Museum FAQs
Important Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ’s are organized by section links. Click on a section to read the answers and related information pertaining to that topic.
When is the Museum open?
The Museum is open seven days a week from 10:00AM to 5:00 PM. We are closed major holidays.
How much is admission to the Museum?
When is the Museum gift shop open?
The Museum gift shop offers a large variety of FDNY memorabilia and Museum exclusive items. The gift shop is open during museum hours. If you can't make it to our on-site shop, please visit our online store.
Can I come to the Museum just to visit the gift shop? If so, do I have to pay the admission charge?
Can I visit the museum myself, without scheduling a tour?
Yes, the Museum is open to all visitors and is self-guided. Our retired Volunteer Firefighter docents are available during morning and early afternoon hours to answer questions and provide a personal and colorful insight into the FDNY.
Planning Your Visit
When is the Museum open?
The Museum is open seven days a week from 10:00AM to 5:00 PM. We are closed major holidays.
How much is admission to the Museum?
When is the Museum gift shop open?
The Museum gift shop offers a large variety of FDNY memorabilia and Museum exclusive items. The gift shop is open during museum hours. If you can't make it to our on-site shop, please visit our online store.
Can I come to the Museum just to visit the gift shop? If so, do I have to pay the admission charge?
Can I visit the museum myself, without scheduling a tour?
Yes, the Museum is open to all visitors and is self-guided. Our retired Volunteer Firefighter docents are available during morning and early afternoon hours to answer questions and provide a personal and colorful insight into the FDNY.
Hours and Admission
Does the Museum have parking?
There are parking lots adjacent to the Museum and limited street parking. The Museum cannot, however, validate parking.
Is there a coat check?
No. Unfortunately, we don't have adequate space for this service.
Are baby strollers permitted in the Museum?
Visitors may use strollers throughout the building.
Is there a place to eat?
Is the Museum wheelchair/handicap accessible?
Yes, the Museum is wheelchair accessible, including an elevator with access to our second floor exhibit space and restrooms on the third floor.
How long will it take me to see all exhibits?
You can plan to stay at the museum approximately one hour or longer.
Who will enjoy the Museum?
The Museum welcomes all ages to view our antique and one of a kind fire trucks and exhibits! We find that small children marvel at the big, red trucks. However, the trucks are antiques and for display only – please do not touch or climb!
What else can I do at the Museum?
You can take photos anywhere in the Museum, and we have a collection of bunker gear and helmets for adults and children to try on!
How far is the Museum from Ground Zero?
The Museum is approximately a 20 minute walk or a 10 minute train ride from the World Trade Center Site. If you choose to walk from the Museum: make a left on Hudson Street, make a right onto West Broadway and make a right on Vesey Street. If you choose to take the subway: walk up Spring Street to Avenue of the Americas (aka 6th Avenue), take the Downtown E train, and get off at World Trade Center.
How far is the Museum from Times Square?
The Museum is about 30 minutes from Time Square by subway. To reach Times Square by subway: walk up Spring Street to Avenue of the Americas (aka 6th Avenue), take the Uptown “C” or “E” train, and get off at 42nd Street.
In and Around the Museum
Does the Museum have parking?
There are parking lots adjacent to the Museum and limited street parking. The Museum cannot, however, validate parking.
Is there a coat check?
No. Unfortunately, we don't have adequate space for this service.
Are baby strollers permitted in the Museum?
Visitors may use strollers throughout the building.
Is there a place to eat?
Is the Museum wheelchair/handicap accessible?
Yes, the Museum is wheelchair accessible, including an elevator with access to our second floor exhibit space and restrooms on the third floor.
How long will it take me to see all exhibits?
You can plan to stay at the museum approximately one hour or longer.
Who will enjoy the Museum?
The Museum welcomes all ages to view our antique and one of a kind fire trucks and exhibits! We find that small children marvel at the big, red trucks. However, the trucks are antiques and for display only – please do not touch or climb!
What else can I do at the Museum?
You can take photos anywhere in the Museum, and we have a collection of bunker gear and helmets for adults and children to try on!
How far is the Museum from Ground Zero?
The Museum is approximately a 20 minute walk or a 10 minute train ride from the World Trade Center Site. If you choose to walk from the Museum: make a left on Hudson Street, make a right onto West Broadway and make a right on Vesey Street. If you choose to take the subway: walk up Spring Street to Avenue of the Americas (aka 6th Avenue), take the Downtown E train, and get off at World Trade Center.
How far is the Museum from Times Square?
The Museum is about 30 minutes from Time Square by subway. To reach Times Square by subway: walk up Spring Street to Avenue of the Americas (aka 6th Avenue), take the Uptown “C” or “E” train, and get off at 42nd Street.
Visiting As a Group
When is the Museum open?
The Museum is open seven days a week from 10:00AM to 5:00 PM. We are closed major holidays.
How much is admission to the Museum?
When is the Museum gift shop open?
The Museum gift shop offers a large variety of FDNY memorabilia and Museum exclusive items. The gift shop is open during museum hours. If you can't make it to our on-site shop, please visit our online store.
Can I come to the Museum just to visit the gift shop? If so, do I have to pay the admission charge?
Can I visit the museum myself, without scheduling a tour?
Yes, the Museum is open to all visitors and is self-guided. Our retired Volunteer Firefighter docents are available during morning and early afternoon hours to answer questions and provide a personal and colorful insight into the FDNY.
About the Museum
How do I become a Member?
To become a Member: join online; complete an application form and mail it along with your dues to the Membership department; stop by the Museum and join on-site; or, call (212) 691-1303 during regular Museum hours.
What are the benefits of becoming a member?
Benefits vary depending on the level of Membership. See a complete list of Membership benefits.
How do I make a donation to the Museum?
You may make a secure, fully tax-deductible donation online; by calling (212) 691-1303 and using your Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express card; or, by mailing a check made payable to the NYC Fire Museum.
I am a current Member and/or donor. How can I change my name and/or address and continue to receive mail from the Museum?
Provide your name and/or address to the Museum by phone (212) 691-1303, fax (212) 352-3117, or by sending an email to director@nycfiremuseum.org.
Can I give a Membership as a gift?
Absolutely! A membership to the Museum makes any occasion special. Memberships make great birthday, graduation, wedding, anniversary, or holiday gifts for family, friends, and/or business associates. Gift memberships are available online, by calling the gift shop at (212) 691-1303 or completing an application form and faxing it to (212) 352-3117. Gift memberships can also be purchased in person at the Fire Museum Gift Shop.
Can I make a contribution in honor or in memory of someone?
Yes. Your gift, in any amount, to honor someone special will be acknowledged with a certificate informing the person of your thoughtfulness. Gifts made commemorating the life of loved ones will be acknowledged with a certificate to the family.
Does the Museum make charitable donations to other organizations?
Yes, the museum donates an admission pass suitable for two adults and two children. Donations are made to non-profits based in NYC only. Donation requests must be submitted via email to aborger@nycfiremuseum.org.