Museum Admission & Membership Discounts (2024)

Interested in saving some money on local Museum memberships or tours in Hampton Roads? Here are some current, and upcoming local discounts for museum admission and/or membership… If we missed a local discount you are aware of please let us know! Additions to this list can be Submitted Here!

Multiple Locations

Chesapeake Public Library
If you are a member of Chesapeake public library be sure to check out their program that provides free passes to local museums (Chrysler Museum and Virginia Zoo). Call the library at 757-410-7124 for more information.

York County Residents
If you live in York County you can take advantage of special discounts just for residents, including admission at local museums.

Hampton

The Sea To Stars Combination Ticket offers a package rate to The Hampton History Museum, The Virginia Air and Space Science Center, and a tour of the harbor in the Hampton Queen

The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center

• Free admission daily, Tuesday thru Saturday from 10am-6pm.

Virginia Air & Space Science Center – 

• Museums for All – This initiative supports those receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefits visiting the Virginia Air & Space Science Center for a fee of $2 per person, up to four people, with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. This admission is good for our exhibits; extra fees are required for IMAX or our MAXFlight program. A general Family Membership can also be purchased for $25, which IMAX passes for the family.

Newport News

Mariners’ Museum

• The price of admission to The Mariners’ Museum is just $1 per person, every day.
• Museums for All – Participating museums have committed to offering individual admission fees ranging from free to $3.00 to individuals and families presenting a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and a valid form of photo ID.

Virginia Living Museum

• If your child has a Langley Federal Credit Union savings account they can access special benefits through their Constellation Club, including Free admission to Virginia Living Museum and 50% off admission to the Virginia Living Museum Planetarium.

Norfolk

The Chrysler Museum

• Admission to the Chrysler Museum is always free. The Wonder Studio is an interactive family-friendly gallery to learn about the Chrysler Museum’s collection.

Hampton Roads Naval Museum

• Museum Admission at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum is always free.

Hermitage Museum & Gardens

• Admission to the Hermitage Museum & Gardens is FREE and open to the public.

Nauticus

• April 1 – 30, 2024 Nauticus has partnered with World of Warships to offer complimentary admission to active duty & veteran services members (dependents receive $3 off admission). Must be reserved online, select terms and conditions apply.
• Museums for All – Participating museums have committed to offering individual admission fees ranging from free to $3.00 to individuals and families presenting a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and a valid form of photo ID.

Norfolk Botanical Garden

• Norfolk Botanical Garden and Virginia Zoo Membership Swap – March 2024
• Museums for All – Tickets are available for purchase in person upon arrival at the NBG Tollbooth. Please show your SNAP, EBT, or WIC card with a valid ID. Tickets are $3/person and can be used for up to 2 adults and 9 children (age 3-17). Discount not valid during special events and cannot be applied toward seasonal boat tours.
  • A Museums for All membership level is now offered! Medicaid/PowerUp! is included in this membership option. Museums for All memberships must be purchased in person from our Front Desk in Baker Hall Visitor Center. Please show your SNAP, EBT, WIC, or Medicaid card with a valid ID. Museums for All memberships are $25 and equivalent to Garden Family membership.
• Through the PowerUp! Program: Tickets are available in person upon arrival at the Tollbooth. Guests receive free admission into the Garden for up to 6 people total with a Medicaid card. Discount not valid during special events and cannot be applied toward seasonal boat tours.

Nauticus

Virginia Zoo: From March 30, 2024 to April 7, 2024, timed tickets will be required for entry for general admission AND members. Member tickets are free but must be reserved in advance. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the gate.

• Membership Swaps:
  March 2024 – Norfolk Botanical Garden and Virginia Zoo Membership Swap
  April 2024 –  The Mariners’ Museum and Park and Virginia Zoo Membership Swap 
• Individuals with ADA-Recognized Disability and One Companion can receive free admission upon request.
• Through the PowerUp! Program:  $6 general admission to any Medicaid recipient age 2 and up (free admission to babies younger than 2). The discount applies Sunday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. **Excludes special events and cannot be combined with other coupons or discounts.** Please bring any valid Medicaid or qualifying insurance card with you upon arrival for each ticket purchased.
• Additional discounts are also available (valid ID required):
  • AZA Reciprocal memberships: 50% off admission
  • Zoo Member Guests: $2 off admission
  • Military: $2 off admission
  • First Responder: $2 off admission
  • Norfolk Residents: $2 off admission
  • City of Norfolk Employees: $2 off admission
  • All College and University Students: $9.95 admission

Portsmouth

Children’s Museum of Virginia

• For a limited time while the elevator is being replaced, enjoy the downstairs of the museum only for the reduced price of $5 per person. Free for ages under 2.
• Portsmouth Public Library Card Holders can enjoy FREE admission when they check out a museum pass from their local library.
• Museums On Us – Children’s Museum of VA Bank of America and Merrill Lynch Cardholders can enjoy FREE admission at select Museums on the first weekend of each month. In Hampton Roads, this promotion is accepted at the Children’s Museum of VA.
• Museum for All Initiative – Children’s Museum of VA – Participating museums have committed to offering individual admission fees ranging from free to $3.00 to individuals and families presenting a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and a valid form of photo ID.
• Discounts are also available for:
  • Portsmouth city employees – must present their employee identification card on-site to receive the discount.
  • Teacher Discount – Discount limited to PreK-12th grade Virginia teachers with valid identification
  • Reciprocal museum program members (ACM, ASTC, and NARM) must present valid museum membership that meets the requirements of the program as well as valid picture identification on-site to receive the discount.
  • SHRMF members must present museum identification and valid picture identification on-site to receive the discount.

Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center – General admission is $3 for all ages, and museum members are free.

Virginia Beach

Cape Henry Lighthouse – save with this offer for discounted admission for 1, 2, and 4 visitors

Free Admission at the Thoroughgood House
The Thoroughgood House is NOW OPEN for free tours! No advanced registration required. Tours available on a first come first served basis. Check the weblink for tour hours. 

Union/Kempsville
The Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum (PACTS/UKHS) is NOW OPEN for FREE, self-guided tours on Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Virginia MOCA

• Virginia MOCA – Virginia MOCA is OPEN, and admission to the current exhibits is free!

Williamsburg

Jamestown Settlement – Museums for All – Participating museums have committed to offering individual admission fees ranging from free to $3.00 to individuals and families presenting a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and a valid form of photo ID.

Colonial Williamsburg

• PowerUp! Participants receive $5 single day admission ticket per cardholder ages 6+, under 6 years old free. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount.
• Military discount – Active-duty Military, Reservists, National Guard Personnel, Retired military and veterans enjoy FREE Admission to Colonial Williamsburg on select days each year.
• Good Neighbor Pass – A special pass for Williamsburg residents. Unlimited admission, discounts, and more.
  • Seasonal discounts may be available – click here for the current promotions.
• Museums for All – Participating museums have committed to offering individual admission fees ranging from free to $3.00 to individuals and families presenting a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and a valid form of photo ID.

A Bit Of A Drive

James Madison Museum in Orange, VA
Admission for Two, Three, or Four Adults to James Madison Museum (Up to 20% Off)

Historic St Luke’s Church in Smithfield
Enjoy a 45 minute Guided Tour for 2 or 4 people.

Find even more Free or Discounted Events on the MyActiveChild.com Calendar!