Archaeological Museum (temporarily closed) Museo Arqueológico de la Almoina | Temporarily closed | 2 euros, reduced 1 euro | No booking |
Malaga: 4 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Picasso Museum Malaga Museo Picasso Málaga | Every Sunday, November to February, from 16:00 to 18:00 Every Sunday, March to June, September and October, from 17:00 to 19:00 Every Sunday in July and August, from 18:00 to 20:00 On 27 October 2026, 28 February 2027, 18 May 2027, 27 September 2027 and more | 13 euros full access, reduced 11 euros | Recommended |
| Carmen Thyssen Museum Malaga Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga | Every Sunday, from 16:00 to 20:00 On 12 October 2026, from 10:00 to 20:00 | 12 euros, 15 euros with the archaeological site; reduced 8 or 10 euros | |
| Alcazaba of Malaga Alcazaba de Málaga | Every Sunday, November to March, from 14:00 to 18:00 Every Sunday, April to October, from 14:00 to 20:00 | 7 euros, 10 euros with Gibralfaro Castle; reduced 3 euros | No booking |
| Gibralfaro Castle Castillo de Gibralfaro | Every Sunday, November to March, from 14:00 to 18:00 Every Sunday, April to October, from 14:00 to 20:00 | 7 euros, 10 euros with the Alcazaba; reduced 3 euros | No booking |
Free museum days in the United Kingdom
The national museums and galleries are free every day for everyone: the British Museum, the National Gallery, both Tates, the V&A, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and many more, in London and in Edinburgh. On 29 September 2026 the government ruled out charging overseas visitors.
Some special exhibitions cost money, and a few museums ask you to book a free timed ticket, but walk-ins are usually fine. The new London Museum at Smithfield opens on 28 November 2026.
London: 17 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Museum | Every day it is open | Free, special exhibitions paid (such as Korea, until 31 January 2027) | |
| National Gallery | Every day it is open | Free, some exhibitions paid (such as Renoir and Love, until 31 January 2027) | |
| National Portrait Gallery | Every day it is open | Free, some temporary exhibitions paid | |
| Tate Modern | Every day it is open | Free, exhibitions paid | |
| Tate Britain | Every day it is open | Free, some exhibitions paid | |
| Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A South Kensington) V&A South Kensington | Every day it is open | Free, some exhibitions paid | |
| V&A East Museum | Every day it is open | Free, some exhibitions and events paid | |
| Young V&A | Every day it is open | Free | |
| Natural History Museum | Every day it is open | Free, some exhibitions paid | |
| Science Museum | Every day it is open | Free; Wonderlab, Power Up, IMAX and exhibitions paid | |
| Imperial War Museum London IWM London | Every day it is open | Free | |
| London Museum Docklands (formerly Museum of London Docklands) London Museum Docklands | Every day it is open | Free, some exhibitions and events paid | |
| London Museum (new museum at Smithfield) London Museum, Smithfield | Every day it is open | Free permanent galleries | |
| Sir John Soane's Museum | Every day it is open | Free | |
| The Wallace Collection | Every day it is open | Free (permanent collection) | |
| Horniman Museum and Gardens | Every day it is open | Free; Aquarium, Butterfly House, Voyage to the Deep and temporary exhibitions paid | |
| National Maritime Museum | Every day it is open | Free |
Edinburgh: 10 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Museum of Scotland | Every day it is open | Free, some special exhibitions paid | |
| Scottish National Gallery | Every day it is open | Free, some exhibitions paid | |
| Scottish National Portrait Gallery | Every day it is open | Free, some exhibitions paid | |
| Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One and Modern Two) Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art | Every day it is open | Free, some exhibitions paid | |
| Museum of Edinburgh | Every day it is open | Free | |
| The People's Story Museum | Every day it is open | Free | |
| The Writers' Museum | Every day it is open | Free | |
| City Art Centre | Every day it is open | Free, some temporary exhibitions paid | |
| Museum of Childhood | No free day for adults | ||
| National War Museum (Edinburgh Castle) National War Museum | No free day for adults | Edinburgh Castle ticket: GBP 23.50 online, GBP 26.00 walk-up (adults 16 to 64) |
Free museum days in Germany
Germany has no national free day. Berlin’s free first Sunday (Museumssonntag) ended in December 2024 and has not come back. Munich’s state museums, including the Alte Pinakothek, cost only 1 euro on Sundays: not free, but close.
Frankfurt’s museums are free for everyone on the last Saturday of the month. Cologne’s KölnTag is for residents only.
