The Blue Star Museums Program Returns for 2026—Free Entry for Military Families Nationwide

We are so excited to share that the Blue Star Museums program is back in 2026.  This is a wonderful program and we are excited to share that it will be bigger and better than ever this year with over 2,000 museums participating nationwide!

Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and museums across America. Each summer since 2010, Blue Star Museums have offered free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve.

Which museums are participating?

Every year, from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day, the Blue Star Museums program offers free admission to active-duty military personnel, including the National Guard and Reserves, and their families. On average, more than 2,000 museums participate, including nature centers, zoos, and children’s museums.

How long does Blue Star Museums last?

In 2026, the program will be offered from May 16, 2026, Armed Forces Day through Labor Day, September 7, 2026. 

VIEW PARTICIPATING MUSEUMS 

How many military personnel and/or family members are allowed in free per visit?

The military ID holder and up to five family members. The military ID holder can be either active duty service member or other dependent family member with the appropriate ID card. The active duty member does not have to be present for family members to use the program. Just bring your DD Form 1173 ID Card, or DD Form 1173-1 ID Card, for active duty military family members.

How do you define a family member?

A family member of active duty military may include a spouse or child, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc.

What if my spouse is deployed? Can my family and I still participate?

Yes, spouses of deployed military are eligible for Blue Star Museums. Just bring your DD Form 1173 ID Card, or DD Form 1173-1 ID Card, for active duty military family members.

What if my spouse is not deployed, but cannot come to the museum with the family. Can my family and I still participate?

Yes, your family can still participate, as the active duty member does not have to be present to use the program. Just bring your DD Form 1173 ID Card, or DD Form 1173-1 ID Card, for active duty military family members.

What if my child is under the age of 10 and doesn’t yet have a military ID?

Children under the age of 10 without military ID are welcome to attend with their parents who either hold a Geneva Convention Common Access Card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID Card, or a DD Form 1173-1 ID Card.

Is there a limit on the number of Blue Star Museums I can visit this summer?

No, there is no limit on the number of participating museums that eligible parties can visit.

About Blue Star Museums

About the National Endowment for the Arts

Established by Congress in 1965, the NEA is the independent federal agency whose funding and support gives Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities. Through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector, the NEA supports arts learning, affirms and celebrates America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and extends its work to promote equal access to the arts in every community across America. Visit arts.gov to learn more about NEA.

Blue Star Museums is one of the National Endowment for the Arts’ programs that support military personnel and their families. Others include Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network and grants awarded to nonprofit organizations to support projects that reach military and veterans.

About Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families builds communities that support military families by connecting research and data to programs and solutions, including career development tools, local community events for families, and caregiver support. Since its inception in 2009, Blue Star Families has engaged tens of thousands of volunteers and serves more than 1.5 million military family members. With Blue Star Families, military families can find answers to their challenges anywhere they are. For more information, visit bluestarfam.org.