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. Additionally, Explorer+ members receive a discount on Summer Camps.
I am currently a Darwin/Alkali/Carver Member. What level am I now?
Going forward, you will be an Innovator! However, your current benefits will stay the same until you renew your membership.
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 $15, 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 and complimentary transit passes, thanks to Metro Transit. 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 or by calling the Museum Contact Center at (651) 221-9444.
To make your membership purchase in cash, please first call (651) 221-9444 to reserve your visit time; you will be able to complete your purchase in cash at the Member desk in the lobby of the museum.
Who is eligible for the Educator Explorer Membership?
Anyone employed by a K-12 school, Licensed homeschooling educators, Informal educators, such as museum educators.
How much does the Educator Explorer Membership cost?
The Educator Explorer membership is $120, or 20% off Explorer+ membership 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.
What proof do I need to show to get this membership?
In-person: Identification card or name of learning institution. Online: Enter name of learning institution or organization.
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. There is no limit to how often members can visit, so you and your family can visit the Omnitheater as often as you want!
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.
Are reservations required? How do I make reservations?
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. Thanks to our friends at Metro Transit, Adventurer members receive free parking and eight free transit vouchers.
Be sure to scan your membership card at the parking ramp entrance, or stop by the member Desk in the lobby.
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.
If a care provider or nanny will be bringing your children to the museum, you can sign up for our Caregiver Card program. A Caregiver Card provides $3 discounted museum admission or $5 museum and Omnitheater admission. Contact us at member@smm.org or (651) 221-9444 to sign up.
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. Write down your membership number to use until your member cards arrive. 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. See the Membership Cards section below for additional information on renewing or upgrading your membership.
Is my membership good at other museums?
Your Science Museum membership card will grant you access to general admission at more than 350 museums that participate in the Travel Passport Program sponsored by the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC).
To find a museum near your travel destination, visit the ASTC website or call us at (651) 221-9444. Please call ahead to your destination museum to confirm your benefits.
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: $150
Innovator+: $230
Curator: $230
Discovery Circle: $400
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?
If you are a new member, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to download and access your new digital membership card within 2-3 days. If you’ve opted to receive paper cards, please allow 1-2 weeks.
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 choosing paper cards can expect their new card in 1-2 weeks.
What if I lose my membership cards?
Sign up for a digital membership card! Not only is it better for the environment, but you’ll never worry about losing access to your benefits. Contact us at member@smm.org or (651) 221-9444 to switch.
If you prefer to continue using paper cards, contact us at the information above and we’ll send you replacement cards in 1-2 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! Guests of members pay regular admission prices. Members may include guests on their phone or online reservations to ensure everyone receives tickets to the same Omnitheater showtimes.
Additionally, Innovator members and above receive free guest passes with each visit! Learn more.
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!