Choose a Membership that Works for Your Family
We offer a variety of membership packages to suit adventure-seekers of all sizes!
Friend
$50
Non-reciprocal level
Admission for a year for an individual daily.
Special pricing on birthday parties, classes, and workshops
$2 off Children’s Museum of Virginia Admission for guests
15% discount at any Portsmouth Museums Gift Shop
Stargazer
$130
Admission for a year for a total of 6 people daily. This includes card holder(s).
Reciprocal admission into over 700 museums through ACM, ASTC and NARM programs (restrictions may apply)
Special pricing on birthday parties, classes, and workshops
$2 off Children’s Museum of Virginia Admission for guests
15% discount at any Portsmouth Museums Gift Shop
Enthusiast
$90
Non-reciprocal level
Admission for a year for a total of 4 people daily. This includes card holder(s).
Special pricing on birthday parties, classes, and workshops
$2 off Children’s Museum of Virginia Admission for guests
15% discount at any Portsmouth Museums Gift Shop
Visionary
$195
Admission for a year for a total of 8 people daily. This includes card holder(s).
Reciprocal admission into over 700 museums through ACM, ASTC and NARM programs (restrictions may apply)
Special pricing on birthday parties, classes, and workshops
$2 off Children’s Museum of Virginia Admission for guests
15% discount at any Portsmouth Museums Gift Shop
Additional Person $20: Members can add up to 2 additional spots to a membership for $20 each.
Senior & Military Discount: 10% Membership discount for Seniors (62+) and Military (with I.D.)
Attention Portsmouth museum members!
The Portsmouth Museums are transitioning to digital cards! Members will be able to access their cards immediately after purchasing, renewing or upgrading their membership.
To download your card:
- Visit the app store on your phone. (It’s free!)
- Search for “Museum Anywhere.”
Download the app “eMembership Card.”- Search for “Portsmouth Museums” in the app and you will see our logo.
- Click “Find my Membership Card.”
- Enter your subscription ID and your last name to find your specific card.
MEMBERSHIP PRIVILEGES GIVE YOU
Five Museums. One Low Price.
Unlimited admission to all five Portsmouth Museums:
Children’s Museum of Virginia, Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center, Lightship Portsmouth Museum, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum
& Portsmouth Colored Community Library Museum
• Discount at the Museum Gift Shops
• 10% discount on the purchase of a gift membership
• Quarterly Portsmouth Museums newsletter
• Unlimited admission to Winter Wonderland
Membership Services
You may either call 757-393-8983, ext. 23 or email at ian.francis@portsmouthva.gov to receive a response to a specific question.
Card Replacement
FAQ
How can I purchase or renew a membership?
Anyone can purchase a membership online HERE or by telephone at 757.393.8983.
If you are visiting the museum, you may also purchase a membership with front desk staff. Visitors can apply what they paid in admission toward a membership; however, it should be done by the end of the visit.
how long is a membership valid?
Membership is valid a year from purchase date. If you purchase a membership on December 1, 2021, then it will expire December 31, 2022. Membership starts immediately at the time of purchase.
can i have my membership start at a later date?
If you would like to have a membership start later, purchase a membership gift certificate. Currently, gift certificates can be purchased by telephone at 757.393.5258 or at the front desk of the Children’s Museum of Virginia. Gift certificate recipients are responsible for redeeming their gift certificate for a membership.
Does the portsmouth museum offer reciprocal benefits with other museums?
Stargazer and Visionary levels have reciprocal benefits. The Portsmouth Museums participate in the following reciprocal programs: Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) and the North American Reciprocal Museums (NARM). We encourage members to contact museums ahead of their visit to confirm reciprocal benefits and requirements for visiting. Anyone visiting using reciprocal benefits must show valid membership card and a valid photo ID to front desk staff.
The Association of Children’s Museums or ACM allows for up to 6 people, including the cardholder, to receive 50% off general admission at participating museums.
The Association of Science & Technology Centers or ASTC allows free admission into science centers across the country. Please review the ASTC Passport Program list as total visitors permitted free entrance varies per science center. Please note the following exclusions:
- Science centers and museums located within 90 miles* of science center/museum where the visitor is a member.
- Science centers and museums located within 90 miles* of the visitor’s residence.
* This driving distance is measured “as the crow flies,” meaning that it is based on linear radius, not driving distance.
The North American Reciprocal Museum Association or NARM allows free admission as defined by participating museums. Some participating museums have mileage restrictions. It is encouraged that you review the list of participating museums and to contact any museum ahead of your visit.
How do i receive my membership card?
Members will be able to access their cards immediately after purchasing their membership by downloading the Museum Anywhere App (no charge) with the option to download to your digital wallet. Instructions are sent in an e-mail confirmation after the purchase of your membership as well as on our membership page.
If you would like a physical card, you can request one by emailing the membership coordinator at ian.francis@portsmouthva.gov.
can i use my membership for field trips?
Field trips are not covered under membership for anyone officially visiting with an organization or school. Adults and children not visiting officially with an organization or school may visit under their membership.
Can i refund or transfer my membership to someone else?
Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Can I upgrade my membership?
Memberships can be upgraded at any point; however, expiration dates remain the same. If your membership is set to expire May 31. 2022, and you upgrade on February 1. 2022, then your membership still expires on May 31. 2022.
who can use my membership?
Our memberships are flexible; however, one of the listed adults on the membership must be in attendance to receive membership benefits. Anyone visiting not listed on the membership will be charged general admission and will not receive a refund.
Staff understands that caretakers change periodically, so memberships will need to be updated. Please have the primary adult listed on the membership email ian.francis@portsmouthva.gov to make any changes.
Why must I present my photo ID when checking into the museum?
how can i update my membership information or contact the membership coordinator?
You can contact the membership coordinator by emailing ian.francis@portsmouthva.gov or call 757.393.8983.