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Join or Renew Today!
Being a VMNH Member is a terrific way of supporting the museum and receiving numerous benefits in return. All membership levels include free admission to the museum, including our popular lineup of Science Festivals, such as Dino Festival, Reptile Festival and more. Members also receive discounts in the Museum Store and reciprocal admission to over 200 museums and science centers across the U.S. through the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) Passport Program. In addition, VMNH has special reciprocal agreements with the Danville Science Center (free admission for VMNH Members) and the Greensboro Science Center (half-price for VMNH Members).
Membership Durations
VMNH Memberships are available for your choice of 1 year or 2 years. The two-year membership option is offered at a discount of up to 20%! To join or renew online, simply click the price of the VMNH Membership level you are most interested in. Please note that we have special discounted rates for senior ages 60 and older, as well as active and retired military personnel.
ASTC Passport Program
The Virginia Museum of Natural History is pleased to be a part of the ASTC Passport Program (Association of Science-Technology Centers). The program allows members to sample some of the world's most exciting science centers and museums when they're on vacation or visiting family and friends--and to save money while doing it. Families and adults who are members of their local science centers or museums receive free general admission to the Virginia Museum of Natural History. To take advantage of this opportunity, visitors must present their membership card to a participating ASTC Passport Program institution at the box office upon arrival. Some restrictions apply.
Membership Levels
As you review the membership categories below, please contact us with any questions you may have at 276-634-4162 or charlotte.harter@vmnh.virginia.gov.
Student Membership
- Free unlimited admission to VMNH (for individual student), with 10% discount in Museum Store
- Free or reduced admission at over 200 museums and science centers worldwide that are members of the Association of Science-Technology Centers.
Educator Membership
- Free unlimited admission to VMNH (for individual teacher), with 10% discount in the Museum Store
- Free or reduced admission to over 200 museums and science centers worldwide
- Invitations to exhibit previews and members-only events
- Annual Education Program Guide
- Invitations to educational opportunities and Annual Teacher Appreciation event
- Access to Teacher Resource Center at VMNH
- VMNH auto decal
Educator (Family) Membership
- Free unlimited family admission for one year
- Two free guest passes
- Plus all of the previous benefits listed for Individual Educator
Individual Membership
- Free unlimited admission for one year, with 10% discount in the Museum Store
- Free or reduced admission at over 200 museums and science centers worldwide
- Invitations to exhibit previews and members only events
- VMNH auto decal
Family Membership
- Free family admission for your family for one year
- Grandparents may be accompanied by grandchildren under the age of 18
- Plus all of the previous benefits listed above
Smithsonian Membership
- One year subscription (12 issues) to Smithsonian magazine
- Discounts on Smithsonian shopping, dining, and travel opportunities
- Access to the Smithsonian members–only Web site
- Plus all of the previous benefits listed above
Dogwood Membership
- Free admission for all guests when accompanied by you
- Invitations to VIP events
- Two tickets to Thomas Jefferson Awards
- Plus all of the previous benefits listed above
Cardinal Membership
- Recognition on a lab in the Harvest Foundation Hall of Ancient Life
- A behind-the-scenes tour
- Plus all of the previous benefits listed above
Tiger Swallowtail Membership
- Sponsorship recognition on an exhibit or event
- Invitation for two to Annual Director’s Luncheon
- Invitation to private exhibit previews and behind-the-scene tours
- 25% discount on rental of the Museum for special events
- Four Tickets to Thomas Jefferson Awards
- Plus all of the previous benefits listed above
