Taking an entire family to a museum can run into the three figures. But military families can get a big break thanks to Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families and the Department of Defense.
The program offers FREE admission to more than 2,000 museums across America for the nation’s service members, including National Guard and Reserve, and their families.
The 2023 Blue Star Museums program begins on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, and ends on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4.
For the rest of the year, be sure to read our post on Military Appreciation discounts available all year.
Who is eligible?
The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. This includes reservists, National Guard members (regardless of status), U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members.
Do I need to show an ID card?
Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.
Does the active-duty member need to be present?
The military ID holder can be either the active-duty service member or other dependent family member with the appropriate ID card; the active-duty member does not have to be present for family members to use the program. Just bring your DD Form 1173 ID Card, or DD Form 1173-1 ID Card.
What about retirees and veterans?
If you are a retiree or veteran, ask the museum you plan to visit if they offer reduced or special rates for military members who aren’t currently serving.
What museums participate?
Typically, more than 2,000 museums across America participate in Blue Star Museums each summer. And “museums” aren’t just about fine art, history or science. The list includes children’s museums, zoos and nature centers. Note: The list may change from year to year.
If you’re vacationing, run a quick search before creating an itinerary. To search for participating museums, click here.
Miami-Dade County
Broward County
Palm Beach County
- Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens
- Boca Raton Museum Of Art
- Cox Science Center And Aquarium
- Flagler Museum
- Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
- Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum
Florida Keys
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More museum discounts
If you're looking for other ways to visit museums free, check out our list of free museum days in South Florida.
- Free passes for museums, attractions at Miami-Dade library
- Student discounts to the arts in Miami (including parents)
- Free PAMM admission for students & educators
Other museum deals, free days and special events:
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Friday, March 29, 2024
Saturday, March 30, 2024
Sunday, March 31, 2024
Monday, April 1, 2024
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
See all the free and cheap events this week.
South Florida Museums