Berlin: 12 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neues Museum (Nefertiti) Neues Museum | No free day for adults | 14 euros; Museumsinsel ticket for all Museum Island venues 24 euros | |
| Altes Museum | No free day for adults | 14 euros | |
| Alte Nationalgalerie | No free day for adults | 16 euros | |
| Pergamonmuseum. Das Panorama | No free day for adults | 12 euros; Museumsinsel plus Panorama 24 euros | |
| Gemäldegalerie (Old Master Paintings) Gemäldegalerie | No free day for adults | 14 euros; Kulturforum ticket 22 euros | |
| Neue Nationalgalerie | The first Thursday of the month, from 16:00 to 20:00 | 14 euros collection, 20 euros all exhibitions | Recommended |
| Hamburger Bahnhof, Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart Hamburger Bahnhof | No free day for adults | 16 euros | |
| Humboldt Forum | Every day except Tuesday, from 10:30 to 18:30 (several exhibitions, not all) | 9 euros for BERLIN GLOBAL, or for the Ethnological Collections and Asian Art | |
| Jewish Museum Berlin Jüdisches Museum Berlin | Every day except Monday, from 10:00 to 18:00 | Core exhibition free; temporary exhibitions 10 euros | Recommended |
| German Historical Museum Deutsches Historisches Museum | On 9 November 2026 and 3 December 2026 | 7 euros single exhibition, 10 euros combi ticket | |
| Topography of Terror Topographie des Terrors | Every day, from 10:00 to 20:00 | Free | |
| Berlin Wall Memorial Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer | Every day, from 08:00 to 22:00 | Free |
Munich: 11 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alte Pinakothek | No free day for adults | 9 euros | |
| Pinakothek der Moderne | No free day for adults | 10 euros | |
| Museum Brandhorst | No free day for adults | 9 euros | |
| Schack Collection Sammlung Schack | No free day for adults | 4 euros | |
| Bavarian National Museum Bayerisches Nationalmuseum | No free day for adults | 7 euros | |
| Glyptothek | No free day for adults | 6 euros day ticket, valid for Glyptothek and Antikensammlungen | |
| State Collections of Antiquities Staatliche Antikensammlungen | No free day for adults | 6 euros day ticket, shared with the Glyptothek | |
| Lenbachhaus Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus | The first Thursday of the month, from 18:00 to 22:00 | 10 euros | |
| Munich Documentation Centre for the History of National Socialism NS-Dokumentationszentrum München | Every day except Monday, from 10:00 to 19:00 | Free | |
| Deutsches Museum | No free day for adults | 16 euros | |
| Munich Residence Residenz München | No free day for adults | 10 euros museum, 10 euros treasury, 15 euros combined |
Hamburg: 5 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamburger Kunsthalle | No free day for adults | 18 euros | |
| Museum of Art and Design (MK&G) Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg | The first Thursday of the month, from 18:00 to 21:00 | 14 euros | |
| MARKK, Museum am Rothenbaum MARKK Museum am Rothenbaum, Kulturen und Künste der Welt | Every Thursday, from 16:00 to 21:00 | 10 euros | |
| International Maritime Museum Internationales Maritimes Museum Hamburg | No free day for adults | 18 euros | |
| Miniatur Wunderland | No free day for adults | 22 euros |
Cologne: 8 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cologne Cathedral Kölner Dom | Every day, from 06:00 to 20:00 (to pray only, not for sightseeing) | 12 euros tourist visit, reduced 6 euros | |
| Museum Ludwig | No free day for adults | 15.40 euros | |
| Wallraf-Richartz-Museum and Fondation Corboud Wallraf-Richartz-Museum & Fondation Corboud | Closed until end of 2028 | Closed | |
| Roman-Germanic Museum (in the Belgian House) Römisch-Germanisches Museum im Belgischen Haus | No free day for adults | 6 euros | |
| Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum, Kulturen der Welt | No free day for adults | 7 euros permanent exhibition; combi with Museum Schnütgen 10 euros | |
| Museum Schnütgen | No free day for adults | 6 euros | |
| NS Documentation Centre (EL-DE-Haus) NS-Dokumentationszentrum der Stadt Köln | No free day for adults | 4.50 euros | |
| Museum of Applied Arts Cologne (MAKK) Museum für Angewandte Kunst Köln | No free day for adults | 6 euros for the collections |
Frankfurt: 8 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Städel Museum | No free day for adults | 19 euros | |
| Liebieghaus Sculpture Collection Liebieghaus Skulpturensammlung | No free day for adults | 12 euros | |
| Historical Museum Frankfurt Historisches Museum Frankfurt | The last Saturday of the month | 8 euros permanent exhibitions; 12 euros all exhibitions | No booking |
| Jewish Museum Frankfurt Jüdisches Museum Frankfurt | The last Saturday of the month | 12 euros, including Museum Judengasse | No booking |
| Museum Angewandte Kunst | The last Saturday of the month | 14 euros | No booking |
| MMK Museum of Modern Art (TOWER MMK and ZOLLAMT MMK) MUSEUM MMK FÜR MODERNE KUNST | The last Saturday of the month | No booking | |
| Senckenberg Natural History Museum Senckenberg Naturmuseum Frankfurt | No free day for adults | 12 euros | |
| Goethe House and German Romantic Museum Frankfurter Goethe-Haus und Deutsches Romantik-Museum | No free day for adults | 12 euros, 15 euros with special exhibition |
Dresden: 8 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zwinger: Old Masters Picture Gallery, Porcelain Collection, Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon Zwinger (Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, Porzellansammlung) | No free day for adults | 18 euros | |
| Royal Palace (Residenzschloss) incl. New Green Vault Residenzschloss | No free day for adults | 18 euros for all palace museums except the Historic Green Vault | |
| Historic Green Vault Historisches Grünes Gewölbe | No free day for adults | 18 euros, timed ticket | |
| Albertinum | No free day for adults | 14 euros | |
| German Hygiene Museum Deutsches Hygiene-Museum | No free day for adults | 12 euros | |
| Bundeswehr Military History Museum Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr | No free day for adults | 5 euros permanent exhibition, 7 euros combined ticket | |
| Dresden City Museum (and Städtische Galerie in the same building) Stadtmuseum Dresden | Every Friday, from 12:00 to 18:00 | 8 euros, 14 euros combined with the Städtische Galerie | |
| Church of Our Lady Frauenkirche Dresden | Monday to Friday, from 10:00 to 17:30 | Free to visit the church |
Free museum days in Austria
Federal museums in Vienna, such as the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Albertina, are free for everyone under 19, but have no free day for adults. The permanent exhibition of the Wien Museum is always free, and all its sites are free on the first Sunday of the month. The Military History Museum is free on the first Sunday and on 26 October, the national holiday.
