Free fun Fridays: 70 museums, cultural institutions, and more offer free admission this summer
It’s that time of year again: for 10 weeks this summer, you can get into 70 museums, art centers, zoos, and cultural institutions for free. No, you’re not dreaming.
On June 26, the Highland Street Foundation kicks off Free Fun Fridays, their summer program that provides free-of-charge access to iconic Massachusetts cultural establishments every Friday. The program lasts for 10 weeks through the last Friday in August.
“When this all started, the trustees wanted to give a gift to the community, so they had this idea about providing free access to these wonderful cultural institutions for the public,’’ said Noreen McMahon, senior director of Programs at the Highland Street Foundation.
McMahon said the program has grown since its humble origins, starting with partnerships with only 10 institutions.
“When we put the program together, we always try to expand in both the geography and interests of the offerings, so we have something for everyone,’’ McMahon said.
This year is the 27th anniversary of the Highland Street Foundation.
The complete schedule is here, but a few highlights:
June 26:
The House of the Seven Gables
The Mount: Edith Wharton’s home
Norman Rockwell Museum
Peabody Essex Museum
Tanglewood
Worcester Art Museum
July 3:
Amelia Park Children’s Museum
Berkshire Museum
Boston Children’s Museum
Falmouth Museums on the Green
Heritage Museums and Gardens
Naumkeag Trustees of Reservations
The Old Manse
July 10:
Cape Cod Maritime Museum
Children’s Museum at Holyoke
Danforth Art, New England Historic Genealogical Society
Edward M. Kennedy Institute
New Bedford Whaling Museum
Volleyball Hall of Fame
July 17:
Children’s Museum in Easton
Fitchburg Art Museum
Larz Anderson Auto Museum
Museum of Fine Arts Boston
The Sports Museum, Cape Ann Museum
Tower Hill Botanic Garden
July 24:
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
Battleship Cove
Commonwealth Shakespeare Company
Edward Gorey House
Fruitlands Museum
Pilgrim Hall Museum
Museum of Russian Icons
July 31:
American Textile History Museum
Cape Cod Museum of Art
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
Garden in the Woods
The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston
Sandwich Glass Museum
Wenham Museum
August 7:
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Concord Museum
The Greenway Carousel
Hancock Shaker Village
The Old State House
Springfield Museums
Worcester Historical Museum
August 14:
Cape Cod Children’s Museum
Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River
Fuller Craft Museum
Historic Deerfield
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center
USS Constitution
August 21:
Buttonwood Park Zoo
The Discovery Museums
Emily Dickinson Museum
Franklin Park Zoo
The Freedom Trail Foundation
Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival
Museum of African American History
August 28:
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
Clark Art Institute
EcoTarium
Griffin Photography Museum
Mass MoCA
Old Sturbridge Village
Plimoth Plantation
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