How to Get Into the Barnes Museum for Free [UPDATED]

After a whole lot of muss, fuss, and legal activity, the controversial new Barnes Foundation museum is set to open its doors on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia on May 22nd. The first four days are for members only, with membership rates starting at $90 and going way, way, way up to $25,000, the latter of which includes a private dinner with Barnes Foundation bigwigs, the opportunity to host your own private event at the Barnes, the option to have Barnes curatorial staff show up at your in-home cocktail party to impress guests on your behalf, and a letter to the taxman indicating that all but $190 of your generosity is tax deductible. But, should you choose to kick the tires a bit before committing, know that the museum is offering free tickets (up to eight per requester) for various time slots from May 26th-28th. Tickets are going fast, but there are still a good number available, including at prime times like Saturday evening, May 26th. To claim your tickets, go here now.

UPDATE 3/16/2012 10:45 a.m.: You will be prompted for a coupon code and credit card number. For the free tickets, you do not have to enter either. Just complete the transaction without that information—though you do need to provide a home address (hey, you can’t get something for nothing)—and you’ll receive an email confirmation.