Membership FAQs
Membership Levels and Benefits
What is the difference between an Explorer and Explorer+ membership?
An Explorer membership includes benefits for two named members OR one member + one free guest.
An Explorer+ membership includes benefits for two members + all dependents/grandchildren under 21.
What is the Adventurer membership?
Formerly called a Great membership, the Adventurer membership is the Science Museum’s income-based membership to help create museum accessibility for everyone. For $18, members receive benefits for two members and dependents/grandchildren under 21, plus all of the same benefits as Explorer+ members. Adventurer members also receive free parking. View the full list of benefits here.
Who is eligible for the Adventurer membership?
Individuals or heads of household who are at least age 18 and enrolled in one or more of the following are eligible for a discounted membership: TANF, MFIP, WIC, General Assistance, Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Benefits, Food Stamps, Section 8, or Free/Reduced Price School Meals.
How do I purchase an Adventurer membership?
Adventurer memberships are available to purchase online, in person, or by calling the Museum Contact Center at (651) 221-9444.
Who is eligible for the Educator Explorer membership?
Anyone employed by a K-12 school, licensed homeschooling educators, and informal educators, such as museum educators.
How much does the Educator Explorer membership cost?
The Educator Explorer membership is $149, and receives benefits for two members and dependents/grandchildren under 21, plus all of the same benefits as Explorer+ members. View the full list of benefits here.
While we cannot offer refunds for existing memberships, if you qualify for this discount and have purchased a qualifying membership at full price, please call (651) 221-9444 or email member@smm.org and your membership will be extended to compensate for the missed discount.
How do the Omnitheater benefits work?
Each time you visit, each person on the membership gets one Omnitheater ticket per day for regularly scheduled movies. If you want to see more than one movie per day, the additional showings are available at a discount. Members also receive a discount on all premium Omnitheater showings.
If you want to see more than one movie per day, the additional showings are available at a discount. members also receive a discount on all premium Omnitheater showings.
Omnitheater tickets are included with your general admission tickets. 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. You can also review available shows and schedules online before reserving tickets. Tickets can also be reserved by calling us at (651) 221-9444 or in-person during museum hours. Omnitheater shows can sell-out, reserve your tickets in advance to ensure your preferred show.
Are reservations required? How do I make reservations?
Reservations aren't required but encourages 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.
Do members receive discounts on parking?
Yes! Depending on your membership level, members either receive a discounted parking rate of $5 or free parking during museum hours.
Be sure to scan your membership card at the parking ramp entrance before pulling your ticket. Stop by the Member Desk in the lobby if you run into any issues.
Please note that members are subject to event and variable parking rates when the museum is closed.
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, please email us at development@smm.org at least two weeks ahead of when you’d like to visit.
Can I put an additional adult on my membership?
All memberships include benefits for up to two adults. However, Innovator memberships and up receive member guest passes with each visit. Learn more.
Can I put my child’s care provider, nanny, or PCA on my membership?
Admission is always free for working Personal Care Attendants when they’re visiting with a client.
Members may receive a discount that allows $5 general admission when a nanny or childcare worker accompanies a member's children to the museum. The discounted general admission ticket includes access to exhibits and an Omnitheater show. Nanny discount tickets are available only at the Member Desk or by phone at (651) 221-9444.
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 member@smm.org 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.
Is my membership good at other museums?
Your Science Museum of Minnesota membership card will grant you general admission access to more than 350 museums that participate in the Travel Passport Program sponsored by the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC).
Please note: Benefits are only valid for museums that are located more than 90 miles from your residence and from the museum or science center you belong to. To find a museum near your travel destination, visit the ASTC website. Each museum honors the passport program differently; please call your destination museum to confirm your benefits prior to your visit.
Occasionally, additional discounts are offered at local museums. View the current list of offerings for further details.
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 in whole or in part.
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.
Membership Tax Deductibility
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.
Membership Cards
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 member@smm.org 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 member@smm.org 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. And don’t worry, there’s no fee for replacement cards.
Can I use my membership without my membership card?
Sure. All you need to use your membership is your member ID number and a photo ID.
Member Guests
Can a member bring guests?
Of course! Members at the Adventurer, Explorer, Educator, and Explorer+ levels receive $3 off guest passes. Members at the Innovator level receive two free guest passes each visit. Innovator+, Curator, and Discovery Circle members receive four free guest passes with each visit! Additional guests beyond these benefits pay regular admission prices. Members may include guests on their phone or online reservations to ensure everyone receives tickets to the same Omnitheater showtimes.
Can I bring a guest to member events?
Generally, member events are for members only. If an event invitation mentions guests are permitted, members are welcome to bring them along. Explorer members with only one person named on the membership may bring one guest to member events.
What if I have other questions?
Send an email to member@smm.org, or call us at (651) 221-9444. We’ll try our best to get back to you right away!