New York is home to some of the world's best museums. During the Museum Mile Festival, many of the biggest and most exciting along Fifth Avenue, from 82nd Street to 104th Street, open their doors to the public free of charge. Dip into the hallowed halls of the magnificent Metropolitan, or climb the spiral of the glorious Guggenheim, without having to worry about mounting admission costs. Whereas the Met houses an incredible global collection from Ancient Greeks to French Impressionists, the Cooper Hewitt offers a rich selection of modern design-related artefacts and furnishings. While the Guggenheim tends to show hot new talent in contemporary art, the City of New York Museum houses a wealth of diverse collections that tell the history of New York through the ages.

The festival is a wonderful opportunity to explore the many diverse collections on New York's exclusive Upper East Side. While you stroll along the side of Central Park between the museums, there's plenty more entertainment to enjoy. Market stalls, street performers and musicians keep your spirits up as you go from one museum to the next.

FREE ACCESS 6pm - 9pm to all the museums along the mile -- 23 car-free blocks 5th Avenue between 82nd & 105th -- Live bands Entertainment -- Art-in-the street -- activities for kids