In an initiative to honor and connect military families with cultural institutions, the Blue Star Museums program will open its doors once again this summer. Active-duty military members and their families can visit participating museums for free, beginning on Armed Forces Day, May 17, 2025, and continuing through Labor Day, September 1, 2025.
This program, organized by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in collaboration with Blue Star Families (BSF) and the Department of Defense, encompasses a wide variety of museums across the United States, including history, art, and children’s museums, as well as botanical gardens, zoos, and aquariums. Families can explore these cultural institutions to create lasting memories and connect with America’s rich heritage.
Mary Anne Carter, Senior Advisor for the NEA, expressed the organization’s commitment to the military community: “The National Endowment for the Arts is honored to help connect military service members and their families with their communities through the Blue Star Museums program.” She emphasized the importance of museums in enabling military families to celebrate America’s history and culture.
The Blue Star Museums program has been a vital resource for military families for 15 years. Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families, stated, “Thanks to our continued partnership with the NEA and participating museums nationwide, we’re proud to continue this tradition of belonging and enrichment.” She highlighted how museums act as welcoming spaces for military families.
A diverse array of notable institutions are included in this year’s program, ranging from the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and the Heard Museum in Phoenix to smaller venues like the Palmer Historical Society in Alaska and Billings Farm & Museum in Vermont. For more details about participating locations, visit arts.gov/BlueStarMuseums.
Military families are encouraged to check for local participating museums and plan visits during their summer travels. The program is open to those actively serving in the U.S. military, including the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, Space Force, Reserves, and National Guard, as well as members of the U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps and NOAA Commissioned Corps. Up to five family members can accompany the service member, who must present a Geneva Convention Common Access Card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card, DD Form 1173-1 ID card, or the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card for free admission.
The NEA and Blue Star Families collaborate with various national service organizations to promote the Blue Star Museums program, including the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Science & Technology Centers, among others. Regional museum associations have also played a role in helping to recruit participating organizations.
As the summer approaches, military families are invited to take advantage of this enriching opportunity to explore and engage with the cultural tapestry that makes up our nation’s heritage through the Blue Star Museums program.
