Memberships
Enjoy Unlimited Museum Visits
While the Virginia Discovery Museum remains closed during COVID-19, please know that our staff is hard at work updating exhibits, implementing new accessibility features for visitors with physical and neurological differences, and augmenting cleaning policies and safety practices as we prepare to reopen. Purchasing a new membership or renewing now is a great way to support this endeavor and invest in the future of Charlottesville’s best discovery spot for newborns to children age 8! Plus, all new memberships and renewals will receive a voucher – valid for a full year – so you can start your membership after VDM has reopened without losing any time.
Levels & Benefits | Gift Vouchers | Discovery Deals | FAQs | Contact Us
Levels & Benefits
Until VDM reopens to the public, all new memberships and renewals will receive vouchers, which are valid for redemption in-person at the Museum for a full year from the purchase date. Don’t worry about losing any time: Your membership begins only after the voucher has been redeemed, so you can start it after the Museum has reopened and when you are ready to do so. If you would prefer to have your membership start immediately, please contact our membership coordinator, Matt Berman, at marketing@vadm.org.
1 Limited to adults and children living in the household, grandparents, and caregivers only.
2 Required to redeem Discovery Deals and ASTC / ACM discounts. 3-Month Memberships not issued ID cards.
3 Association of Science-Technology Centers Travel Passport Program. Sites, rules, and restrictions: bit.ly/astc-reciprocity.
4 Association of Children’s Museums Reciprocal Network. Sites, rules, and restrictions: bit.ly/acm-reciprocal.
Gift Vouchers
A Museum membership makes a great experiential gift for family and friends with young children! We offer gift vouchers for both 3-Month and 12-Month memberships that are valid for redemption in-person at the Museum for a full year from the purchase date.
Purchase Online
If you know all of the recipient’s details – contact information, mailing address, and the names they want to include on the membership – click the link below, select the membership level you’d like to give, and complete the form and payment. Be sure to include a gift message and/or special delivery instructions in the “Special Notes” field.
Contact Us
If you are unsure of the names the gift recipient wants to include on the membership, no problem! Contact Marketing Manager Matt Berman at marketing@vadm.org, and we’ll schedule a phone call to finalize delivery details and payment.
Discovery Deals
VDM Discovery-level members can redeem exclusive, ongoing promotions at participating local businesses by showing their blue Discovery-level membership ID card at the time of purchase. VDM will keep a regularly updated list of Partner Merchants here on our Memberships page, on the TV in our front lobby, and on our community bulletin board. Check back regularly to see what new discounts have been added and which have changed.
2nd Act Books
Second-Hand Bookstore with Large Children’s and YA Section
Ongoing Promotion: VDM Discovery-level members receive one free children’s book priced at $5 or less with the purchase of a book by the parent when they show their valid membership ID.
Alakazam Toys
Independent Shop Featuring Creative and Classic Eco-Friendly Toys
Ongoing Promotion: VDM Discovery-level members receive a 10% discount on every store purchase when they show their valid membership ID.
Draft Taproom
Independently-Owned Taproom and Casual Restaurant
Ongoing Promotion: VDM Discovery-level members receive half-price “Half Pints” kids meals on Saturdays when they show their valid membership ID.
Firefly
Family-Friendly Restaurant, Bar, and Game Room
Ongoing Promotion: VDM Discovery-level members receive 10% off their entire purchase when they show their valid membership ID. Vegan and gluten-free options available. Dine-in only. Not applicable on catered orders. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.
The Fitzroy
Kitchen and Bar Offering Updates of Comforting Classics
Ongoing Promotion: VDM Discovery-level members receive one free kid’s meal per dining adult Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. when they show their valid membership ID.
Green Bean Baby Boutique
Maternity, Baby, and Children’s Clothing and Accessories
Ongoing Promotion: VDM Discovery-level members receive a 10% discount on their entire purchase when they show their valid membership ID.
Iron Paffles & Coffee
Sweet and Savory Puff Pastry Waffle Sandwiches
Ongoing Promotion: VDM Discovery-level members receive a complimentary children’s meal with adult purchase of a full-priced savory sandwich when they show their valid membership ID. Vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.
