FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: museums

  • Remember Mahatma Gandhi at India’s Free Museums

    While vacationing in India, it’s worth paying tribute to the “Father of the Nation,” the country’s peace-loving leader Mahatma Gandhi.

    Stop for a moment in Delhi to pay your respects at Gandhi Smriti, the site of Gandhi’s assassination. Gandhi lived here from September 1947 until his untimely death in January 1948. It’s free to step inside and view his few personal effects, the prayer ground where he led a congregation every evening, and the statues and paintings created to honor his memory.

    Nearby Raj Ghat is Gandhi’s final resting place. A headstone with his last words, “Hey Ram,” or “Oh God” marks Gandhi’s cremated remains, along with a flame which burns eternally. Major ceremonies to remember Gandhi take place here on his birthday, October 2, and January 30, the day of his death and Martyr’s Day. If you can’t time your visit for one of these dates, you can attend the one of the ceremonies held every Friday.

    Across the road from the memorial you’ll find The Gandhi Memorial Museum. This free museum houses many key artifacts, including the gun and bullets used during Gandhi’s assassination, the shawl and dhoti he wore during his last moments, and one of his walking sticks. In addition to the museum’s permanent collection, it also showcases traveling exhibitions concerning India’s history and peace movements.

    Mani Bhavan in Mumbai is another fantastic free museum for Gandhi enthusiasts. Gandhi stayed in this historic building whenever he visited Mumbai between 1917 and 1934. See the room where he slept, and the terrace where he was arrested for sedition in 1932.

    Mahatma Gandhi may be gone, but so long as tourists continue to visit these important Indian museums and sites he’ll never be forgotten.

  • Student Discounts While Studying/Traveling Abroad

    Many of the years I spent living abroad were when I was either an undergraduate or graduate student.

    I was relatively clueless about all of the student discounts that are available (for flights, museums, ground transportation, etc.) the first time I lived abroad, but by the time I was doing my dissertation research in France, I was a seasoned pro at cashing in on student discounts at museums, theaters, restaurants, on rail passes, flights, you name it. The more I learned, the more money I saved. Here are some general tips and resources for making the most out of student discounts while studying, traveling or living abroad (many of these student discounts also apply to students living in the U.S.).
    • Get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC). This will open the door to over 40,000 discounts at home and abroad. They partner with various organizations (Target, AMC, Virgin, to name a few) to bring an excellent array of discounts (from spa services to accommodations) to students. The organizations that partner with ISIC will require this specific card in order to get discounts, so it’s best to get your hands on one before embarking on your international journey. Any full-time student in an undergraduate or graduate program is eligible to get a card. If you are a part-time student and you are under 26 years old, there is another discount card you would be eligible for, the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC). The IYTC card offers similar benefits, services and savings to the ISIC card. See http://www.isic.org for more information and to order a card. You can also sign up for their email list to get weekly alerts on new deals in your city/country. [caption id="attachment_5459" align="alignright" width="189" caption="The International Student ID Card will save you money in Paris and other international cities."]Eiffel Tower photo[/caption]
    • Always carry your ID card from your home college/university. To be able to prove your status as an American student, it’s a good idea to have your college/university ID card in your wallet at all times. This, combined with your international student ID card, will be enough proof to garner you all of the discounts for which you are eligible.
    • It never hurts to ask. If a museum, theater, cultural center, etc. does not have student rates posted, it’s always a good idea to ask about them anyways. You never know what they might say, and asking could save you quite a bit of money over the long run. Of course, be prepared to prove your student status by showing your student ID card. Many museums have days or evenings that are free for students, so be sure to ask about those as well.
    • Check out student discounts on flights and vacation packages. There are a number of organizations that offer discounts on flights, accommodations and vacation packages specifically for students. STA travel is a great site to check out for student discounts on airline tickets, rail passes, hotels, car rentals, hostels and tours. I know many students who have found some great package deals for spring break on this site. Other reputable student discount sites include: Smarter Travel, Student Universe, ISTravel, CheapoAir and the International Student Travel Confederation (ISTC). I’ve found quite a few good deals on intra-European flights and rail transportation on some of these sites.
    • Don’t forget about restaurant discounts. There are a variety of restaurants throughout the U.S. that offer student discounts. In addition to discounts on entrées, some places offer a free appetizer or drink for students with an ID. When in Europe, ask if there is a “prix fixe” or set meal price that is lower for students. Again, just because you don’t see it on the menu doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. It’s always good to ask.
    • Get the most bang for your buck with other discounts as well. Sites like LivingSocial and Groupon have now gone international. Sign up to get deal alerts from both of these sites that will help you make the most of your budget while traveling or studying abroad.
    • Share the love! Pass along discounts you learn about to students you meet while studying abroad. I am grateful for the many discounts I learned about from other student travelers.

