#United States #New York #New York City #Paley Center #EBT Cardholders

Opening Doors to New Yorkers: A Landmark Initiative

The Paley Museum, a renowned hub for media, sports, gaming, and entertainment, has announced a significant partnership with the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS), aimed at enhancing access to cultural experiences for New Yorkers. This initiative will provide free admission to the museum for 1.4 million residents who receive public assistance, including those holding Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.

A Cultural Milestone

This partnership arrives in the midst of the Paley Museum's 50th anniversary celebration, coinciding with the grand reopening of its newly renovated facilities. Maureen J. Reidy, the President and CEO of the Paley Center for Media, expressed her excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing the museum's commitment to making cultural experiences accessible to all New Yorkers.

“This partnership reflects our longstanding commitment to create access and opportunity for all New Yorkers,” she stated. The program offers EBT cardholders free admission for up to eight guests, granting them entry to blockbuster exhibits and a plethora of immersive experiences including educational classes and special events.

What’s Available to EBT Cardholders?

Under this initiative, EBT cardholders will benefit from entry to the museum's popular exhibits. One of the highlights currently on showcase is a tribute to the 50th season of Survivor on CBS, and an interactive experience celebrating 45 years of Pac-Man. Additionally, the Paley Museum has exciting upcoming programming, featuring World Cup Watch Parties, commemorations for America's 250th anniversary, and much more, designed to foster community engagement and provide enriching experiences.

To amplify this offer, the first 1,400 EBT cardholders to enroll will receive a free Paley Family Membership, unlocking additional benefits such as special event access and discounts. These spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so eligible individuals are encouraged to act quickly.

Accessibility Made Easy

The Paley Museum is strategically located in Midtown Manhattan, making it highly accessible through various forms of public transportation. Its remodeled spaces are engineered to accommodate various experiences, making visits convenient for families and individuals alike. Visitors can anticipate recurrent events like PaleyFest NY, esports tournaments, podcast tapings, and family-friendly programming, ensuring that the museum remains a vibrant part of the New York City cultural landscape.

A Commitment to Community

The DSS Commissioner Molly Wasow Park highlighted the initiative as a significant step towards removing barriers to access in cultural institutions. “We believe that a household's income or background should never be a barrier to enjoying these resources”, she remarked. This partnership aims to further community understanding and appreciation of media's significant impact on culture.

The Legacy of the Paley Center

Established in 1975 by media pioneer William S. Paley, the Paley Center for Media is the leading nonprofit institution dedicated to preserving media history and understanding its effects on society. It possesses the largest publicly accessible archive, housing over 160,000 programs—an essential resource for research and education.

With the recent renovations, including state-of-the-art theaters and flexible exhibition spaces, the Paley Museum is poised to enter a new era of engagement. It aims to redefine how art, culture, and education are shared across diverse communities, making significant strides in the area of accessibility and inclusion.

As it steps into this new chapter, the partnership with the Department of Social Services embodies the Paley Center's ongoing mission of providing educational and cultural resources to every New Yorker, thus ensuring the museum continues to be a haven for shared experiences and creativity for years to come.

For further details on eligibility and how to enroll, visit the Paley Museum’s official site at paleymuseum.org.