Blue Star Museums

Poster with silhouettes of a military family against a stars and stripes background

Free Admission for Active Duty Military and Their Families

The program offers free admission to anyone actively serving in the United States military. That includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. It also covers Reservists, National Guard members, the U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, and the NOAA Commissioned Corps. Family members come free as well. All you need is a valid military ID.

The program runs from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day, the third Saturday in May through the first Monday in September.

Up to five family members can join the ID holder for free. Of course, the ID holder can be the active duty service member or a dependent family member with the appropriate card. In other words, the active duty member does not need to come along.

You do not need a reservation. Simply show your military ID at the front desk when you arrive, and we will take care of the rest. We are open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at 5790 Armada Drive in Carlsbad. Before you come, check Plan Your Visit for parking and directions. You can also browse Concerts and Events to see what is happening during your stay. However, groups of ten or more should contact us about Group Tours. The program does not cover reserved group visits.

Blue Star Museums brings together the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the Department of Defense. More than 2,000 museums across the country take part.

For more information, please visit arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

Please note: this offer covers in-person, daily walk-in admission only. It does not apply to online orders, special events, concerts, reserved group tours, guided tours, or field trips. You cannot combine it with other discounts or offers, and it has no cash value.