• Even in one of the most expensive cities in the country, many activities are free.manhattan image by Gregory Pilich from Fotolia.com
  
  From museums and galleries to performances in the park, a wealth of free entertainment opportunities exist in Manhattan for those who know where to look for them. Some of these locations accept pay-as-you-wish donations, but you can enjoy all of them for no cost.
  
  

Guggenheim Museum

• One of the most acclaimed art museums in the world, the Guggenheim opens its doors each Friday between 5:45 and 7:15 p.m. for a non-mandatory donation. Included in the permanent collection are pieces by Kandinsky, van Gogh, Pissarro, Picasso and Mondrian.
  
  

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

• The Museum of Modern Art has free admission on Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m. The museum features works in many media from acclaimed artists such as Andy Warhol, Paul Cezanne, Henri Matisse, Paul Gauguin and Salvador Dali. Aside from standard installations, the museum also features film, media and performance art.
  
  

Shakespeare in the Park

• Between May and August, the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park presents free performances of classic Shakespearean plays. Because the performances are free, and given the well-known nature of the events, it may be difficult to get tickets and subsequently to snag a seat.
  
  

National Museum of the American Indian

• The museum contains 825,000 items which span 12,000 years of American history. Aside from art, the museum also features readings and dance performances. Admission is free for everyone, any time.
  
  

Jewish Museum

• With 2,300 objects covering 4,000 years, the Jewish Museum features displays on art and entertainment from revered Jewish artists and performers. Also on display are religious artifacts from around the world, as well as jewelry, clothing and architecture. Admission is free to all on Saturdays, and always free for children under 12.
  
  

Julliard School

• Presenting frequent no-cost student performances, the Juilliard School offers dramatic, dance and musical performances most days of each month of the academic year. Alumni of the prestigious school include Kelsey Grammar, Kevin Kline and Kevin Spacey.