Museum Passes, Art Galleries, and Your Health

Museums and Art Galleries May Contribute to a Longer Life!

We’ve always thought that visiting museums and art galleries could provide untold benefits, but now there’s scientific evidence to back that up! In 2019, Daisy Fancourt, associate professor of psychobiology and epidemiology, and Andrew Steptoe, professor of psychology and epidemiology published a study with a remarkable discovery – frequent visits to museums and galleries are statistically correlated with greater longevity. Fancourt said that engaging with wider culture can act as a stress relief mechanism which is why it may be beneficial for longevity.

Yonkers Public Library is proud to be a contributing public institution to the many benefits museums and art galleries provide. We provide YPL patrons free admission to participating museums and the Riverfront Art Gallery.

Enjoy access to these exhibits featuring cultural and dynamic spaces—all for free! See our list below for featured museums and art exhibits.

Hudson River Museum

The Hudson River Museum exhibits Women to the Fore from September 18, 2020 – January 3, 2021. This exhibition—drawn from the Museum’s permanent collection as well as loans from regional artists, galleries, and collectors—focuses on the rich diversity and range of expression in a group of artists working in paintings and drawings, prints and photographs, collage and sculpture. Reserve the Hudson River Museum pass here.

Julia Santos Solomon (American, b. Dominican Republic, 1956). Caribbean Thoughts Mashup, 2019. Digital print on metal. Courtesy of the artist. © Julia Santos Solomon.

Riverfront Art Gallery

The Riverfront Art Gallery exhibits From Ramle to New York: Fares Rizk until November 30, 2020. This exhibition features a collection of vibrant and dynamic paintings depicting the life and times of Palestinian American artist Fares Rizk, who is also the highly celebrated drag queen, Sultana. Fares’ works capture the spiritual, poetic, and quiet moments in time and leave you wanting to know more of the story.

The “It” Bag, 2020, Acrylic on canvas

Jewish Museum

Following a six-month closure, the Jewish Museum is now open with new hours and free admission through December 31, 2020. The Jewish Museum collection is a unique mix of artworks and ceremonial objects. In Scenes from the Collection, selected works are presented in thematic “scenes,” weaving together centuries of art and Judaica. Each gallery suggests a different filter through which we may approach and understand art.

Installation view of “We Fight to Build a Free World: An Exhibition by Jonathan Horowitz” October 1, 2020 – January 24, 2021, at the Jewish Museum, NY. Photo: Kris Graves

Liberty Science Center

The Liberty Science Center has generously extended a 10% discount to patrons of the Yonkers Public Library when they show their active library card at their box office.

2020 Museum Pass Program Update

We are working with partner institutions on the 2020 Museum Pass program in light of COVID-19 impacts. Currently, we are providing passes for the Hudson River Museum only, but we expect to be reintroducing other passes soon. Please be sure to review the rules for visiting each museum and for using the passes. Thank you for your understanding and patience.