Blue Star Museums

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Presented by the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families. Learn more about special admission programs at the Museum by contacting Visitor Services Manager Matt Berman at marketing@vadm.org or (434) 977-1025 x103.

At A Glance
  • What: Special Admission Program
  • Who: Active-Duty Military, Military Retirees, Veterans, and Dependents (Masks Required)
  • When: Armed Forces Day through Labor Day
  • Discount: Free General Admission for Military ID Holder and Up to 5 Dependents
What is Blue Star Museums?

Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums across America. This national program offers free general admission to the Virginia Discovery Museum during the summer for active-duty military personnel – including National Guard, Reserve, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, and NOAA Commissioned Corps – and up to five family members. VDM also extends this program benefit to military retirees and veterans.

Eligible visitors must present a Geneva Convention Common Access Card, DD Form 1173 or 1173-1 ID card, DD Form 2 ID card, DD Form 2765 ID card, or a veteran ID card to participate.

Plan Your Visit

Parking: First Hour Free at Market Street Garage and Water Street Garage. Museum Visitors Receive Validation for a Second Hour of Free Parking at Both Garages.


For optimal viewing on a smartphone or other small mobile device, click here to view in Google Calendar


Photo Policy

By visiting the Museum, you grant permission for any photographs of you and your dependents to be used for educational and promotional purposes. If you do not consent and wish to opt out, please inquire at the front desk or call (434) 977-1025.