Memberships
Enjoy Unlimited Museum Visits
Become a Virginia Discovery Museum member and enjoy unlimited visits to the best discovery spot in Charlottesville for newborns to children age 8! With 3-month and 12-month options available, a membership makes a great experiential gift and offers families the flexibility to play at their own pace and on their own schedule. Plus, when you sign up for the annual Discovery Membership, enjoy exclusive deals at select local businesses, reciprocal and discounted admission to hundreds of other science and children’s museums across the U.S. and around the globe, and more.
Levels & Add-Ons | Discovery Deals | Contact Us
Levels & Add-Ons
Discovery Memberships include one ID card, which must be present to redeem ASTC and ACM discounts and Discovery Deals. 3-Month Memberships do not have membership ID cards.
3-Month: $45*
- Unlimited visits to the Museum for 3 months for up to 4 named people (limited to adults and children in the member home, caregivers, and/or grandparents)
- Easy Museum check-in with your membership name
- Weekly e-blasts about VDM news, programs, camps, and events
Discovery: $125
- Unlimited visits to the Museum for 12 months for up to 6 named people (limited to adults and children in the member home, caregivers, and/or grandparents)
- Easy check-in with your membership card or name
- Reciprocal general admission at over 350 ASTC Travel Passport Program sites (Details)
- 50% off general admission for up to 6 people at over 200 ACM Reciprocal Network sites (Details)
- 15% discount on VDM programs, camps, and events and on birthday parties and facility rentals
- Exclusive Discovery Deals at participating partner merchants
- 1-month extension for each new VDM member recruited
- Weekly e-blasts about VDM news, programs, camps, and events
Add-On Options
- Additional Names ($10 Each): Grow your membership! Specify up to 4 additional adults or children from the member home, caregivers, or grandparents.
- Additional Membership Cards ($5 Each): Need to replace a lost card? Want to give a card to a grandparent or caregiver on the membership? Have a spare one on hand! (Discovery Only)
*3-Month Memberships are not upgradeable to Discovery Memberships; to become a Discovery-level member, the full annual fee is required, and the new membership will begin when the 3-Month Membership ends.
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.
Bend Yoga
Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga and Classes for Children
Ongoing Promotion: VDM Discovery-level members receive their first class free (new clients only) or 10% off any new 10-, 15-, or 20-class pass when they show their valid membership ID.
The Candy Store
Regional Artisan Chocolates and Specialty and Vintage Candies
Ongoing Promotion: VDM Discovery-level members receive a 15% discount on every purchase (Charlottesville location only) 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.
Contact Us
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Visit Museum Rules & FAQs for a list of the most frequently asked questions we receive, call (434) 977-1025 x102, or email operationsdirector@vadm.org.