Free This Weekend: Museums Near You

Museums across America are waiving their admission for sixth annual museum day.

ByABC News
September 23, 2010, 2:12 PM

Sept. 24, 2010— -- This weekend museums all across the country are waiving their admission to let families see exhibits for free. Yes, free.

Welcome to the sixth annual Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day. More than 1,300 institutions across America will welcome guests in what has to be one of the best sightseeing and recession specials out there.

"Here's an opportunity for you to go out with your child, spouse or friend and experience a cultural event for free," said Rosie Walker, an associate publisher at Smithsonian magazine which is organizing the event.

Each household is allowed two free tickets for Saturday's admission and they must be printed out in advance at Smithsonian's website.

The venues run the gamut from large well-known institutions to children's museums to some lesser-known, local cultural centers.

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In some cases the savings can be substantial. Boston's Museum of Fine Arts normally charges $20 a ticket to see nearly 450,000 works from around the world and across the ages. Those extra $40 could go a long way for a big family lunch out, a night at the movies or just some extra savings.

Other big-name attractions include the Experience Music Project|Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame in Seattle. The music project explores the creativity and innovation in popular music, looking at the essence of rock 'n' roll, its roots in jazz, soul, gospel, country and the blues, as well as rock's influence on hip-hop, punk and other recent genres. Tickets there are normally $15 each.