Europe offers a remarkable cultural opportunity with its policy of providing free admission to many museums.

Several cities in Europe offer free museums, providing visitors with access to art, history, and culture without the need to purchase tickets.

Here are some of our favorite cities:

London, United Kingdom:

London is home to roughly 20 free museums, including the British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), Natural History Museum, and Science Museum. (See Longer list below)

Two Different Takes: London, England

Paris, France:

Paris boasts several free museums, such as the Louvre Museum (on the first Sunday of each month), Musée d’Orsay (on the first Sunday of each month), Centre Pompidou (for certain collections), and Musée Carnavalet. (See Longer list below)

Two Different Takes on Paris, France

Madrid, Spain:

Madrid offers free access to museums like the Prado Museum (for certain hours), Reina Sofía Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (on Mondays), Museo Nacional de Antropología, and Museo de América. (See Longer list below)

1. Berlin, Germany: Berlin has a variety of free museums, including the German Historical Museum, Museum Island (on the first Sunday of each month), Topography of Terror, and Berlin Wall Memorial. (See Longer list below)
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Amsterdam features free museums like the Rijksmuseum Gardens, Amsterdam Museum (with the I Amsterdam City Card), and NEMO Science Museum (for children). (See Longer list below)
3. Copenhagen, Denmark: Copenhagen offers free entry to museums such as the National Museum of Denmark, Danish Architecture Centre, and Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (on Tuesdays). (See Longer list below)
4. Vienna, Austria: Vienna provides free access to institutions like the Kunsthistorisches Museum (on the first Sunday of each month), Albertina Museum (on Fridays), and Austrian Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) (on Tuesdays). (See Longer list below)
5. Budapest, Hungary: Budapest offers free entry to the Hungarian National Museum (on the last Saturday of each month), Hungarian National Gallery (on the first Sunday of each month), and Budapest History Museum (on the last Saturday of each month).

NOTE: Be sure to check their website to ensure their policy has not changed.

There are also museum deals & discounts that are offered by some credit card as well as club memberships. One example is Capital one.

Eligible Capital One cardholders get a 6-month free membership to The Cultivist which is an art club that grants free access to over 50 museums around the world. Here are the European cities that are included:

• BERLIN, GERMANY
• MOUGINS, FRANCE
• PARIS, FRANCE
• NEUSS, GERMANY
• VENICE, ITALY
• LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

List of Free Museums By City

London, United Kingdom:

London oasts over 20 museums where visitors can explore fascinating exhibits and collections without having to pay an entrance fee. This policy enables individuals from all walks of life to access and enjoy the country’s rich cultural heritage, making it easier for people to engage with art, history, science, and more. Whether you’re interested in ancient artifacts, modern art, or natural history, there’s something for everyone to discover in the UK’s free museums.

• British Museum: Houses a vast collection of art and artifacts spanning human history and culture from around the world.
• National Gallery: Features an extensive collection of European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries.
• Tate Modern: Showcases contemporary and modern art from around the world in a former power station.
• Tate Britain: Focuses on British art from the 16th century to the present day.
• Natural History Museum: Displays a wide range of specimens, including fossils, minerals, and wildlife specimens.
• Science Museum: Explores the history of science, technology, and industry through interactive exhibits and galleries.
• Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A): Houses a vast collection of decorative arts and design, including fashion, ceramics, and furniture.
• National Portrait Gallery: Showcases portraits of historically significant British figures throughout history.
• Imperial War Museum London: Chronicles the history of conflict and its impact on society through exhibits and artifacts.
• Museum of London: Tells the story of London from prehistoric times to the present day through immersive displays and exhibitions.
• Museum of London Docklands: Focuses on the history of London’s docks and the River Thames, exploring themes of trade, migration, and industry.
• Sir John Soane’s Museum: Offers a glimpse into the life and collections of the renowned architect Sir John Soane.
• Wallace Collection: Features an extensive collection of fine and decorative arts, including paintings, furniture, and armor.
• British Library: Houses an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and other materials, including historic documents such as the Magna Carta.
• National Maritime Museum: Explores Britain’s maritime history through exhibitions and interactive displays.
• Royal Observatory Greenwich: Offers insights into astronomy and navigation, including the Prime Meridian Line.
• Horniman Museum and Gardens: Showcases anthropology, natural history, and musical instruments in a family-friendly setting.
• Guildhall Art Gallery: Features a collection of paintings and sculptures, focusing on British art from the 17th century onwards.
• Wellcome Collection: Explores the connections between medicine, art, and life through exhibitions and events.
• The Courtauld Gallery: Presents a collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, with a focus on Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works.

