Become
a Member
Membership supports world-class exhibits and sustains vital projects beyond the museum walls. From conservation efforts to science education access, members make so much possible — all year long!
Your belief in our mission helps students discover a lifelong passion for science, researchers uncover information about our changing climate, educators receive valuable resources for their classrooms, and so much more. Together, we are building a world in which we all have the power to use science to make lives better.
Membership is perfect for the other science supporters in your life — because curiosity is the best gift of all. Gift a membership.
Membership Levels
All membership levels enjoy benefits year-round while supporting our mission.
Explorer $115
- Two named members OR one member + one free guest
- Parking discount during museum hours
- $3 off guest passes
Explorer+ $179
- Two named members + dependents/grandchildren under 21
- Parking discount during museum hours
- $3 off guest passes
- Special programs and experiences discount
Innovator $300
- Two named members + dependents/grandchildren under 21
- Free parking during museum hours
- Two free guest passes with each visit
- Special programs and experiences discount
- Discount on food and drinks
Innovator+ $500
- Two named members + dependents/grandchildren under 21
- Free parking during museum hours
- Four free guest passes with each visit
- Special programs and experiences discount
- Discount on food and drinks
- Complimentary caregiver admission
Curator $1,000
- Two named members + dependents/grandchildren under 21
- Free parking during museum hours
- Four free guest passes with each visit
- Special programs and experiences discount
- Discount on food and drinks
- Complimentary caregiver admission
- Personalized behind-the-scenes experiences and access
Discovery Circle $2,500+
- Two named members + dependents/grandchildren under 21
- Free parking — always!
- Six free guest passes with each visit
- Special programs and experiences discount
- Discount on food and drinks
- Complimentary caregiver admission
- Personalized behind-the-scenes experiences and access
- Free Explorer+ membership to gift
Gift Membership
Membership is perfect for the other science supporters in your life — because curiosity is the best gift of all.
Ticket trade-in
Tickets purchased for general admission and Omnitheater tickets can be applied toward any level of membership. Stop by the desk in the museum lobby or call us at (651) 221-9444 and ask about ticket trade-in. Offer valid up to two weeks following your visit. Credit cannot exceed the cost of membership, and refunds are not issued.
Every membership has its perks.
All membership levels include:
Free museum and Omnitheater admission
Exclusive access and events, including members-only hours from 9-10 a.m. daily
10% discount on Explore Store purchases
Members-only newsletter
Discounts at local museums
- The Bell Museum: $5 discount on membership. Discount available online with promo code SMMBELL or at the museum with your Science Museum membership card.
- Como Park Zoo & Conservatory: $5 discount on membership. Discount available at the zoo with your Science Museum membership card.
- Great Lakes Aquarium: $5 discount on membership or $2 off tickets. Discount available at the aquarium with your Science Museum membership card.
- Minnesota Children’s Museum: $10 discount on membership or $2 off tickets. Discount available at the museum with your Science Museum membership card.
- The Works Museum: $5 discount on membership or $2 off tickets. Discount available at the museum with your Science Museum membership card.
Admission to museums worldwide
- Through the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) Passport program.
PLEASE NOTE: Benefit valid at museums located more than 90 miles from the member’s residence and museum. Review ASTC guidelines here for further details before planning your visit.
Childcare provider discount
Members can receive childcare provider admission that provides discounted museum admission when visiting the museum with the members’ children. Members at the Innovator+ and above receive free childcare provider admission. Additionally, museum admission is free for working Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) when they’re visiting with a client. Contact us at [email protected] or (651)-221-9444 to reserve childcare provider admission.
Membership benefits are not refundable or transferable. If two adults are named, no other adults may receive benefits. If only one adult is named, that adult must be present in order for guests to receive benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there discounted membership types?
Yes!
Adventurer memberships are available to purchase online, in person, or by calling (651) 221-9444.
Educator memberships are available to purchase online, in person, or by calling (651) 221-9444.
How do Omnitheater benefits work?
Every visit, each person on your membership gets one Omnitheater ticket per day for regularly scheduled movies. If you want to see more than one movie per day, additional showings are available at a discount. Members also receive a discount on all premium Omnitheater showings.
To reserve tickets online, first select a date and the number of tickets for your party. You’ll then be prompted to select the show you’d like to attend. Tickets can also be reserved by calling us at (651) 221-9444 or in-person during museum hours. Omnitheater shows can sell out, so reserve your tickets in advance to ensure a spot at your preferred show.
