Museum Hopping on a Budget

Retracing the steps of  civil rights pioneers, virtually experiencing the events of WWII, or studying Monet’s intricate brush strokes can lure museum-goers into hours of informative escapism. Leisurely, day-long excursions offer education and entertainment, but museum hopping can be expensive. Use these insider secrets to save a little cash on your next cultural outing.

Get In for Free

Some museums, like the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, always offer free admission while others have select days or hours when the entrance fee is waived. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is free on the second Tuesday of each month from 1 pm to 6 pm. Closer to home, you might find museums offering discounts to locals. The New Orleans Museum of Art gives residents of Louisiana free admission every Wednesday.

Stay Longer

Make more time to linger at a museum by visiting on a day when the hours are extended. In Jackson, Mississippi, the Mississippi Museum of Art’s “Third Thursdays” is a perfect example, with one night only of pop-up dining, special exhibits, live music, games, and outdoor movies. These after-hours themed events are from 5:30 pm to 10 pm. Review a museum’s calendar of events and admission pages to find dates when the doors are open for longer hours.

Save with a Card

Show your Bank of America or Merrill Lynch debit or credit card to get in for free at 150 participating museums. Each cardholder is entitled to one free general admission each year on the first full weekend of the month through the “Museums on Us” program (museums.bankofamerica.com). From the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Miami, there’s an eclectic mix from which to choose.

Become a Member

Join one museum and reap the benefits of membership at dozens more. The Southeastern Reciprocal Membership Program (semcdirect.net) has participating museums located in eleven Southern states. You can be a member of a local museum such as the LSU Museum of Art in Baton Rouge and visit the Orlando Museum of Art for free. Check the organization’s website for a list of rules and member museums. Benefits vary, but often include free admission as well as discounts on classes, programs, dining, and gift-shop purchases. Additional Louisiana museums include Alexandria Museum of Art; Hermann-Grima/Gallier Historic Houses, New Orleans; Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum, Lafayette; Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve, New Orleans; Masur Museum of Art, Monroe; Meadows Museum of Art, Shreveport; and the West Baton Rouge Museum, Port Allen.

Scout the Discount Programs

Sightseeing discount programs, like the New Orleans Power Pass, bundle a collection of attractions for a set price. For example, you can visit the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, the Louisiana Children’s Museum, the National WWII Museum, and more under the auspices of the Power Pass. This particular pass is sold in one-, two-, three-, and five-day increments. Buying a CityPASS (citypass.com) ticket booklet can save up to fifty percent off the standard admission price in several cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa Bay, and Toronto. Local convention and visitor bureaus sometimes offer deals on attractions. A quick look at a website might save you a few dollars.

Before you spend hard-earned cash on bundled discount programs, determine how many attractions you will realistically visit and compare the costs. Remember, some museums offer discounts to seniors, people with disabilities, and military personnel.

Sleep Where You Save

If you are visiting a museum while on vacation, look for hotels offering a stay combined with a museum visit. Houston’s Hotel ZaZa (hotelzaza.com) offers the Arts & Smarts package, which takes care of valet parking, hotel stay, museum tickets, and an evening cocktail. 

Know Before You Go

Always review a museum’s website before your visit. Check the days and hours that the museum is open. Review the museum’s calendar of events to see what is happening on the date of your visit. There may be a lecture on a new exhibit or a tour of unique pieces from the museum’s collection. Many museum programs are free, but pre-registration is often required.