Paris, France

In Paris, France, there are several museums that offer free admission or free entry on specific days. Some of the notable ones include:

• Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris (City of Paris Museum of Modern Art): Admission to the permanent collection is free.
• Musée Carnavalet (Carnavalet Museum): Admission is free for the permanent collections, showcasing the history of Paris.
• Maison de Balzac (Balzac’s House): Free entry to the museum dedicated to the French novelist Honoré de Balzac.
• Petit Palais (City of Paris Fine Arts Museum): Free admission to the permanent collections, which include artworks ranging from antiquity to the early 20th century.
• Musée de la Vie Romantique (Museum of Romantic Life): Free entry to the museum dedicated to the Romantic period and its artists.
• Musée Curie (Curie Museum): Free admission to the museum located in the former laboratory of Marie Curie.
• Musée de la Libération de Paris – Musée du Général Leclerc – Musée Jean Moulin (Paris Liberation Museum – General Leclerc Museum – Jean Moulin Museum): Free entry to the museum commemorating the liberation of Paris during World War II.
• Musée de la Préfecture de Police (Police Prefecture Museum): Free admission to the museum showcasing the history of the Paris Police Prefecture.
• Musée de la Sculpture en Plein Air (Open-Air Sculpture Museum): Free entry to the outdoor sculpture museum located in the Parc Tino Rossi along the Seine River.

Madrid

In Madrid, there are numerous museums that offer free entry. Some of the prominent ones include:

• Museo del Prado: One of the world’s most renowned art museums, featuring an extensive collection of European art from the 12th to the early 20th century.
• Museo Reina Sofía: Focuses on contemporary and modern art, with highlights including Picasso’s “Guernica” and works by Dalí and Miró.
• Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza: Houses a diverse collection of European art, including works by Renaissance masters, Impressionists, and modern artists.
• Museo Nacional de Antropología: Explores the cultural heritage of Spain and other regions through anthropological artifacts and exhibitions.
• Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas: Showcases decorative arts and design, including furniture, ceramics, textiles, and glassware.
• Museo de Historia de Madrid: Chronicles the history of Madrid through artifacts, documents, and multimedia exhibits.
• Museo de América: Focuses on the history and culture of the Americas, with a collection of artifacts spanning pre-Columbian times to the present day.
• Museo Sorolla: Former home and studio of the Spanish painter Joaquín Sorolla, displaying his works and personal belongings.
• Museo Cerralbo: Features the art collection and eclectic tastes of the Marquis of Cerralbo, housed in a 19th-century palace.
• Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales: Explores the natural world through exhibits on biology, geology, paleontology, and environmental science.
• Museo de Arqueología: Showcases archaeological discoveries from Spain and other regions, including prehistoric artifacts and ancient civilizations.
• Museo del Traje: Focuses on the history of costume and fashion, with a collection spanning different periods and cultures.
• Museo del Ferrocarril: Celebrates the history of railways in Spain, with exhibits on locomotives, rolling stock, and railway technology.
• Museo Naval: Chronicles the history of the Spanish Navy through ship models, maritime artifacts, and naval memorabilia.
• Museo del Aire: Showcases the history of aviation in Spain, with aircraft displays, engines, and aviation-related artifacts.
• Museo Geominero: Explores the geology of Spain and the Earth through exhibits on minerals, fossils, and geological processes.
• Museo de San Isidro: Chronicles the history of Madrid from prehistoric times to the present day, with archaeological artifacts and historical displays.
• Museo Tiflológico: Focuses on the history and culture of blindness and visual impairment, with tactile exhibits and multisensory experiences.
• Museo de la Ciudad: Explores the history of Madrid through artifacts, documents, and multimedia displays, housed in a former hospital.
• Museo de Arte Contemporáneo: Showcases contemporary art from Spain and around the world, with rotating exhibitions and multimedia installations.