Kilwins
Old-Fashioned Ice Cream and Handmade Sweets Shop
Ongoing Promotion: VDM Discovery-level members receive a 15% discount on ice cream purchases when they show their valid membership ID.
Market Street Wine
Charlottesville’s Oldest Wine Shop
Ongoing Promotion: VDM Discovery-level members receive case pricing on half-cases of wine (15% off six or more bottles) when they show their valid membership ID.
Modern Nosh
Authentic Jewish Deli
Ongoing Promotion: VDM Discovery-level members receive half-off of a kids meal with any adult entrée purchase when they show their valid membership ID.
New Dominion Bookshop
Oldest Independent Bookseller in Virginia
Ongoing Promotion: VDM Discovery-level members receive a 10% discount on any store purchase when they show their valid membership ID.
Paradox Pastry
One-of-a-Kind Studio Cakes and Pastries for Every Occasion
Ongoing Promotion: VDM Discovery-level members receive a 10% discount on in-store purchases when they show their valid membership ID. Offer does not include catering, wholesale, or special orders like wedding cakes.
Shenanigans
Vast Selection of Toys, Art Supplies, Games, Costumes, and more
Ongoing Promotion: VDM Discovery-level members receive a 10% discount on every purchase when they show their valid membership ID.
Splendora’s Gelato
Authentic, Artisanal Italian Gelato and Espresso Drinks
Ongoing Promotion: VDM Discovery-level members receive a free bambino gelato with any purchase when they show their valid membership ID.
Telegraph Art & Comics
Monthly Titles, Graphic Novels, and Trade Paperbacks
Ongoing Promotion: VDM Discovery-level members receive a 10% discount on books from the “All Ages” section when they show their valid membership ID.
Tilman’s
Cheese and Wine Bar and Specialty Shop
Ongoing Promotion: VDM Discovery-level members receive $1 off kids’ meals and mom (or dad) can have happy hour anytime when they show their valid membership ID.
Vault Virginia
Flexible and Innovative Coworking Space
Ongoing Promotion: VDM Discovery-level members receive a complimentary day pass ($50 value) to Vault Virginia’s co-working space when they show their valid membership ID. Limit one per family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I still able to use any of my annual member benefits during VDM's closure?
Absolutely! Current annual members are still able to use some of their benefits, including their 15% discount toward things like our VDM @ Home Box Kits and Virtual Summer Camps. We are also honoring this discount for all annual memberships that were active as of March 13, 2020, even if they have since expired. If you need help applying your 15% discount when using our online registration forms or if your annual membership has expired since March 13, 2020, and you would like to use the discount, please contact Marketing Manager Matt Berman at marketing@vadm.org.
How will my new membership or renewal work if VDM remains closed?
VDM is following guidelines from state and local officials regarding when and how the Museum can reopen to the public. Right now, the situation is very fluid. As a result, all new memberships and renewals will receive vouchers within 10 business days of purchase. These vouchers are valid for redemption for a full year from the purchase date, and your membership and benefits begin only after the voucher has been redeemed. So you can start your membership once the Museum has reopened or wait until you are comfortable doing so.
How do I set up my Website User Account?
You can follow the instructions here or contact Marketing Manager Matt Berman at marketing@vadm.org.
Did I successfully link my Website User Account and membership record?
Contact Marketing Manager Matt Berman at marketing@vadm.org, and we’ll make sure everything is all set.
What other museums can I visit with my annual membership?
Annual members enjoy free general admission at over 350 science centers through the Association of Science-Technology Centers Travel Passport Program and 50% off general admission for up to 6 people at over 200 children’s museums through the Association of Children’s Museums Reciprocal Network. Certain restrictions apply, so be sure to carefully read the rules for both programs before visiting any location. For a complete list of participating ASTC sites, please visit bit.ly/astc-reciprocity; for a complete list of participating ACM sites, please visit bit.ly/acm-reciprocity.
Contact Us
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Visit Membership FAQs above, or contact Marketing Manager Matt Berman at marketing@vadm.org to learn more about memberships.