The Metropolitan Museum of Art has launched a free "Explorer Membership" for New Yorkers enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), providing one year of free membership, access to member preview days, and invitations to community programs. The initiative is a partnership with New York City's Department of Cultural Affairs, Human Resources Administration, and Department of Social Services, following a similar program by the American Museum of Natural History last July. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the program as part of a broader effort to ensure equitable access to cultural institutions, with over 1.7 million New Yorkers relying on SNAP.
This move matters because it addresses barriers to cultural access for low-income residents amid federal cuts to SNAP under the Trump administration, which reduced the program by $186 billion and imposed new work requirements that could affect eligibility for millions. The partnership underscores the city's commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and upholding SNAP benefits, while also highlighting the role of museums as inclusive public spaces. The Met's spring and summer exhibitions, including a major Raphael show, will be available to new members, reinforcing the museum's mission to connect all people to art and creativity.