There may be a Blue Star Museum near you! If you qualify for this incredible program, your family can enjoy free admission to over 2,000 museums nationwide. This is a great opportunity to make memories together in the summer months.
What are Blue Star Museums?
Blue Star Museums is a program that provides free admission to participating museums across the United States for active duty military personnel and their families from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day. It’s a great way for military families to enjoy cultural experiences and educational opportunities without worrying about the cost.
This program is the result of a collaboration between Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, the National Endowment for the Arts. Through this program, thousands of museums provide free admission for active duty military service members and their families. This is a nationwide “thank you” for the sacrifices that military families make every day.
Who Qualifies for Blue Star Museums?
Blue Star Museums give free tickets to people in the military and their families. This program is for people who serve in any branch of the military, including:
- Army
- Air Force
- Navy
- Marine Corps
- Space Force
- Coast Guard (including rservists)
- National Guardsman (regardless of status)
- US Public Heatlh Commissioned COrps
- NOAA Commission Corps
If you qualify, you can bring up to five family members with you for free! You just need to bring a DD Form 1173 ID card or CAC card with you.
How can I Find a Blue Star Museum Near Me?
Discovering Blue Star Museums is a straightforward process that can open up a world of cultural and educational experiences for your family. With a little bit of planning and resourcefulness, you can easily identify and visit participating museums in your area.
Here are some practical tips to help you find Blue Star Museums and make the most of this fantastic program:
- Check the Blue Star Museum map. The official website features a map and searchable list of all participating museums. This is a great starting point to discover which museums near you are part of the program.
- Check your local museum’s website or social media. If there’s a specific place you want to go, you can check their website or social media pages. Look for announcements, event listings, and special programs that might be available during your visit.
- Check for the logo. Participating museums often display the Blue Star Museums logo on their websites, brochures, or at their entrance. Keep an eye out for this logo as a sign that the museum offers free admission to eligible families during the program period.
By using these resources, you can easily find and plan visits to Blue Star Museums, ensuring an enriching and cost-effective experience for your family.
FAQs about Blue Star Museums
This program has brought in a lot of questions over the years. Here are the answers to the most frequent ones.
Are there other free admission programs in my area?
Unlock even more free admission opportunities in your area! There are thousands of museums that offer free admission with an EBT card. You can also check out our list of free museum days or even check out a free pass from your local library!
Are there any limitations on Blue Star Museum admission?
Your free admission through the Blue Star Museums program may have some limitations. It usually includes general admission only and does not include any paid upgrades for special exhibits or features. Many participating museums list on their websites which benefits they include with Blue Star entry.
Does the military servicemember have to be present?
No. If the active duty member is deployed or otherwise unavailable, the family can still participate. You just needt o bring a DD Form 1173 or 1173-1 ID Card to prove your eligibility.
When are Blue Star Museums free?
Blue Star Museums offer free admission to military families from Armed Forces Day (the third Saturday in May) to Labor Day (the first Monday in September) each year. That means that the exact dates will vary every year, but you can count on the program to run from late May to early September each year.
During the rest of the year, the Blue Star admission rates are not be honored. However, many participating museums offer discounts for veterans and military families all year round.
Can veterans and retirees use Blue Star Museums?
No, the program is specifically designed for active-duty military personnel and their families. This includes National Guard and Reserve members who are currently serving. However, it does NOT include veterans, retirees, or even Gold Star families.
Relief Recap
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to explore, learn, and connect with your family! Blue Star Museums open their doors to military families all summer long, providing a fun and educational way to spend quality time together. Whether you’re interested in art, history, science, or nature, there’s a Blue Star Museum waiting to welcome you. Take advantage of this fantastic program and create lasting memories with your loved ones!