Here are some free & cheap museums in the KC area. Great for day trips, outings, or to learn more about history.
Always Free (General Admission)
Great for a no-pressure, no-ticket-cost visit.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Free admission; iconic sculpture park + world-class galleries.
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
Always-free contemporary art + frequent community programs.
Money Museum (Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City)
Free, walk-in, self-guided museum (security screening required).
The Museum of Kansas City
General admission is free; local history + rotating exhibits.
Budget-Friendly Museums (Often Under $10 or Discounted)
Perfect when you want a “paid museum” without a big ticket price.
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Powerful history museum; typically around $10 for adults.
American Jazz Museum
Interactive jazz history + listening stations; budget-friendly admission.
The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
Cozy indoor museum that’s surprisingly mesmerizing—mini worlds + gorgeous displays.
National WWI Museum and Memorial
Kansas City’s landmark museum with immersive exhibits; check for discounted admission days.
The Rabbit Hole
Immersive children’s literature museum; timed-entry with budget-friendly tickets.
Free Days & Good-to-Know Deals
Bookmark these for “free” days and seasonal specials.
Toys & Miniatures: Free 2nd Sunday
Offers a free admission day every second Sunday. Check the visit page for details.
National Frontier Trails Museum (Independence, MO)
Often promoted as free admission (donations encouraged). Always confirm before you go.
Quick Heads-Up
Some museums have special exhibits that cost extra even when general admission is free.
Check the “Tickets” or “Visit” page before you go.
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