New Yorkers soaked up art and history Tuesday during the Museum Mile Festival.

In its 40th year, the event allows attendees to visit six museums on Fifth Avenue between 82nd and 105th streets.

Some of the institutions that participated were the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim and Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum.

Each museum offered special exhibitions and programs.

"I think it's a wonderful thing, to see all the people out here enjoying this. You know, it exposes people to and it encourages people to come to the museums," said one festival goer.

"I think it's great. You know, even when it's not free, it's great," said another attendee.

"I'm just glad that I could participate this year with my son and I'm looking forward to it," noted a third attendee.

The festival is designed to increase public awareness of the institutions and promote public support of the arts.