Blue Star Museum’s Program

What is Blue Star Museums?

Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of War, and museums across America to offer free admission to the nation’s active duty military personnel, including National Guard and Reserve, and their families each summer. The program begins on Armed Forces Day in mid-May and ends on Labor Day at the beginning of September.

Which museums are participating?

Typically, more than 2,000 museums across America participate in Blue Star Museums each summer. These include children’s museums, art museums, history and science museums, zoos, and nature centers.

Who is eligible for free museum admission through Blue Star Museums?

The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military–Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard–including Reservists, National Guardsmen (regardless of status), U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members. 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. If you are a retiree or veteran, please reach out to the museum you plan to visit directly; many times they offer reduced or special rates for our retiree or veteran population.

Your visit may not include limited-time museum exhibits in this free admission program. For questions about individual exhibitions, don’t hesitate to contact the museum directly.

Admissions

While a majority of our programs are open to veteran and retired communities, free admission to participating museums is currently available for active-duty families with valid IDs. Many museums offer discounts and specials for military families at all levels. Check with your museum choice for current admission and events.

Many Colorado Museums offer FREE admission or discounts for Seniors, college students, children under a certain age, etc. Each museum info-marker in our Google Maps displays a link to their website and phone number. Contact museums for more information.