What exactly does membership give me admission to?
Our memberships give you free, unlimited access to our main Exhibit Halls. You can visit for free every day of the year if you choose. Admission benefits do not extend to the Mugar Omni Theater, Planetarium, Laser Shows, Butterfly Garden, 3-D Digital Cinema, or temporary exhibits requiring an additional ticket.

In your benefits packet, you do receive a limited number of free passes to Omni, Planetarium, and Laser shows, as well as a limited number of guest passes for the main Exhibit Halls (to admit visitors beyond the 2, 5, or 8 regularly admitted with your membership card). Members also receive a discount on the purchase of Butterfly Garden and 3-D Digital Cinema tickets.

What is the difference between a BASIC membership and a PREMIER membership?
All Basic memberships come with 2 passes to the Mugar Omni Theater, 2 passes to a Planetarium or Laser show, and 2 guest passes to the Exhibit Halls as well as a 10% discount on the parking rates. All Premier memberships come with 4 passes to the Omni, 4 passes to a Planetarium or Laser show, and 4 guest passes to the Exhibit Halls, as well as 2 hours of free parking every time you visit (with 10% off any time above and beyond.) Premier members also receive advance registration opportunities for some of our more popular member events.

Can you explain the passes to me? Do I get them every time I visit?
The Omni, Planetarium/Laser and Exhibit Halls guest passes are given to you in your benefits packet, and you receive one set during your membership year. Each pass is like a coupon good for one free ticket to the specified venue. The Exhibit Halls guest passes are for you to give to friends to use in your absence, or to cover visitors above the number your membership regularly admits. Once the passes are used, you must purchase tickets to those venues at the regular price. However, the handling fee is waived for members when buying tickets in advance.

Passes can be redeemed in person or used when making reservations by phone (617-723-2500). Passes cannot be used when making online reservations.

Can I exchange my Planetarium passes for Omni passes?
No. We have a limited number of passes to each venue, and therefore we cannot swap one for the other. Both venues have excellent shows, so enjoy both!

If I buy my membership today, when can I begin using it? Can I use my passes right away?
Yes! Both your membership and the passes can be used immediately if you choose. When purchasing a membership online, you have the option of selecting that the benefits packet containing the passes either be mailed to you (which takes 3-4 weeks) or held for you to pick up within 30 days. Make the appropriate selection depending upon when you plan to visit. At the end of the transaction, you will also receive a temporary membership number that you can use until your permanent cards arrive. When visiting the Museum, you can pick up a temporary card at either the Member Express line at the box office, or at the membership booth in the main lobby. But remember, you cannot use your passes online for advance reservations.

If you prefer, you can purchase a membership and make ticket reservations (using your passes) over the phone. Upon visiting the Museum, go directly to the Member Express line at the box office or to the membership booth. You will be given a temporary membership card and your benefits packet, and then the passes you used to make your reservations will be swapped out for the actual tickets to a show.

Is my membership good for a calendar year, or for a full year from time of purchase?
Memberships are good for one full year from the time of purchase. If you are renewing, please be assured that your new membership year will begin when your current membership expires, and there's never a penalty for renewing early.

Can I put more names than just my own on a membership?
You can name up to 2 adults who reside in the same household on a membership. We do not put children's names on membership cards for security reasons (in case the card gets lost or stolen). Adults living at separate addresses cannot be named on a single membership.

Can I give my membership card to a friend/relative to use for a visit?
Sorry, but one of the members named on the card must be present. However, you can give them one of your Exhibit Halls guest passes to use in your absence.

Now that I am a member, what do I use to get into the Museum?
You can pick up a temporary membership card at the Museum immediately, and your permanent membership cards will be mailed to you in 3-4 weeks. When you visit, just show your membership card at the gate by the Information desk to gain entry to the Exhibit Halls. Also show your membership card for a discount on parking, in the café and the Museum store.

Remember, your Exhibit Halls guest passes are just that – for guests to use!