Free admission program · National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of War
Blue Star Museums: free museums for military families
Each summer, more than 2,000 US museums let currently serving military members and up to five family members in free. It runs from Armed Forces Day in May to Labor Day in September.
Independent guide, not the official Blue Star Museums website. Official links are under Sources.
In short
How Blue Star Museums works
- Who: Currently serving US military members (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard), including Reserve and National Guard (regardless of status), the U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps and the NOAA Commissioned Corps, plus up to five family members. Veterans and retirees are not included.
- When: Every year from Armed Forces Day (a Saturday in mid-May) through Labor Day (the first Monday of September). The 2026 season ran 16 May – 7 September; the 2027 dates are not announced yet.
- What's free: Free admission for the military ID holder and up to five family members per visit.
- How: No tickets or registration through the NEA. Go to a participating museum during the season and show a military CAC, DD Form 1173 (dependent ID) or DD Form 1173-1 ID card. The 2026 press release also lists the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card. Check with the museum before you go.
- Not included: Some special or limited-time (fee-based) exhibits may not be included. Veterans, retirees and parents of service members are outside the program.
- Participants: 2000 — search them on the official list
On Free Tickets
Free for military and veterans on Free Tickets
Chicago
AdlerFree Museum Entry for U.S. military personnel and veterans and their families (up to five)
Art InstituteFree for active-duty military all year (Blue Star); households also free from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day
Brookfield ZooFree admission for active, reservist and veteran military
DuSable MuseumFree for active-duty military of all branches; Blue Star and Gold Star families
Field MuseumFree general admission for active-duty military, veterans and Illinois Gold Star ID holders
Griffin MSIFree general admission for U.S. active-duty military and veterans
MCA ChicagoFree for veterans and active military, police and fire department members
Shedd AquariumFree general admission for active-duty U.S. military personnel
New York
Natural History MuseumFree general admission for U.S. military plus one guest year-round; whole families free Armed Forces Day-Labor Day- IntrepidFree for U.S. military and veterans
9/11 Memorial & MuseumFree for active/retired U.S. military and veterans (servicemember only)
The MetMilitary ID holders free from mid-May to Labor Day (Blue Star Museums)
MoMAFree for active U.S. military plus up to five family members
WhitneyFree for active U.S. military, veterans and military families
Los Angeles
FAQ
Blue Star Museums: common questions
Are veterans eligible for Blue Star Museums?
No. Veterans and retirees are not covered. The NEA suggests asking the museum directly, because many offer reduced or special rates.
Where can veterans get reduced rates?
Ask the museum you plan to visit directly. Many museums have their own veteran or retiree rates.
How many family members get in free?
Up to five family members along with the military ID holder.
Does the service member have to be there?
No. Family members can use the program with their dependent ID while the service member is deployed or away.
Who counts as a family member?
A spouse or child, and also relatives such as aunts, uncles and grandparents.
What about kids without a military ID?
Children under 10 without their own military ID can come in with a parent who holds a CAC, DD Form 1173 or DD Form 1173-1.
Do I need tickets?
No. The NEA does not issue tickets. Pick a museum from the map, go during the season and confirm with the museum first.
Is there a limit on how many museums I can visit?
No. You can visit as many participating museums as you like.
Which states take part?
All 50 states plus DC, Guam, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands (2026 season).
What kinds of places take part?
Children's, art, history and science museums, as well as zoos and nature centers.
When will the next season's list come out?
The NEA says to check back in 2027. The map currently shows the 2026 participants.
Which places on Free Tickets take part in Blue Star Museums?
22 places we list have a matching free rule, including Adler (Chicago), Art Institute (Chicago), Brookfield Zoo (Chicago), DuSable Museum (Chicago), Field Museum (Chicago). Participation can change, so check each venue before you go.
Sources
Where this comes from
- arts.gov/initiatives/blue-star-museums — “The National Endowment for the Arts expresses sincere appreciation to the more than 2,000 participating museums”
- arts.gov/news/press-releases/2026/military-families-receive-free-admission-summer-participating-blue-star-museums-2026 — “Participating museums can be found in all 50 states, District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands”
- arts.gov/initiatives/blue-star-museums/frequently-asked-questions — “These include children's museums, art museums, history and science museums, zoos, and nature centers.”