Vienna: 9 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History) Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien | No free day for adults | 24 euros on site, 22 euros online | |
| Upper Belvedere Oberes Belvedere | No free day for adults | 23 euros | |
| Albertina | No free day for adults | 20.90 euros | |
| Natural History Museum Vienna Naturhistorisches Museum Wien | No free day for adults | 18 euros | |
| MAK, Museum of Applied Arts MAK, Museum für angewandte Kunst | No free day for adults | 19 euros on site, 18 euros online | |
| Wien Museum Wien Museum Karlsplatz | Every day except Monday The first Sunday of the month | Permanent exhibition free; special exhibitions 13 or 9 euros | No booking |
| Military History Museum Heeresgeschichtliches Museum | The first Sunday of the month On 26 October 2026 | 3.50 euros, reduced during reorganisation since 1 April 2025 | |
| House of Austrian History (incl. Ephesos Museum) Haus der Geschichte Österreich | Every Thursday, from 18:00 to 20:00 | 10 euros | |
| Leopold Museum | No free day for adults | 19 euros |
Salzburg: 5 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mozart's Birthplace Mozarts Geburtshaus | On 26 October 2026 | 18 euros, 25 euros combined with the Mozart Residence | |
| Mozart Residence Mozart-Wohnhaus | No free day for adults | 18 euros | |
| DomQuartier Salzburg | No free day for adults | 15 euros | |
| Museum der Moderne Salzburg (Mönchsberg) Museum der Moderne Salzburg Mönchsberg | No free day for adults | 15 euros, 17 euros with the MönchsbergAufzug lift | |
| Salzburg Museum (Neue Residenz) Salzburg Museum Neue Residenz | Closed for renovation | Closed |
Innsbruck: 4 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Court Church (Hofkirche) Hofkirche | No free day for adults | 9 euros single ticket, 14 euros combi ticket for the Tiroler Landesmuseen | |
| Tyrolean Folk Art Museum Volkskunstmuseum | No free day for adults | 9 euros single ticket | |
| Tirol Panorama with Kaiserjäger Museum TIROL PANORAMA mit Kaiserjägermuseum | No free day for adults | 9 euros single ticket | |
| Ambras Castle Schloss Ambras Innsbruck | No free day for adults | 18 euros on site, 16 euros online |
Free museum days in Switzerland
Swiss museums are not cheap, but several have free times: the Kunsthaus Zurich collection on Wednesdays, the state museums of Basel on the first Sunday of the month and in the last hour before closing, the city museums of Lausanne on the first Saturday and the Kunstmuseum Luzern on the first Sunday. In Bern the museums are free on Saturdays in August.
With a Swiss Travel Pass most museums are free, and the Swiss Museum Pass covers about 500. Check the Geneva museums on their own sites: their rules could not be confirmed this time.
Zurich: 6 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kunsthaus Zürich | Every Wednesday, from 10:00 to 18:00 | CHF 24 collection and small exhibitions, CHF 31 major exhibition, CHF 36 all-in-one | |
| Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum Zürich) Landesmuseum Zürich | Every day it is open (one exhibition only) | CHF 13 | |
| Museum Rietberg | No free day for adults | CHF 14 collections with Park-Villa Rieter, CHF 18 special exhibition | |
| Museum für Gestaltung Zürich (Ausstellungsstrasse and Toni-Areal) Museum für Gestaltung Zürich | Every Thursday, from 17:00 to 20:00 | CHF 15 per location, CHF 20 for all three locations | |
| Migros Museum of Contemporary Art Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst | Every day except Monday, from 11:00 to 18:00 | Free | |
| Natural History Museum of the University of Zurich Naturhistorisches Museum der Universität Zürich | Every day except Monday, from 10:00 to 17:00 | Free |
Bern: 4 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kunstmuseum Bern | Every Saturday in August (not confirmed) | CHF 24, collection only CHF 10 on site | No booking |
| Zentrum Paul Klee | Every Saturday in August (not confirmed) | CHF 15 during the changeover, as not all rooms are open | No booking |
| Bern Historical Museum and Einstein Museum Bernisches Historisches Museum / Einstein Museum | Every Saturday in August (not confirmed) | CHF 16 basic, CHF 18 with Einstein Museum, CHF 24 whole venue | No booking |
| Natural History Museum Bern Naturhistorisches Museum Bern | Every Saturday in August (not confirmed) | CHF 12 | No booking |
Basel: 7 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kunstmuseum Basel | Every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 17:00 to 18:00 Every Wednesday, from 17:00 to 20:00 The first Sunday of the month | CHF 25 collection and exhibitions, CHF 30 special exhibition, CHF 35 all-in-one | No booking |
| Historical Museum Basel (Barfüsserkirche) Historisches Museum Basel, Barfüsserkirche | The first Sunday of the month Tuesday to Saturday, from 16:00 to 17:00 | CHF 18 for Barfüsserkirche, Haus zum Kirschgarten and Music Museum, valid 7 days | No booking |
| Natural History Museum Basel Naturhistorisches Museum Basel | Tuesday to Saturday, from 16:00 to 17:00 The first Sunday of the month | CHF 7 permanent exhibitions, CHF 19 special exhibition | No booking |
| Museum der Kulturen Basel | The first Sunday of the month Tuesday to Saturday, from 16:00 to 17:00 | CHF 16 for the whole museum | No booking |
| Antikenmuseum Basel Antikenmuseum Basel und Sammlung Ludwig | Every Saturday and Sunday, from 10:00 to 16:00 Every Thursday and Friday, from 17:00 to 22:00 | CHF 12 | |
| Museum Tinguely | Every Thursday, from 18:00 to 21:00 | CHF 18 | |
| Fondation Beyeler | No free day for adults |
Geneva: 6 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Museum of Art and History (MAH) Musée d'art et d'histoire | Every day it is open | Permanent collections free, temporary exhibitions paid | |
| Musée Ariana, Swiss Museum of Ceramics and Glass Musée Ariana | Every day it is open | ||