  • See Historic Ships for Free at Australian National Maritime Museum

    Australia’s historic ships and naval heritage are celebrated at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

    The museum’s galleries feature important documents and other relics from Australia’s maritime history. You can explore these displays at your own pace or join a free guided tour. The interactive touch screens in the museum’s foyer give times and information about this service along with other museum events and activities.

    But for most visitors, the most exciting parts of the museum are outside its halls. Several ships are docked in the harbor just outside, including the navy destroyer HMAS Vampire, the 1847 tall ship James Craig, the Blackmores First Lady sailed around the world by Australian solo voyager Kay Cottee, and a replica of the Endeavour, the ship that Captain James Cook traveled to Australia in.

    All those boats and talk of history can be a bit dry for the kids, so if you’re taking the family visit on Sundays or during school holiday periods. Extra activities including craft projects, story time, and games should keep children aged between five and 12 entertained. These sessions do attract an extra fee of $7 though, so they can get pricey if you have a large brood.

    The Australian National Maritime Museum's replica of the Endeavour
    The Australian National Maritime Museum's replica of the Endeavour

    The Australian National Maritime Museum is conveniently located on the western side of the bubbling Darling Harbour precinct. This tourist hub is easily accessible by Sydney’s bus, light rail, and monorail networks.

    The Australian National Maritime Museum is one of Sydney’s free museums, although special exhibitions and activities may attract a small fee. It’s open every day except Christmas from 9:30 am in the morning. The museum closes at 5 pm, except in January when it closes at 6 pm.

    [Image Source: Andy Mitchell/Flickr]

  • Chinese Treasures at Shanghai Museum – Free Display of Asian Artifacts

    The Shanghai Museum houses one of the most exciting and largest collections of artifacts in China, and best of all, entry is free.

    The museum is a wonderful place for tourists to immerse themselves in Chinese culture, thanks to the stunning displays of calligraphy, and porcelain, bronze, and jade artworks. It’s easy to spend at least half a day exploring all four floors of this treasure trove, although parents may find they have trouble keeping children interested for that long.

    While the building is stroller-friendly, it doesn't have the kid-friendly exhibitions we see in so many of the world's museum. If you have little ones, prepare for a few complaints. The audio tour costs a few yuan, but it's an investment worth making to get the most from your visit. The tour will highlight some of the most important artifacts on display and detail the background of these key pieces. While you're thinking about additional costs, traveling exhibitions often stop at the museum. These are also affordable at around 20 yuan, but don't feel pressured to see them, particularly if your time or budget is limited. The permanent collection is certainly vast enough to occupy frugal travelers. The Shanghai Museum is located at #201 Renmin Avenue in Shanghai, at the southern end of People's Square. You can take the subway to People's Square and follow the signs, or tell your taxi driver to take you to "Shanghai boh-oo-gwan." It opens daily between 9 am and 5 pm.

