The Bronx Museum of the Arts is a contemporary art museum that connects diverse audiences to the urban experience through its permanent collection, special exhibitions, and education programs. Reflecting the borough’s dynamic communities, the Museum is the crossroad where artists, local residents, national and international visitors meet. Since its founding in 1971, the Museum has played a vital role in the Bronx by helping to make art accessible to the entire community and connecting with local schools, artists, teens, and families through its innovative education initiatives and public programs. In celebration of its 40th anniversary, the Museum implemented a universal free admission policy, supporting its mission to make arts experiences available to all audiences. The Bronx Museum of the Arts maintains a permanent collection of 20th and 21st century works by artists of African, Asian, and Latin American descent. Additionally, the Museum collects works by artists for whom the Bronx has been critical to their artistic practice and development. The Museum offers guided tours to schools and community groups of all ages. Tours combine thematic discussions of artworks on view with a hands-on studio component. Group discussions led by experienced museum educators introduce participants to contemporary art while enhancing critical thinking and communication skills. The studio component invites participants to create their own work of art, enabling them to actively explore artistic concept and processes.