Free Museum Days in Miami: Who Can Visit and What You Need to Know

This coming October 3rd and 4th, 2026, residents and visitors in Miami-Dade have an exciting opportunity to explore several museums without spending a dime, thanks to the Museums on Us program. This initiative offers free general admission to cardholders of Bank of America, Merrill, and Bank of America Private Bank.

Eligibility for Free Admission

Access to the free museum days is specifically available to those holding active credit or debit cards from the aforementioned financial institutions. To take advantage of this offer, visitors must present both their eligible card and a valid photo ID, such as a state ID, passport, or driver's license. It's important to note that this benefit is personal and non-transferable, meaning companions will need their own qualifying card or must meet other museum-specific exemptions to enter without charge.

Program Details and Limitations

The Museums on Us program is a recurring event held on the first full weekend of each month. While it grants complimentary admission, it does not cover special exhibits, separate ticketed experiences, or fundraising events. Participants should plan their visit accordingly, as these additional experiences will not be included in the free entrance offer.

Participating Museums and Their Schedules

Among the participating institutions are the Freedom Tower, Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami (MOCA), The Bass, and Miami Children's Museum. Each venue maintains its own schedule and conditions for entry, and some special activities may not be included in the free admission.

The Freedom Tower, located at 600 Biscayne Boulevard, welcomes guests from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., offering exhibits that delve into the building's history and Cuban exile experiences. PAMM, at 1103 Biscayne Boulevard, is open from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and while general entry is free for children under six, visitors should be aware that ticket availability is subject to capacity limits.

MOCA, situated at 770 NE 125th Street, is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on those days. The Bass, found at 2100 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, operates from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m., and offers entry without prior reservation, with all details about tickets and accessibility available on their site.

Special Event at Miami Children's Museum

Located at 980 MacArthur Causeway, the Miami Children's Museum also participates in the program, with standard hours from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. However, it is crucial to highlight that adults must be accompanied by children to gain access, as the museum does not permit solo adult visitors or unaccompanied children. Infants under 12 months enjoy a separate exemption, making their entry free.

On Sunday, October 4, the museum hosts the Not So Scary Halloween Bash from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., a fundraising event separate from the Museums on Us offer. Visitors should verify what general access might be available on that day by calling 305-373-5437.

Planning Your Visit Effectively

When planning your visit, it's advisable to use the official Museums on Us locator tool to find participating institutions by city or ZIP code and review specific admission procedures. Remember, having an eligible card doesn't guarantee entry without prior reservation if required by the museum. Additionally, free admission only covers entry fees, and other costs such as parking might still apply.

For those without eligible cards, certain museums offer alternative benefits. For example, The Bass provides free entry to residents of Miami Beach and Surfside who can prove their residency, offering a separate program from Museums on Us.