| Museum of Ethnography Geneva (MEG) Musée d'ethnographie de Genève | Every day it is open | ||
| Natural History Museum Geneva Muséum d'histoire naturelle de Genève | Closed for works; reopening was planned for September 2026 | ||
| History of Science Museum Musée d'histoire des sciences | Every day it is open | Free | |
| International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum Musée international de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge | No free day for adults | CHF 15, permanent and temporary exhibitions |
Lausanne: 6 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Musée cantonal des Beaux-Arts (MCBA) Musée cantonal des Beaux-Arts de Lausanne | Every day except Monday The first Saturday of the month | Collection free; temporary exhibitions CHF 15; PLATEFORME 10 ticket (3 museums) CHF 25 | No booking |
| Photo Elysée and mudac (PLATEFORME 10) Photo Elysée / mudac | The first Saturday of the month | CHF 25 for the PLATEFORME 10 ticket (all three museums) | No booking |
| Collection de l'Art Brut | The first Saturday of the month | CHF 12 (the communal 3-day ticket also covers Musée Historique and Musée romain) | No booking |
| Lausanne History Museum Musée Historique Lausanne | The first Saturday of the month | Covered by the communal ticket | No booking |
| Olympic Museum Musée Olympique | No free day for adults | CHF 20 | |
| Cantonal Museum of Archaeology and History (Palais de Rumine) Musée cantonal d'archéologie et d'histoire | Every day it is open | Free |
Lucerne: 4 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kunstmuseum Luzern | The first Sunday of the month | CHF 15 | |
| Museum Luzern (natural and cantonal history) Museum Luzern | No free day for adults | CHF 12 | |
| Swiss Museum of Transport Verkehrshaus der Schweiz | No free day for adults | CHF 37 museum, day pass CHF 62 | |
| Rosengart Collection Sammlung Rosengart | No free day for adults | CHF 20 |
Free museum days in Greece
State archaeological sites and museums, the Acropolis included, are free on fixed days: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September and 28 October. The ticket website also lists the first and third Sundays from November to March as free, but the ministry portal does not, so treat those as unconfirmed.
The Acropolis Museum is private and has its own free days: 6 March, 25 March, 18 May and 28 October.
Athens: 8 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acropolis and its slopes Ακρόπολη Αθηνών (Acropolis of Athens) | On 28 October 2026, 6 March 2027, 18 April 2027, 18 May 2027 and more The first and third Sunday of the month, November to March (not confirmed) | 30 euros, reduced 15 euros | |
| Ancient Agora of Athens (with Stoa of Attalos museum) Αρχαία Αγορά Αθηνών (Ancient Agora) | On 28 October 2026, 6 March 2027, 18 April 2027, 18 May 2027 and more The first and third Sunday of the month, November to March (not confirmed) | 20 euros for site and museum, reduced 10 euros | |
| Roman Agora of Athens Ρωμαϊκή Αγορά (Roman Agora) | On 28 October 2026, 6 March 2027, 18 April 2027, 18 May 2027 and more The first and third Sunday of the month, November to March (not confirmed) | 10 euros, reduced 5 euros | |
| Hadrian's Library Βιβλιοθήκη Αδριανού (Hadrian's Library) | On 28 October 2026, 6 March 2027, 18 April 2027, 18 May 2027 and more The first and third Sunday of the month, November to March (not confirmed) | 10 euros, reduced 5 euros | |
| Kerameikos (site and museum) Κεραμεικός (Kerameikos) | On 28 October 2026, 6 March 2027, 18 April 2027, 18 May 2027 and more The first and third Sunday of the month, November to March (not confirmed) | 10 euros, reduced 5 euros | |
| Temple of Olympian Zeus (Olympieion) Ολυμπιείο (Olympieion) | On 28 October 2026, 6 March 2027, 18 April 2027, 18 May 2027 and more The first and third Sunday of the month, November to March (not confirmed) | 20 euros, reduced 10 euros | |
| National Archaeological Museum Εθνικό Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο (National Archaeological Museum) | On 28 October 2026, 6 March 2027, 18 April 2027, 18 May 2027 and more The first and third Sunday of the month, November to March (not confirmed) | 20 euros, reduced 10 euros | |
| Acropolis Museum Μουσείο Ακρόπολης (Acropolis Museum) | On 28 October 2026, 6 March 2027, 25 March 2027, 18 May 2027 and more | 20 euros, reduced 10 euros | No booking |
Delphi: 1 museum or site
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delphi archaeological site and museum Δελφοί (Delphi) | On 28 October 2026, 6 March 2027, 18 April 2027, 18 May 2027 and more The first and third Sunday of the month, November to March (not confirmed) | 20 euros for site and museum, reduced 10 euros |
Olympia: 1 museum or site
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ancient Olympia (site, Archaeological Museum and Museum of the Olympic Games) Αρχαία Ολυμπία (Ancient Olympia) | On 28 October 2026, 6 March 2027, 18 April 2027, 18 May 2027 and more The first and third Sunday of the month, November to March (not confirmed) | 20 euros, reduced 10 euros |
Heraklion: 2 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knossos Palace Κνωσός (Knossos) | On 28 October 2026, 6 March 2027, 18 April 2027, 18 May 2027 and more The first and third Sunday of the month, November to March (not confirmed) | 20 euros, reduced 10 euros | |
| Heraklion Archaeological Museum Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο Ηρακλείου (Heraklion Archaeological Museum) | On 28 October 2026, 6 March 2027, 18 April 2027, 18 May 2027 and more The first and third Sunday of the month, November to March (not confirmed) | 20 euros, reduced 12 euros (Greek and EU over-65s: 1 November to 31 March only) |
Free museum days in Czechia
Since September 2026 Czech state museums are free on the first Sunday of the month. The National Gallery in Prague is also free on 28 October and 17 November, and the main building of the Prague City Museum is always free.