  • India’s Sulabh International Museum of Toilets Traces Lavatory History

    Museums typically pay tribute to the best parts of our history, like the majestic carved Chinese warriors of the Terracotta Army Museum or the proud Maori traditions celebrated at many New Zealand institutions.


    But you won't find any such reverence at the Sulabh International Museum of Toilets in New Delhi. You'll find the museum inside Sulabh International, a social organization which works to improve human rights, sanitation, waste management, and other social and environmental concerns through education. Perhaps unsurprisingly the museum is the only one of its kind in the world. This Indian landmark traces the evolution of the lavatory, from humble chamber pots to more high-tech loos. Looking at some of the most primitive designs from ancient Egypt, Babylonia, and Greece is enough to make you very grateful that you live in modern times, with modern conveniences! On the other hand, the throne made to look like a bookshelf would be a welcome addition in any bathroom. The attention to detail is impressive, and perhaps a little bit disturbing. Museum curator Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak searched the world over to learn of the minutest changes in toilet design around the globe throughout history. Apparently the museum was designed as a vehicle for social change to improve sanitation conditions, but I think most visitors will enjoy it as a bit of an oddity. The Sulabh International Museum of Toilets is open from Mondays to Sundays from 10 am until 5 pm.

  • Museum Deals and Public Art: Minneapolis and Chicago

    Chicago, IL

    The Art Institute of Chicago (http://www.artic.edu/aic/)

    Frugal art lovers can get into one of the nation’s premier art centers for free on Thursdays (admission is usually $18 for adults, $12 for students). Are you a Bank of America credit card holder? If so, you can get in for free whenever you like. Simply show them your card at the ticket counter to receive your complimentary ticket. The Art Institute of Chicago also has reciprocity with other large museums around the country. If you are a member of another museum, check on their website to see if you can get free admission that way.

    Highlights: Marc Chagall’s America Windows The Asian Collection The New Modern Wing Millenium Park (http://www.millenniumpark.org/) While you’re in the vicinity, stroll across the street to Millenium Park to take in the interesting public sculptures and installation pieces.  The outdoor concert venue designed by Frank Gehry is definitely worth a peek as well (sometimes the concerts performed here are free, check the website for concert schedules and more information). The best part? It costs nothing to take a walk around Millenium Park. Highlights: Crown Fountain interactive sculpture by Jaume Plensa Cloud Gate (fondly referred to as “The Bean”) reflective sculpture by Anish Kapoor Minneapolis, MN [caption id="attachment_4590" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Spoonbridge and Cherry in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden"][/caption] Walker Art Center (www.walkerart.org) Admission to the world- renowned Walker Arts Center, a contemporary arts institution committed to interdisciplinary programming is free on Thursdays (the galleries stay open until 9:00pm). On the first Saturday of each month, the Walker hosts “First Free Saturday.” Not only is admission to the galleries free that day, there is also quite a bit of free programming and activities for kids and families throughout the museum. In addition to its extensive permanent collection and expertly-curated internationally touring shows, the Walker also hosts lecture, performing arts and film series throughout the year, some of which are free as well. See the calendar on the website for more information. The Walker Art Center also has reciprocity with other large museums around the country. If you are a member of another museum, check on their website to see if you can get free admission that way. Highlights: Dan Flavin’s mimimalist sculptures featuring a unique use of  light Several paintings by Andy Warhol A large collection representing the Italian Arte Povera movement The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden The open-air sculpture garden across the street from the Walker Art Center is one of the most frequently visited spots in Minneapolis. This impressive collection of public art (featuring the famous “Spoonbridge and Cherry” that has become somewhat of a symbol for Minneapolis) is free and open to the public. For schedules and events see www.walkerart.org Highlights: Spoonbridge and Cherry by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen Frank Gehry’s massive Standing Glass Fish in the conservatory Minneapolis Institute of Art (www.artsmia.org) One of the Twin Cities' most impressive arts institutions, the MIA houses a large collection of visual arts from various cultures and time periods. The MIA is particularly known for its extensive collection of Asian art (a large part of it donated by the local Dayton family), period rooms, and regular rotating shows. The admission for the museum itself is free (special shows may require a purchased ticket) and there is a variety of free educational programming (lectures, tours, classes, etc.) for children and adults. Once a month, the MIA hosts a family day with lots of free activities for kids. Highlights: The Asian collection The period rooms (go between October and January to see them decorated for the holidays—a real treat) The newly revamped modernist collection

  • Sydney for Kids on a Budget – Free Family Friendly Attractions in New South Wales

    Australia’s school holidays are looming, which is enough to fill any parent with dread. The kids will want to be entertained, but it needn’t cost you a fortune.

    Sydney residents can enjoy a staycation and soak up all the free activities in their own backyard. Museums are always a great option for families looking to save cash, with many offering free entry and enough exhibitions to keep folks entertained all day. For a journey back in time, look to The Rocks Discovery Museum tucked away in Kendall Lane, just off Argyle Street. Archival film and archaeological artifacts bring historic Sydney back to life in a way that's engaging for kids and adults. For a day out with a more nautical theme, head to the Australian National Maritime Museum. This free museum always runs school holiday programs especially designed to entertain its youngest visitors. This time around little ones can learn all about the travels of Sindbad the Sailor through, arts, crafts, and music workshops. If arts are their thing, take the children to the Art Gallery of NSW. Entry is also free, and a tour of the museum will seem much more exciting when led by one of the gallery’s fun characters. The holiday period also brings storytelling and special children's performances.Australia piggy bank Forget greasy fast food lunches; a picnic is a much more economical, and healthier option. Centennial Park is a bit of an inner-city oasis with its duck ponds and grassy hills. Take your blades or bikes along and you can enjoy the dedicated cycle and rollerblading tracks, or have a game on the tennis courts or sporting fields. Way out west you can enjoy the wetlands at Sydney Olympic Park. There are 40 hectares of parkland here, with picnic areas and barbecues for families who want a hot lunch. Playgrounds and cycleways should keep the kids entertained while mom and dad relax. So why spend a fortune on the school holidays? Sydney has plenty of fun activities that won't cost you a cent.

  • An Ancient Army at Terracotta Army Museum in China

    On your trip to China you must allow time to see the terracotta warriors and horses, which are regarded by many historians as the most significant archaeological discovery of the last century.


    You’ll find them at the Terracotta Army Museum in Lintong, Xi’an in the Shaanxi Province. It lies 1.5 kilometers east of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum. This ruler, known as China’s first emperor, commissioned the creation of this model army during his reign from 211 to 206 BC.

    The life-sized figures, carved from terracotta and poised for battle, are the museum’s star attractions. Each is completely unique, with his own facial expression, hairstyle, clothes, and gestures. Many of the figures are armed with weapons of the time, including bronze swords, longbows, dagger-axes, and spears. They are arranged in faithful battle formation, recreating a real army designed to protect the emperor in the afterlife.

    The Chinese Terracotta Warriors
    The Chinese Terracotta Warriors

    The museum is divided into three sections or pits, which are numbered in order of their discoveries. The first pit, the largest, was opened in 1979, five years after the incredible unearthing. It houses rows of soldiers at the front, numbering around 6000, followed by impressive war chariots. The second pit was unveiled in 1994. It is home to more than a thousand warriors and almost 100 wooden chariots discovered in 1976. The third pit features the discoveries of 1976. Here you’ll see more than 7000 pottery armed soldiers, horses, and chariots carefully restored to their former glory. This large section was opened in 1989. As work is ongoing at the original site, we can only hope more treasures will be added to the collection in the years to come.

    The Terracotta Army Museum is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. Tourists should allow three hours to see the museum’s attractions. Getting to the museum is easy. Trains run from all major tourist centers to Xian Railway Station. Once there, visitors can take the #914 bus or tourist bus 5 directly to the museum.