Berlin, Germany

In Berlin, Germany, there are several museums that offer free admission or free entry on specific days. Some of the notable ones include:

• Museum Island: Although not entirely free, on every first Sunday of the month, all the museums on Museum Island, including the Pergamon Museum, Neues Museum, Altes Museum, Bode Museum, and Alte Nationalgalerie, offer free admission.
• Topography of Terror: This museum, located on the site of the former Gestapo and SS headquarters, documents the history of Nazi terror in Germany. Admission to the outdoor exhibition is free.
• Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Holocaust Memorial): The memorial, located near the Brandenburg Gate, is an outdoor site featuring a field of concrete slabs commemorating the Holocaust victims. Admission is free.
• Berlin Wall Memorial and Documentation Center: This memorial site along Bernauer Strasse preserves a section of the Berlin Wall and offers insights into the history of the wall and the division of Berlin. Admission is free.
• Deutsches Historisches Museum (German Historical Museum): While the permanent exhibition requires an admission fee, the museum offers free entry on every first Sunday of the month.
• Jüdisches Museum Berlin (Jewish Museum Berlin): The permanent exhibition requires an admission fee, but the museum offers free entry on every first Monday of the month from 10 am to 10 pm.
• Stasi Museum: This museum provides insights into the workings of the former East German secret police (Stasi). Admission is free for children under 6 and reduced for students.
• Mauer Museum – Museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie (Checkpoint Charlie Museum): This museum near the former border crossing point Checkpoint Charlie documents the history of the Berlin Wall. While it’s not entirely free, there are discounted rates for students and children.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

In Amsterdam, there are several museums that offer free admission or free entry on specific days. Some of the notable ones include:

• Rijksmuseum Gardens: While the main Rijksmuseum requires an admission fee, the gardens surrounding the museum are free to enter. Visitors can enjoy sculptures and landscaping in a peaceful setting.
• NEMO Science Museum: Located near Amsterdam Central Station, NEMO is a science and technology museum with interactive exhibits. The rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of the city and is free to access.
• The Begijnhof: This historic courtyard, located in the city center, is home to the Beguines, a semi-monastic community of women. The Begijnhof is free to enter and offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city streets.
• Vondelpark Openluchttheater: During the summer months, Vondelpark hosts free outdoor concerts, performances, and cultural events at its open-air theater. Visitors can enjoy a variety of entertainment surrounded by nature.
• Amsterdam City Archives (Stadsarchief): This archive preserves and showcases Amsterdam’s historical documents, maps, and photographs. Admission is free, and visitors can explore exhibitions on the city’s history.
• The Amsterdam Public Library (OBA): In addition to being a library, the OBA hosts exhibitions, events, and workshops. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the library’s upper floors, which are free to access.
• De Hallen Amsterdam: This cultural center, located in a former tram depot, hosts exhibitions, film screenings, and events. While some exhibitions may require an admission fee, access to the building and certain areas is free.
• The Royal Palace Gardens: While entry to the Royal Palace itself requires an admission fee, the gardens surrounding the palace are free to enter. Visitors can stroll through the landscaped gardens and enjoy views of the historic building.

Copenhagen, Denmark

In Copenhagen, there are several museums and attractions that offer free admission or free entry on certain days. Here are some notable ones:

• National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet): The National Museum of Denmark offers free admission to its permanent exhibitions, which showcase Danish history and culture from prehistoric times to the present day.
• The National Gallery of Denmark (Statens Museum for Kunst): The National Gallery of Denmark houses an extensive collection of Danish and international art, including works by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Picasso, and Matisse. Admission to the permanent collection is free on Fridays.
• The David Collection (David Samling): This museum in Copenhagen’s historic city center features collections of Islamic art, Danish early modern art, and European decorative art. Admission to the permanent collections is free.
• Copenhagen Contemporary (CC): Copenhagen Contemporary is a contemporary art center located in a former industrial building on the city’s waterfront. While special exhibitions may require an admission fee, access to the building and certain areas is free.
• The Workers Museum (Arbejdermuseet): The Workers Museum explores the history of the Danish labor movement and working-class life in Copenhagen. Admission to the permanent exhibitions is free.
• The Post & Tele Museum (Post & Tele Museum): This museum traces the history of postal and telecommunications in Denmark, with exhibits on mail delivery, telegraphy, and modern telecommunications. Admission is free.
• The Medical Museion (Medicinsk Museion): The Medical Museion is a museum of medical history affiliated with the University of Copenhagen. It offers free admission to its permanent exhibitions on the history of medicine and medical science.
• The Royal Danish Naval Museum (Orlogsmuseet): Located in the historic naval quarter of Copenhagen, the Royal Danish Naval Museum showcases the history of the Danish Navy. Admission to the permanent exhibitions is free.
• The Cisterns (Cisternerne): This unique underground venue features contemporary art installations in a former water reservoir beneath Copenhagen’s Søndermarken Park. Admission is free on Wednesdays.
• The Danish Architecture Center (Dansk Arkitektur Center): While special exhibitions may require an admission fee, access to the Danish Architecture Center’s exhibitions on Danish architecture and urban planning is free.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna, Austria, offers a range of museums and cultural institutions with free admission or free entry on certain days. Here are some notable ones:

• Albertina: While the Albertina primarily houses a vast collection of graphic art, it also features temporary exhibitions on various topics. Admission to the permanent collection is free on the first Sunday of each month.
• Austrian National Library (Österreichische Nationalbibliothek): The Austrian National Library, located in the Hofburg Palace complex, offers free entry to its Prunksaal (State Hall) on certain days, where visitors can admire its magnificent Baroque architecture and historical collections.
• Belvedere Palace Gardens (Schloss Belvedere): While admission to the Belvedere Palace museums requires a ticket, visitors can explore the palace gardens for free, enjoying scenic views of the Baroque architecture and landscaped grounds.
• Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History): The Kunsthistorisches Museum houses an extensive collection of fine art, including works by old masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Rubens. While general admission requires a ticket, visitors under the age of 19 can enter for free.
• Museum Quarter (MuseumsQuartier): The Museum Quarter is a cultural complex in the heart of Vienna, home to several museums, galleries, and cultural institutions. While some exhibitions may require an admission fee, the outdoor spaces and courtyards are open to the public for free.
• Vienna City Hall (Wiener Rathaus): Visitors to Vienna can explore the historic Vienna City Hall, known for its Neo-Gothic architecture and grand halls. While guided tours of the City Hall may require a fee, visitors can often enter the building for free during public events or festivals.
• Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper): While attending a performance at the Vienna State Opera typically requires purchasing a ticket, visitors can often enjoy free live broadcasts of opera and ballet performances on the outdoor screen during the summer months.
• Vienna University Botanical Garden (Botanischer Garten der Universität Wien): The Vienna University Botanical Garden offers free admission to its outdoor garden areas, featuring a diverse collection of plants from around the world.
• Vienna Woods (Wienerwald): While not a museum in the traditional sense, the Vienna Woods offer ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, cycling, and nature walks, all accessible for free.

Budapest, Hungary

In Budapest, Hungary, there are several museums and cultural institutions that offer free admission or have certain days when entry is complimentary. Here are some notable ones:

• Hungarian National Gallery (Magyar Nemzeti Galéria): Located in Buda Castle, the Hungarian National Gallery houses a vast collection of Hungarian fine art from the Middle Ages to the present day. Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month for Hungarian citizens and EU nationals under 26 years old.
• Museum of Fine Arts (Szépművészeti Múzeum): The Museum of Fine Arts is renowned for its collection of European art, including works by Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, and more. While general admission requires a ticket, visitors under 26 years old from the European Economic Area can enter for free on Fridays between 4 pm and 6 pm.
• Hungarian National Museum (Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum): The Hungarian National Museum showcases the history and culture of Hungary, with exhibits ranging from archaeological finds to historical artifacts. Admission is free on the last Saturday of each month.
• Memento Park: This outdoor museum displays a collection of statues and monuments from Hungary’s Communist era. While getting to Memento Park may require transportation fees, there is no charge for admission to the park itself.
• House of Terror Museum (Terror Háza Múzeum): Dedicated to the victims of fascism and communism in Hungary, the House of Terror Museum explores the country’s 20th-century history through exhibits and multimedia installations. Admission is free on the last Sunday of each month for Hungarian citizens.
• Kiscelli Museum: Housed in a former Baroque-style monastery, the Kiscelli Museum features collections of Budapest’s history, including art, archaeology, and ethnography. Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month.
• Museum of Applied Arts (Iparművészeti Múzeum): The Museum of Applied Arts showcases Hungarian and international decorative arts, including furniture, ceramics, textiles, and more. While general admission requires a ticket, visitors under 26 years old from the European Economic Area can enter for free on Fridays between 4 pm and 6 pm.
• Aquincum Museum and Archaeological Park: This museum and archaeological site offer insights into Budapest’s Roman past, with exhibits on ancient settlements, artifacts, and ruins. Admission to the outdoor archaeological park is free.

Summary

In conclusion, Europe’s initiative to offer free access to many of its museums presents an extraordinary opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of art, history, and culture that the continent has to offer. From the iconic institutions in London and Paris to the diverse selections in Madrid, Berlin, and beyond, these museums provide invaluable experiences without the burden of ticket prices. This accessibility encourages a deeper engagement with the cultural heritage of each city, allowing visitors to explore everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary art. As you plan your European adventure, take advantage of these free admission days and enjoy the wealth of knowledge and inspiration waiting within the walls of these remarkable museums. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, these cultural treasures are sure to enrich your journey and create lasting memories.