Prague: 11 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Museum (Museum Complex: Historical Building and New Building) Národní muzeum, Muzejní komplex | On 1 November 2026 and 6 December 2026 The first Sunday of the month | 360 CZK, reduced 260 CZK | |
| Náprstek Museum of Asian, African and American Cultures Náprstkovo muzeum | On 1 November 2026 and 6 December 2026 The first Sunday of the month | 140 CZK, reduced 100 CZK | |
| National Gallery Prague: Trade Fair Palace (modern and contemporary art) Národní galerie Praha, Veletržní palác | The first Sunday of the month On 28 October 2026 and 17 November 2026 | 250 CZK for collection exhibitions, reduced 140 CZK | |
| National Gallery Prague: Convent of St Agnes of Bohemia (medieval art) Národní galerie Praha, Klášter sv. Anežky České | The first Sunday of the month On 28 October 2026 and 17 November 2026 | 250 CZK, reduced 140 CZK | |
| National Gallery Prague: Schwarzenberg Palace (Old Masters I) Národní galerie Praha, Schwarzenberský palác | The first Sunday of the month On 28 October 2026 and 17 November 2026 | 250 CZK; joint Old Masters I and II ticket 300 CZK | |
| National Gallery Prague: Sternberg Palace (Old Masters II) Národní galerie Praha, Šternberský palác | The first Sunday of the month On 28 October 2026 and 17 November 2026 | 180 CZK; joint Old Masters I and II ticket 300 CZK | |
| National Gallery Prague: Salm Palace (Art of Asia) Národní galerie Praha, Salmovský palác | The first Sunday of the month On 28 October 2026 and 17 November 2026 | 250 CZK, reduced 140 CZK | |
| Museum of Prague, Main Building (The City in Time) Muzeum Prahy, hlavní budova | Every day it is open | Free | |
| Jewish Museum in Prague Židovské muzeum v Praze | No free day for adults | 600 CZK; students up to 26: 400 CZK; ages 7 to 15: 200 CZK | |
| National Technical Museum Národní technické muzeum | The first Sunday of the month | 330 CZK, reduced 200 CZK | |
| Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague (UPM) Uměleckoprůmyslové museum v Praze | The first Sunday of the month | 250 CZK permanent exhibition, concession 120 CZK; main building ticket 350 CZK |
Free museum days in the Netherlands
Dutch museums have no free days. Children are often free, and the Museumkaart pays off if you visit many museums, but adults always pay.
Amsterdam: 6 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rijksmuseum | No free day for adults | 25 euros | |
| Rijksmuseum Gardens Rijksmuseumtuinen | Every day it is open | Free | |
| Van Gogh Museum | No free day for adults | 25 euros, 26 euros from 1 January 2027 | |
| Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam | No free day for adults | 22.50 euros | |
| Anne Frank House Anne Frank Huis | No free day for adults | 16.50 euros incl. 1 euro booking fee; ages 10 to 17: 7 euros; 0 to 9: 1 euro | |
| Amsterdam Museum (main site with Civic Guards Gallery and courtyards) Amsterdam Museum, Kalverstraat | Closed until 2030 | Closed |
Rotterdam: 2 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen | No free day for adults | Up to 20 euros, depending on category | |
| Kunsthal Rotterdam | No free day for adults |
The Hague: 4 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kunstmuseum Den Haag | No free day for adults | 22 euros | |
| Escher in The Palace Escher in Het Paleis | No free day for adults | 14.50 euros | |
| Peace Palace Visitors Centre Bezoekerscentrum Vredespaleis | Wednesday to Sunday, from 12:00 to 17:00 | Free | |
| Mauritshuis | No free day for adults |
Free museum days in Belgium
In Brussels the federal museums, such as the Old Masters and the Magritte Museum, are free on the first Wednesday of the month from 13:00. The free days in Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges are for residents only.
