The Museums Council of New York City was founded in 1939 to improve professional museum practice through the exchange of knowledge and experience regarding the educational and cultural functions of museums. Membership is restricted to institutions that are not-for-profit, permanent establishments with a duly elected Board of Trustees, and operated in the public interest for the purpose of preserving, studying, interpreting, and exhibiting objects and specimens of educational and cultural value, including artistic, scientific, and historical materials. Museums thus defined include botanical gardens, libraries, zoological parks, aquaria, planetaria, historical societies and historic houses and sites. Meetings are held bimonthly at member institutions to offer staff an opportunity to view the host institution’s special exhibitions and learn about their exhibitions and programs going forward. In addition, they can share ideas with museum colleagues about exhibits, business, educational programs, and other current events in the museum and exhibition field.

Museums Council Cards are distributed annually so that they can be circulated among staff to encourage them to visit, explore and keep abreast of the activities of other New York City member institutions. This card permits a staff member (and guest) free general admission.