The Delaware Valley boasts a wealth of museums and cultural institutions that cater to every age and interest. These programs provide free or low-cost admission so your family can explore what the area has to offer, all while sticking to your budget.
ANYTIME
Art-Reach Access Program
Pennsylvania residents who use an EBT card to access government-issued cash, food or medical benefits can visit participating museums, science centers, gardens, historic sites and attractions for $2. Admission is paid for by the visitor and cannot be charged to the EBT card. The cardholder may bring up to four guests per visit.
Participants:
Academy of Natural Sciences
African American Museum in Philadelphia
American Helicopter Museum & Education Program
Christ Church and Christ Church Burial Ground
Museum of the American Revolution
National Museum of American Jewish History
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
Association of Children’s Museums Reciprocity Network
If your family has a membership to a venue that belongs to the Association of Children’s Museums’ reciprocity network (check for the logo on your membership card), you’ve got discounted admission to those spots as well.
Participants:
Bucks County Children’s Museum
Hands-On House Children's Museum of Lancaster
ASTC Travel Passport Program
Got a membership to a science museum? If it’s affiliated with the Association of Science Technology Centers, you may be granted free general admission to other venues in the organization — as long as they’re more than 90 miles away. Mileage is measured by linear distance, rather than driving distance.
Participants:
Blue Star Museums
Select museums offer free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Up to five family members, in addition to the military ID holder, are permitted per visit.
Participants:
African American Museum in Philadelphia
Brandywine River Museum of Art
Bucks County Children’s Museum
Chester County Historical Society
Hands-On House Children's Museum of Lancaster
The Highlands Mansion and Garden
Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)
La Salle University Art Museum
Museum of the American Revolution
National Museum of American Jewish History
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Brandywine Valley Treasure Trail Passport
Purchase a family pass for $95 that grants two adults and up to three kids (ages 17 & younger) free general admission to several Brandywine Valley attractions. Valid through Sept. 2, 2019, the pass is instantly delivered to your phone via text and email. Print it at home or save it to your phone’s home screen for one-tap access.
Participants:
Brandywine River Museum of Art
Delaware Museum of Natural History
Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library
Delaware County Library Museum Pass Program
Sign out a pass at select branches to enjoy no-cost access to some of the area’s most popular museums. In addition to being a library cardholder, you must be 16 or older and owe no library fines. Passes can be borrowed for up to three days and aren’t renewable.
Participants:
Haverford Township Free Library
Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation at Ridley Creek State Park
Museum of the American Revolution
National Museum of American Jewish History
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
Media-Upper Providence Free Library
American Swedish Historical Museum
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
Museum of the American Revolution
National Museum of American Jewish History
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Hands-On House Children's Museum of Lancaster
Museum of the American Revolution
National Museum of American Jewish History
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
Ridley Township Public Library
Hands-On House Children's Museum of Lancaster
Museum of the American Revolution
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
Hands-On House Children's Museum of Lancaster
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Museum of the American Revolution
MONTHLY
Bank of America Museums on Us
Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders score one free admission to participating museums on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month. Be sure to bring your credit or debit card and photo ID.
Participants:
African American Museum in Philadelphia
Brandywine River Museum of Art
Museum of the American Revolution
National Museum of American Jewish History
ANNUAL
Art Museum Day
Each spring, venues affiliated with the Association of Art Museum Directors offer free or discounted admission and programming.
Participants:
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
International Museum Day
Held annually on May 18, museums around the globe celebrate their roles in communities via educational programming and free admission. While no ticket is required, many venues require registration prior to your visit.
Participants:
Brandywine River Museum of Art
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Museum Day Live
Venues across the country grant free access to ticketholders, taking after the free-admission Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. Held this year (2019) on Sept. 21, each ticket — downloadable from Smithsonianmag.com/museumday — admits two people to one museum. Tickets are available starting Aug. 15.
Participants:
African American Museum in Philadelphia
American Swedish Historical Museum
Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles
Brandywine River Museum of Art
Bucks County Civil War Library and Museum
National Museum of American Jewish History
