Military Families Visit Free This Summer

Blue Star Program Runs May 30 through Labor Day

May 26, 2017  |  Back to Blog & News

Happy Memorial Day weekend! The Virginia Discovery Museum will be closed Monday, May 29, but starting May 30 VDM joins thousands of museums across America to offer free general admission to the nation’s active duty military personnel, including National Guard and Reserve, and their families through Labor Day 2017 as part of Blue Star Museums. VDM also welcomes military retirees and veterans as part of this admission program.

Special or limited-time Museum programs and events are not covered by Blue Star Museums. For questions about particular programs or events, please contact the Virginia Discovery Museum directly.

How Does It Work?

The Blue Star Museums program covers general admission for the following cardholders and up to five family members:

Common Access Card (CAC)
DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID)
DD Form 1173-1 ID card
DD Form 2 ID card
Veteran identification card

Participating Museums

More than 2,000 museums in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa take part in Blue Star Museums, including dozens of children’s museums, fine arts museums, science museums, history museums, and nature centers.

Find a Museum

A collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the Department of Defense, the Blue Star Museums initiative provides military families an opportunity to enjoy the nation's cultural heritage, learn more about their new communities after a move, and reconnect after deployment.

"The Blue Star Museums program is also a perfect way for the arts community to say thank you to our service members and their families for the sacrifices they make on our behalf, every day," NEA Chairman Jane Chu said.

"Blue Star Museums has grown into a nationally recognized program that service members and their families look forward to each year," Blue Star Families Chief Executive Officer Kathy Roth-Douquet said. "It helps bring our local military and civilian communities together, and offers families fun and enriching activities in their home towns. We are thrilled with the continued growth of the program and the unparalleled opportunities it offers."

To learn more about the Blue Star Museums program, visit arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.


Additional Resources

Plan Your Visit: For more than 25 years, VDM has provided enrichment opportunities in literacy, science, math, and the arts for families with newborns to age 8 through interactive exhibits and educational programs. Find everything you need to plan your next visit here. Learn More