Brussels: 7 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Masters Museum (Royal Museums of Fine Arts) Musée Old Masters Museum | The first Wednesday of the month, from 13:00 | 13 euros, 20 euros combined with the Magritte Museum | No booking |
| Magritte Museum Musée Magritte Museum | The first Wednesday of the month, from 13:00 | 13 euros | No booking |
| Art & History Museum (Cinquantenaire) Musée Art & Histoire / Kunst & Geschiedenis | The first Wednesday of the month, from 13:00 | 10 euros | Recommended |
| Royal Military Museum Musée royal de l'Armée / Koninklijk Legermuseum | The first Wednesday of the month, from 13:00 | 12 euros | No booking |
| BELvue Museum BELvue | Every Wednesday, from 14:00 The first Sunday of the month | 10 euros, 18 euros with Coudenberg | |
| Museum of Natural Sciences Muséum des Sciences naturelles / Museum voor Natuurwetenschappen | No free day for adults | 15 euros; ages 3 to 25 pay 6 euros | |
| Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) Musée des Instruments de Musique | No free day for adults |
Antwerp: 5 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAS (Museum aan de Stroom) MAS | Every day it is open (roof terrace and open floors only) | 12 euros | |
| Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) KMSKA | No free day for adults | 20 euros | |
| Rubens House Rubenshuis | Artist's house closed for restoration | ||
| Museum Plantin-Moretus | No free day for adults | ||
| Middelheim Museum (sculpture park) Middelheimmuseum | Every day it is open | Free |
Ghent: 4 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK) Museum voor Schone Kunsten Gent | No free day for adults | 19 euros during the current exhibition; 15 euros from 10 January 2027 | |
| S.M.A.K. (Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art) Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst | No free day for adults | 17 euros | |
| STAM, Ghent City Museum STAM Gent | No free day for adults | 14 euros | |
| Design Museum Gent | Every day it is open (courtyard and new wing only) | 15 euros |
Bruges: 6 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groeninge Museum Groeningemuseum | No free day for adults | 15 euros; under 26s 13 euros; under 18s 7 euros | |
| Belfry of Bruges Belfort | No free day for adults | 16 euros, 15 euros on winter weekdays | |
| St John's Hospital (Memling) Sint-Janshospitaal | No free day for adults | 15 euros | |
| Gruuthuse Museum Gruuthusemuseum | No free day for adults | 15 euros | |
| Church of Our Lady museum (Michelangelo's Madonna) O.L.V.-kerk Museum | Every day it is open (church only, museum part paid) | 10 euros | |
| City Hall (Gothic Hall) Stadhuis | No free day for adults | 8 euros, includes the Brugse Vrije |
Free museum days in Portugal
Visitors get no free day at Portuguese state museums and monuments: the free Sundays are now only for residents, who get 52 free days a year. The Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon is free for everyone on Sundays from 14:00. The National Museum of Ancient Art and the National Tile Museum are closed for works.
Lisbon: 11 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeronimos Monastery Mosteiro dos Jerónimos | No free day for adults | 18 euros (cloister) | |
| Belem Tower Torre de Belém | No free day for adults | 15 euros | |
| National Coach Museum Museu Nacional dos Coches | No free day for adults | 15 euros | |
| National Museum of Ancient Art (temporarily closed) Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga | Temporarily closed | 15 euros when open | |
| National Tile Museum (temporarily closed) Museu Nacional do Azulejo | Temporarily closed | 10 euros when open | |
| National Pantheon Panteão Nacional | No free day for adults | 10 euros | |
| Ajuda National Palace Palácio Nacional da Ajuda | No free day for adults | 15 euros | |
| National Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu do Chiado) Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea – Museu do Chiado | No free day for adults | 10 euros | |
| Calouste Gulbenkian Museum Museu Calouste Gulbenkian | Every Sunday, from 14:00 to 18:00 | 16 euros museum with the CAM collection, 18 euros all inclusive | No booking |
| MAAT Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology MAAT – Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia | No free day for adults | 16 euros, residents of Portugal 12 euros | |
| Sao Jorge Castle Castelo de São Jorge | No free day for adults | 17 euros; 8.50 euros for ages 13 to 25, 14 euros for over 65s |
Porto: 4 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soares dos Reis National Museum Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis | No free day for adults | 10 euros | |
| Serralves Museum and Park Fundação de Serralves – Museu de Arte Contemporânea e Parque | No free day for adults | 24 euros all spaces, park only 15 euros; residents of Portugal 20 euros, park 12 euros | |
| Clerigos Tower Torre dos Clérigos | No free day for adults | 10 euros tower and museum, students 7 euros | |
| Fernando de Castro House Museum Casa-Museu Fernando de Castro | No free day for adults | 5 euros |
Free museum days in Ireland
The National Museum of Ireland and the National Gallery are always free. Heritage sites run by the Office of Public Works are free on the first Wednesday of the month, but not Kilmainham Gaol or Dublin Castle. Industrial action may close some sites on 14 October 2026.
Dublin: 8 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology | Every day it is open | Free | |
| National Museum of Ireland: Decorative Arts and History (Collins Barracks) National Museum of Ireland: Decorative Arts and History | Every day it is open | Free | |
| National Museum of Ireland: Natural History (the "Dead Zoo") National Museum of Ireland: Natural History | Closed for works, no reopening date published | Free when open | |
| National Gallery of Ireland | Every day it is open | Free; ticketed shows such as Hilma af Klint (15 Oct 2026 to 7 Feb 2027): EUR 0 to 16 | |
| Chester Beatty | Every day it is open | Free, suggested donation EUR 5 | |
| Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) IMMA | Every day it is open | Free, including most exhibitions | |
| Kilmainham Gaol Museum Kilmainham Gaol | No free day for adults | EUR 8 | |
| Dublin Castle (State Apartments) Dublin Castle | No free day for adults | EUR 8 self-guided, EUR 12 guided |
Free museum days in Hungary
National museums in Budapest are free for everyone on 15 March, 20 August and 23 October. Citizens of the EEA under 6 and over 70 are always free, and EEA citizens under 26 get one free day a month, on a day that differs by museum.
Budapest: 7 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hungarian National Museum Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum | On 23 October 2026, 15 March 2027, 20 August 2027 and 23 October 2027 (not confirmed) | 3,500 HUF | |
| Museum of Ethnography Néprajzi Múzeum | On 23 October 2026, 15 March 2027, 20 August 2027 and 23 October 2027 (not confirmed) | 4,900 HUF for Collection Exhibition and ZOOM; ZOOM only 1,700 HUF | |
| House of Terror Terror Háza Múzeum | No free day for adults | 4,000 HUF, reduced 2,000 HUF | |
| Budapest History Museum: Castle Museum Budapesti Történeti Múzeum, Vármúzeum | No free day for adults | 3,800 HUF; EEA students and seniors 62 to 70: 1,900 HUF | |
| Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art Ludwig Múzeum | On 23 October 2026, 15 March 2027, 20 August 2027 and 23 October 2027 (not confirmed) | 3,300 HUF collection exhibition (BING BANG); combined ticket 5,000 HUF | |
| Museum of Fine Arts Szépművészeti Múzeum | No free day for adults | ||
| Hungarian National Gallery Magyar Nemzeti Galéria | No free day for adults |
Free museum days in Poland
Polish museums each have one free day a week, and the day differs by museum: for example Thursday at the Warsaw Rising Museum. The royal residences of Wawel in Krakow and Wilanów in Warsaw are free every day from 2 to 30 November 2026.