Are advanced tickets required?
Reservations aren’t required but encouraged for expedited entry and to ensure your preferred Omnitheater show. Members can make reservations online or call us at (651) 221-9444. Member reservations should be made by the member(s) listed on the membership.
My membership includes a personal behind-the-scenes tour. How do I set that up?
If you are a Curator or Discovery Circle member and would like to schedule your personalized behind-the-scenes tour, email us at [email protected] at least two weeks ahead of when you’d like to visit.
How do member parking benefits work?
Member parking benefits are limited to regular museum hours, with a 30-minute grace period on either side of our opening and closing hours. They are not valid for special events downtown, such as games or concerts at Grand Casino Arena.
Can I put an additional adult on my membership?
All memberships include benefits for up to two adults. Innovator memberships and up receive member guest passes with each visit.
Can I change the names on my membership?
If your circumstances have changed (such as a change in relationship status, a move, or a death) and you need to change a name on your membership, contact us at [email protected] or (651) 221-9444.
Can I begin using my membership immediately?
Yes! Your membership begins the day you join. If you provided an email address when you joined, you’ll receive a confirmation email containing your membership card, member number, additional details on member benefits, and a receipt shortly after your purchase is complete. You can immediately use your membership in-person, over the phone at (651) 221-9444, or online. Simply create your account and login to reserve tickets at smm.org/tickets.
Will I get a renewal notice when my membership expires?
Yes, you will receive your first renewal notice in the mail about three months before your membership expires. You can also renew any time at smm.org/renew.
Can I purchase a membership as a gift for someone else?
Of course! Membership makes a great gift. Visit our gift memberships page for details.
How old do I have to be to purchase a membership in my name?
To purchase a membership in your name, you must be 16 or older.
Can my membership be refunded?
Unfortunately, memberships are not refundable.
Can my membership be revoked?
Memberships are revocable licenses. The museum reserves the right to refuse or revoke membership and/or deny admission without refund for non-compliance with applicable rules and terms or for inappropriate conduct. Purchase of an annual membership does not entitle the purchaser to renewal in a subsequent year.
Membership levels, benefits, and prices are subject to change without notice.
Is my membership purchase tax-deductible?
Membership is only deductible to the extent it exceeds the value of the benefits you receive in exchange. The museum estimates the value of those benefits as follows:
Explorer: Not tax-deductible
Explorer+: Not tax-deductible
Innovator: $250
Innovator+: $250
Curator: $210
Discovery Circle: $410
If you’ve notified us that you do not wish to receive member benefits, the full amount of your contribution is tax-deductible. Please consult with your tax advisor if you have questions.
How long does it take to receive my membership cards?
Digital membership cards are emailed shortly after your membership purchase is complete. They are included in your confirmation email along with your receipt and additional member information.
Paper membership cards are available upon request. Contact us at [email protected] or (651) 221-9444 to request cards be mailed to you. Please allow one to two weeks for the cards to arrive.
When you choose to renew or upgrade your membership, your digital cards will automatically update on the day following the expiration date of the current membership. Your membership will roll smoothly into another year of incredible experiences, with no interruption of benefits! Members who request paper cards can expect their new card in one to two weeks.
What if I lose my membership cards?
If you’d like us to resend your confirmation email with your membership card, contact us at [email protected] or (651) 221-9444.
If you prefer to continue using paper cards, contact us at the information above and we’ll send you replacement cards in one to two weeks. There’s no fee for replacement cards.
Can I use my membership without my membership card?
Yes, we’ll just need your member ID number and a photo ID.
Other questions?
Send an email to [email protected], or call us at (651) 221-9444. We’ll try our best to get back to you right away!
Thank you for being a Member!
Your belief in our mission helps students discover a lifelong passion for science, researchers uncover information about our changing climate, educators receive valuable resources for their classrooms, and so much more. Together, we are building a world in which we all have the power to use science to make lives better. Thank you!
Let’s be penpals! Subscribe to our Museum Moments newsletter and we’ll share science stories, activities, discounts, and more to get you inspired to make discoveries wherever you are and here at the Science Museum.
We’re lucky to have people like you who care about science, equity, and of course, the museum and its staff. Thank you! Want to amplify your impact?
Mission in Action
Explore Store Stories: Will Thompson
Explore Store Stories: Will Thompson
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À la Mort: Dining with Beetles
À la Mort: Dining with Beetles
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Could It Eat Me?
