Free and Reduced Admission Now Available at the National Music Museum

VERMILLION, SD — The National Music Museum (NMM) is proud to announce its participation in two nationwide access programs—Blue Star Museums and Museums for All—offering free and reduced admission to qualifying guests throughout the summer and beyond.

From May 17 through September 1, the Blue Star Museums program provides free

admission to active-duty U.S. military personnel and their families. This program is a collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in partnership with the Department of Defense and museums across the country.

“The National Endowment for the Arts is honored to help connect military service members and their families with their communities through the Blue Star Museums program,” said Mary Anne Carter, Senior Advisor for the NEA. “Institutions like the National Music Museum offer opportunities for military members to create special memories and connect with our country’s heritage and culture.”

“For 15 years, Blue Star Museums has opened doors for military families to explore, connect, and feel at home in their communities,” added Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. “Thanks to our continued partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and participating museums nationwide, we’re proud to continue this tradition of belonging and enrichment. Museums are more than cultural spaces—they’re places where military families feel seen, welcomed, and celebrated.”

In addition, the NMM is now a proud participant in the Museums for All program, a national initiative to expand access to museums for individuals and families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Guests who present a valid EBT card will receive reduced admission of just $5 per person for up to four people per visit.

Museums for All is an initiative of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and is administered by the Association of Children's Museums (ACM). This program reflects the National Music Museum’s ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion, and accessibility for all audiences.

These free and reduced admission offerings align the NMM with more than 850 participating museums across the United States, all working to ensure that everyone can experience the joy and discovery of museum visits, regardless of background or income.

The National Music Museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information about planning your visit or accessing these programs, and others, please visit www.nmmusd.org.

About the National Music Museum The National Music Museum (NMM), located on the campus of the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, is one of the world’s finest collections of musical instruments, with some 14,000 instruments in its holdings. The NMM owns some of the most historically significant musical instruments in existence. Founded in 1973, the National Music Museum Inc. is a non-profit entity in partnership with USD.

About the National Endowment for the Arts Established by Congress, the National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. By advancing opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States. To learn more, visit arts.gov or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

About Blue Star Families Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nation’s largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A “blue star family” is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts. Learn more and find the list of participating museums at arts.gov/BlueStarMuseums

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

About Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) The Association of Children's Museums (ACM) champions children's museums worldwide. With more than 460 members in 50 states and 16 countries, ACM leverages the collective knowledge of children's museums through convening, sharing, and dissemination. Learn more at www.childrensmuseums.org.