With a little advance planning, creativity and knowledge it’s possible to get free or discounted admission to many museums. Here’s how to do it:
Free Admission with Your Library Card
Discover & Go is a program you have access to with a library card and it offers free and low-cost passes for museums, science centers, zoos, theatres, and other cultural destinations. Here is a list of Public Library Discover & Go Programs and there are many others throughout California:
Local Museum Free Days
Many local museums offer free or discounted days often once a month or once a week. Check the museum’s website for more information.
Smithsonian Annual Free Museum Day
Museum Day is an annual day in September where participating museums and cultural institutions across the country provide free entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket. Register now if you’re new to Museum Day or login if you’re a returning museum.
SoCal Museums Annual Free-for-All Day
Every January SoCal Museums hosts a free museum day with about 40 participating museums. Check with SoCal Museums for the next date and details.
Museum Memberships
Museum memberships often include free access to the museum in addition to reciprocal free or discounted admission to partner museums.
Reciprocal Membership Programs
Museum reciprocal programs such as NARM and ROAM have benefits that include free and discounted admission to other participating museums.
- ASTC – Science and technology centers and museums
- AZA – Zoos and aquariums
- NARM, ROAM – Art and specialty museums
- ACM – Children’s museums
Go City Tourist Pass
The Go City Tourist Pass saves you up to 55% on combined admission at select museums. To fully realize the value of the pass you must visit multiple museums and attractions over multiple days.
Museums for All Program
Through Museums for All, those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits), also known as CalFresh, can gain free or reduced admission to more than 900 museums throughout the United States simply by presenting their EBT card. Search to find a participating museum near you which includes The Sherman Library, La Habra Children’s Museum and Pretend City.
Bank of America Museums on Us
During the first full weekend of every month, Bank of America offers cardholders free general admission to more than 225 cultural institutions in dozens of cities across the US.
Credit Unions, Banks, Corporations
Many local and national companies sponsor free days in addition to Bank of America. Check with the museum for these free days. Other companies have included Wells Fargo and Target.
Use Military, Senior or Other Discounts
Select groups are often offered free or discounted admission. Check with the museum for specific discounts that are often available to Seniors, Students, Children, Teachers, Military, Law Enforcement & First Responder, Family Membership, Museum Members, Corporate Membership Sponsorship, Groups, School Groups, Recipients of federal disability assistance (SSDI, SSI, VA benefits, etc.) and local residents.
Free Museum Admission for the Military
Blue Star Museums is a partnership between Department of Defense and museums across America, offering free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve.
The Blue Star Museums program begins on Armed Forces Day and ends on Labor Day each year.
Find a list of participating museums.
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