‘Blue Star’ museums to offer free summer admission to military families
Nationwide program starts Saturday, runs through Labor Day
Starting Saturday, Armed Forces Day, the Blue Star Museums program is helping U.S. military families fill up their summers.
Actively serving military members and their families may visit participating museums nationwide for free as part of the program, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families in collaboration with the Department of War.
The program begins on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16, and will continue through Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 7, 2026). Participating museums can be found in all 50 states, District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Among them are institutions dedicated to art, but also history and children’s museums; historical sites; botanical gardens; zoos; aquariums; and more.
Participating museums range from large institutions like the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois, and the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, to smaller museums like the Aurora Fossil Museum in North Carolina and the Friendship Firehouse Museum in Alexandria, Virginia. Other participants this year include the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas; the Denver Art Museum in Colorado; and Discovery World in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
“Museums help military families stay connected—to each other, to their communities, and to the nation they serve,” said Mary Anne Carter, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts.
“As our country approaches 250 years of independence, Blue Star Museums provides service members and their loved ones with meaningful opportunities to explore history and spark curiosity. For military families—who often face frequent moves and time apart—these shared museum experiences offer a sense of stability, belonging, and connection. By opening doors nationwide, this program ensures they can engage with the arts and history that reflect their sacrifices and strengthen the bonds that hold them together.”
“Blue Star Museums has opened doors for military families to explore, connect, and feel at home,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. “As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we’re proud to continue this partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and museums nationwide—welcoming military families into the heart of our nation’s story and celebrating them every step of the way.”
S.C. participation
As of publication, 14 museums in South Carolina are participating in this program, providing families options in most areas of the state. A map of all participating sites is available on arts.gov. Museums can join the Blue Star Museums program all summer long, and the NEA’s map will be updated regularly.
Military families are encouraged to check for participating museums in their community or along the road during their summer travels.
Eligibility
This free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States military—Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and members of the Reserves, National Guard, 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), DD Form 1173-1 ID card or the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.
About…
The National Endowment for the Arts
Established by Congress, the National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. By advancing opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States. Learn more about the NEA at Arts.gov.
Blue Star Museums is one of the National Endowment for the Arts’ programs that support military personnel and their families. Others include the Creative Forces®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network and grants awarded to nonprofit organizations to support projects that reach military and veteran populations.
Blue Star Families
Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nation’s largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A “blue star family” is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts.