National Children’s Museum Announces New Access Program for Families With Economic Barriers

Museums for All increases accessibility of high-quality museum learning resources

WASHINGTON – National Children’s Museum has joined Museums for All, a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administered by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM). Museums for All was created to encourage people of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum-going habits.

The program supports those receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefits visiting National Children’s Museum for a minimal fee of $3 per person, up to four people, with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Museums for All is part of National Children’s Museum’s broad commitment to welcome all families and ensure that all young learners have access to high-quality science, technology, engineering, arts, and math experiences and programs that will spark their imagination.

“All children deserve to dream big, and if we are to empower future innovation, it is critical that we make high-quality learning opportunities accessible to all children,” said Crystal R. Bowyer, president and CEO of National Children’s Museum. “We are proud to include the Museums for All program as another means of access for families to engage in our offerings.”

Museums for All complements other access initiatives at National Children’s Museum which promote equitable education opportunities, including: 

• Community Access Program: a unique program that provides free membership to local families through trusted community partners; and
• Title I School Field Trips: grant funding provides local Title 1 schools and thousands of students with access to free field trips and workshops.

Museums for All helps expand access to museums and also raise public awareness about how museums in the U.S. are reaching their entire communities. More than 850 institutions participate in the program, including art museums, children’s museums, science centers, botanical gardens, zoos, history museums, and more. Participating museums are located nationwide, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Virgin Islands. 

Located at 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW off the Woodrow Wilson Plaza, National Children’s Museum is open 9:30 am to 4:30 pm every day except Tuesdays. Eligible visitors interested in purchasing tickets through the Museums for All program should navigate to the Museum’s website, where they may reserve tickets at least one week prior to their visit: www.nationalchildrensmuseum.org/access.

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About National Children’s Museum

STEAM adventure awaits at National Children’s Museum, located in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C. With a mission to inspire children to care about and change the world, the Museum sparks curiosity and ignites creativity for children under the age of twelve and their families. Through playful science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) based exhibits, programs and virtual offerings, the Museum reaches millions of people each year. Learn more and plan your visit at nationalchildrensmuseum.org.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
IMLS Press Contact: Erica Jaros – EJaros@imls.gov

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)
ACM Press Contact: Gabrielle Gallagher – gabrielle.gallagher@childrensmuseums.org

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.