Krakow: 10 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wawel Royal Castle Zamek Królewski na Wawelu | Every Monday, from 10:00 to 16:00 (some routes only) Every day from 2 to 30 November 2026 | 95 PLN Castle route; one floor 57 PLN; Underground, Crown Treasury or Armoury 47 PLN | |
| National Museum in Krakow: Main Building Muzeum Narodowe w Krakowie, Gmach Główny | Every Tuesday, from 10:00 to 18:00 | 45 PLN for the permanent exhibitions | |
| National Museum in Krakow: Sukiennice (Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art, Cloth Hall) Muzeum Narodowe w Krakowie, Sukiennice | Every Tuesday, from 10:00 to 18:00 | 35 PLN | |
| National Museum in Krakow: Czartoryski Museum Muzeum Narodowe w Krakowie, Muzeum Książąt Czartoryskich | Every Tuesday, from 10:00 to 18:00 | 65 PLN | |
| Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory Fabryka Emalia Oskara Schindlera | Every Monday, from 10:00 to 15:00 | 60 PLN, reduced 45 PLN | |
| Rynek Underground Podziemia Rynku | Every Tuesday, from 10:00 to 15:00 | 45 PLN, reduced 35 PLN | |
| Krzysztofory Palace (Museum of Krakow) Pałac Krzysztofory | Every Tuesday, from 10:00 to 18:00 | 34 PLN, reduced 29 PLN | |
| Old Synagogue (Museum of Krakow) Stara Synagoga | Every Monday, from 10:00 to 15:00 | 22 PLN | |
| Eagle Pharmacy (Museum of Krakow) Apteka pod Orłem | Every Wednesday, from 09:00 to 17:00 | 22 PLN; included with a Schindler Factory ticket within 7 days | |
| Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum (day trip from Krakow) Państwowe Muzeum Auschwitz-Birkenau | Every day it is open | Free; you pay only for a guide-educator (compulsory for groups) |
Warsaw: 6 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Museum in Warsaw Muzeum Narodowe w Warszawie | Every Tuesday, from 10:00 to 18:00 | 30 PLN for the permanent galleries, reduced 15 PLN; combined with branches 50 PLN | |
| POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews Muzeum Historii Żydów Polskich POLIN | Every Thursday, from 10:00 to 18:00 | 45 PLN for the core exhibition, reduced 35 PLN | |
| Warsaw Rising Museum Muzeum Powstania Warszawskiego | Every Thursday | 35 PLN, reduced 30 PLN | |
| Museum of Warsaw Muzeum Warszawy | Every Thursday, from 09:00 to 19:00 | 25 PLN core exhibition, 35 PLN core and temporary | |
| Museum of King Jan III's Palace at Wilanow Muzeum Pałacu Króla Jana III w Wilanowie | Every Thursday Every day from 2 to 30 November 2026 | Palace 70 PLN April to October, 60 PLN November to March, park included; park only 15 PLN | |
| Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw (MSN) Muzeum Sztuki Nowoczesnej w Warszawie | Every day it is open (gallery A only) On 16 October 2026 | 40 PLN, 25 PLN after 18:00 |
Free museum days in Denmark
Under 18s are free at the museums we checked. The Glyptotek is free on the last Wednesday of the month, and Thorvaldsens Museum and the Museum of Copenhagen on Wednesdays.
Copenhagen: 9 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek | The last Wednesday of the month | DKK 150 at the museum, DKK 135 online | |
| National Museum of Denmark Nationalmuseet | No free day for adults | DKK 150 at the museum, DKK 135 online; ticket valid one year | |
| SMK, National Gallery of Denmark Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK) | No free day for adults | DKK 140; under 27s DKK 95 | |
| Thorvaldsens Museum | Every Wednesday, from 10:00 to 17:00 | DKK 110 | |
| The David Collection Davids Samling | Every day it is open | Free | |
| Designmuseum Danmark | No free day for adults | DKK 140; under 27s and students DKK 90 | |
| Museum of Copenhagen Københavns Museum | Every Wednesday | DKK 110 for a 48-hour ticket, also valid at Thorvaldsens Museum and Nikolaj Kunsthal | |
| The Hirschsprung Collection Den Hirschsprungske Samling | No free day for adults | DKK 110; under 29s DKK 75 | |
| Rosenborg Castle Rosenborg Slot | No free day for adults | Paid, see the ticket shop |
Free museum days in Sweden
Stockholm’s Nationalmuseum is free on Thursdays from 17:00 to 20:00, and Moderna Museet on Fridays from 18:00 to 20:00 until 18 December 2026. The City Museum is always free.
