[balivandi]

Protips: Museum networks with reciprocal memberships and passes from local libraries

There are a few networks of museums such that once you join one museum in one network you get member benefits (or discounts) to the other museums in that network.

The networks break down into: Arts [0], Science [1], and Children's museums [2] [3]. Bonus network: Zoos! [4]

These can be a great value - especially for families with kids that like to do these things frequently. Our family travels between the MA, NC, and FL and the memberships have been a big help.

[0] https://narmassociation.org

[1] https://www.astc.org/membership/find-an-astc-member/passport...

[2] https://findachildrensmuseum.org/reciprocal-network/

[3] https://childrensmuseums.org

[4] https://www.aza.org/join?locale=en

Join the local institution you will frequent the most as you sometimes get better discounts/value at your "home" location.

Finally, check your local library - many have free or reduced cost tickets/passes for local museums and other institutions.

[creer]

Free passes from public libraries - together with museum free days - sure look to me like a crutch that may be used to justify these higher prices. The result is very mixed: Yes that are now more free days I can go. But there are now no options to go and just idle and roam at a reasonable price. I used to have a membership to one of the few local world class museums but that's now not renewed. Another local world class museum has a price set so (relatively) high I never go anymore. The outcome seems very polarizing. But then perhaps just the cost of market segmentation resulting in high income and just perhaps, maybe stronger overall services in the end. I kind of doubt it.

Meanwhile we still have a few entirely free outstanding ones.

[ChainOfFools]

After moving away from walking distance to the National Mall in dc, I realized I had no idea how fortunate people who live in that area are to be able to access a dozen plus world-class museums for free, on their own terms and schedule. I had not moved to that area because of this perk, but it's far and away the one I'm most regret being without now. There's nothing else remotely like it in any major city in the country, maybe in any country.

[kkylin]

Second this! Moreover, most muesum memberships pays for itself after a couple visits. We just took the family to NYC and went to the AMNH twice, and a membership was worthwhile.

[smokey_the_bear]

The California academy of sciences membership was cheaper for one visit for a family of 5.

[fragmede]

Possible protip: Working at a FAANG or similar Fortune 500 might also grant you entry. I went to the Deyoung recently with a friend and found out that Genentech employees get access with an employee badge.