Free summer admission for military families returns to i.d.e.a. Museum

May 30, 2018 at 1:12 pm

The i.d.e.a. Museum for the seventh year in a row will provide free admission this summer to active-duty military families via the Blue Star Museums program. Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums nationwide.

"We're thankful for the service of our military men and women and are honored to again participate in this special program for military families," said i.d.e.a. Museum Executive Director Sunnee O'Rork. "They sacrifice so much while serving, and this is just one way to give back so they can enjoy quality bonding experiences that support early learning and nurture creative thinking."

What: Blue Star Museum program for military members (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard), including those in the National Guard and Reserve

When: May 29 - Sept. 2. Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

How to participate: Active - duty military personnel and up to five family members may receive free admission with the following IDs: Geneva Convent ion common access card (CAC), DD Form 1 173 ID card (dependent ID) or DD Form 1173 -1 ID card.

Museum activities: Families will enjoy the upcoming exhibition Artful Play! Games & Toys, opening June 15. Also, ArtVille, a socks-only space for ages 0 to 4, features early learning activities and imaginative play; while the HUB Gallery features hands-on experiences that incorporate art, design and engineering principles.

The Blue Star Museums program provides families the ability to enjoy cultural experiences and learn more about their communities, especially after a military move. It also helps families connect with each other.

"We appreciate the enthusiasm of museums all across the country who open their doors for military and their families to spend time together and have new arts experiences," said NEA Chairman Jane Chu.

"Blue Star Museums helps service members and their families create memories," said Blue Star Families Chief Executive Officer Kathy Roth-Douquet.

The complete list of participating museums is available at www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

Contact: Yvette Armendariz
Museum Public Relations & Marketing
Yvette.Armendariz@MesaAZ.gov
(480) 644-4129