Stockholm: 10 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nationalmuseum | Every Thursday, from 17:00 to 20:00 | SEK 160, SEK 80 in the last hour | |
| Moderna Museet Stockholm Moderna Museet | Every Friday, from 18:00 to 20:00 | SEK 170, reduced SEK 140; SEK 10 cheaper online | |
| Swedish History Museum Historiska museet | No free day for adults | SEK 180, also for seniors and students; includes the Economy Museum | |
| Vasa Museum Vasamuseet | No free day for adults | SEK 195 | |
| The Royal Armoury Livrustkammaren | No free day for adults | SEK 180, also for retirees and students | |
| The Hallwyl Museum Hallwylska museet | No free day for adults | SEK 150, SEK 200 with a guided tour of all five floors | |
| Stockholm City Museum Stadsmuseet i Stockholm | Every day it is open | Free, some events paid | |
| Nobel Prize Museum Nobelprismuseet | No free day for adults | SEK 160, students and seniors SEK 120 | |
| The Army Museum Armémuseum | No free day for adults | SEK 140, retirees and students SEK 95 | |
| Museum of Mediterranean and Near Eastern Antiquities Medelhavsmuseet | No free day for adults | SEK 160 day pass, seniors SEK 140; annual pass SEK 200 |
Free museum days in Norway
The National Museum in Oslo has no free evening. Vigeland Park and the grounds of Akershus Fortress are free, and the Museum of Oslo is free on the first Thursday of the month.
Oslo: 9 museums and sites
| Museum | Free for everyone | Normal ticket | Booking on free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Museum Nasjonalmuseet | No free day for adults | NOK 220 | |
| MUNCH | No free day for adults | From NOK 200; under 25s NOK 100 | |
| Vigeland Park (Frogner Park) Vigelandsparken | Every day it is open | Free | |
| Vigeland Museum Vigelandmuseet | No free day for adults | NOK 120; seniors NOK 100; ages 18 to 25 NOK 70 | |
| Museum of Oslo (Oslo City Museum, Frogner Manor) Oslo Museum, Bymuseet | The first Thursday of the month | NOK 130, including the Theatre Museum | |
| Fram Museum Frammuseet | No free day for adults | NOK 180; children NOK 70 | |
| Historical Museum (Museum of Cultural History) Historisk museum | No free day for adults | Paid | |
| Akershus Fortress (grounds) Akershus festning | Every day it is open | Grounds free; museums and castle inside are paid | |
| Norwegian Armed Forces Museum Forsvarsmuseet | No free day for adults | NOK 160; seniors and students NOK 110; children 6 to 17 NOK 80 |
Quick answers
- Is the Colosseum free on the first Sunday of the month?
- Yes. The Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine are free for everyone on the first Sunday of every month. You cannot book that day: entry is first come, first served until the site is full, so arrive before opening.
- When are the Vatican Museums free?
- On the last Sunday of the month, from 9:00 to 14:00, last entry 12:30, unless that Sunday is a church holiday. The next free Sundays are 25 October, 29 November and 27 December 2026. There is no free Sunday in March 2027, because the last Sunday is Easter.
- When is the Louvre free?
- On the first Friday of the month from 18:00, except in July and August, and on 14 July. Book a free time slot online. Under 18s, and residents of the European Economic Area aged 18 to 25, are free on any day.
- When is the Prado free?
- Every day for the last two hours: Monday to Saturday from 18:00 to 20:00, Sundays and holidays from 17:00 to 19:00. The queue starts well before.
- Are museums in London free?
- The national museums and galleries are free every day for everyone, including visitors from abroad: the British Museum, the National Gallery, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, the V&A, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, among others. Some special exhibitions cost money.
- Is the Acropolis ever free?
- Yes, on 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September and 28 October. Some sources also list the first and third Sundays from November to March, but the Greek ministry does not confirm them for the Acropolis.
- Which museums in Paris are free every day?
- The permanent collections of the City of Paris museums: the Petit Palais, the Carnavalet, the Museum of Modern Art of Paris, Victor Hugo's House, the Cernuschi, the Cognacq-Jay, the Bourdelle and Zadkine museums and others.
- Do I need to book on a free day?
- It depends on the museum, and each card in the calendar says what we found. At the Colosseum, Pompeii and the Uffizi you cannot book on free Sundays. At the Borghese Gallery and the Last Supper you must. At the Louvre you book a free slot.
- How up to date is this?
- Every rule was checked on the official sites on 12 October 2026. Where a rule is expected but not yet announced, or where sources disagree, the card says so. Rules change, so check the official site before you go.
More free tools
- Tourist tax calculator: what you pay on top of the room price in 96 European cities, with the rules for children and seasons.
- Train delay compensation: how much the railway owes you when your train is late, from Switzerland to Britain.
- Swiss customs calculator: what you can bring into Switzerland free, and what you pay above the CHF 150 limit.
- Book-ahead checker: when tickets for the Colosseum, the Last Supper, the Alhambra and 27 more sights go on sale, and the one official shop.
- Entry rules checker: ETIAS, EES, UK ETA, ESTA and Canada eTA at the official price, and how to spot a fake site.
- Vignette and toll checker: which vignettes and tolls your road trip needs, in 27 countries.
- Flight delay compensation: whether the airline owes you €250 to €600, in a minute.
- Trip cost splitter: who owes whom after a group trip, in 36 currencies, with the fewest payments.
- Cabin bag checker: whether your bag flies free under the seat, with the sizes of 17 airlines.
- Colosseum and Roman Forum map: a free phone map with routes, entrances and opening hours.
- Pompeii map: a free phone map with routes, entrances, water and toilets.
Sources
- Italy: Ministry of Culture, Domenica al museo (list of 4 October 2026), the museums’ own sites and Vatican Museums
- France: the museums’ own sites, Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Paris Musées, Centre des monuments nationaux
- Spain, Portugal and Greece: the museums’ own sites, Spanish Ministry of Culture, Patrimonio Nacional, Hellenic Heritage tickets and Odysseus
- The rest of Europe: the museums’ and cities’ own sites, read on 12 October 2026
- Locations: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), GeoNames and Wikipedia
A guide to free entry, made with care and checked on 12 October 2026. Museums change their rules, close for works or move free days, so check the official site before you go.