Difference between revisions of "Reciprocal museum programs"

From Travel Strategies
Jump to: navigation, search
(→‎Optimized for frequent flyer tickets)
 
(118 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{DISPLAYTITLE: Temp - {{Title|optimize rewards}} (2018)}}
+
{{DISPLAYTITLE: Temp - Reciprocal Museum Programs}}
−
{{seo|description=Increase the rewards from your credit card spending by using cards that earn the best reward rates on bonus categories, like restaurants, travel, groceries, and gas.}}
+
{{Page|article|home}}  
−
{{Page|article|Card Strategies}}  
 
  
−
{{ImageX|ChooseCard.jpg|full}}  
+
{{Box}}
 +
'''This page is still under construction.'''
 +
{{/Box}}
  
−
The easiest way to earn free travel is to get a credit card that offers a great reward rate on your purchases; and use that card, rather than cash or check, whenever you can. Over the course of a year, you’ll effortlessly earn thousands of points you can use for free flights and hotel rooms. By simply choosing the right {{Link|general purpose|general-purpose rewards card}}, you should be earning at least 2% in rewards.
+
{{Image|NARMMap.png|full}}  
−
 
 
−
However, you can do even better. Many credit cards offer higher-than-normal reward rates for spending within certain categories. For example, one card may give bonus rewards for purchases from gas stations and supermarkets, while another card may give bonuses on travel and restaurants.
 
−
 
 
−
<blockquote>
 
−
By using different cards for different types of purchases, you can earn more reward points (or cash back) on your spending—with rewards rates as high as 10%!
 
−
</blockquote>
 
−
 
 
−
Unless you have problems with credit, you don’t need to worry about getting a handful of new credit cards, just to earn more rewards. Getting a few additional cards won’t trash your credit score—it may just improve it. For more information, and general tips, see our {{Link|Credit Cards 101}} article.
 
−
 
 
−
{{TOC}}
 
−
*[[#Using different cards, for different purchases, isn't for everyone|Using different cards, for different purchases, isn't for everyone]]
 
−
*[[#Tips for getting reward cards for different spending categories|Tips]]
 
−
*[[#Which cards are best?|Which cards are best?]]
 
−
*[[#The best cards for earning bonus rewards|The best cards for earning bonus rewards]]
 
−
*[[#Reward Combos|Reward Combos]]
 
−
*[[#Increasing your reward rate with gift cards (advanced)|Increasing your reward rate with gift cards (advanced)]]
 
−
{{/TOC}}
 
  
 +
{{TOC}}
 +
*[[#xxx|xxx]]
 +
{{/TOC}}
 
{{Main|article}}
 
{{Main|article}}
−
=== Using different cards, for different purchases, isn't for everyone ===
+
=== How reciprocal museum programs work ===
−
 
 
−
<ul class="bulletlist">
 
−
<li>'''Optimizing your rewards, by using different credit cards for different purchases, makes life more complicated'''. It is simpler to carry around a single card, and use it for all your purchases; than it is to get, carry, and choose from a collection of different reward cards.</li>
 
  
−
<li>'''You can earn a lot more points by focusing on signup bonuses, rather than optimizing your ongoing reward rates'''. Unless you have some means of spending a lot of money, the amount of extra reward points you can earn by using an optimized set of cards over the course of the year is often smaller than the signup bonus for just one or two cards. And, if you choose to focus on signup bonuses, most of your spending will be focused on meeting initial spending requirements, and you'll have less opportunity to take advantage of better reward rates. {{Link|signup bonus intro}}.</li>
+
When you become a member of any museum or attraction in the program, you get free access to all of the other participating locations. For example, if you join the Science Museum in your home town, you can freely visit dozens of science museums all around the country.  
−
 
 
−
Even more importantly, there is a limit to how many credit cards you can collect during any span of time. You’ll get more value by using those slots to get good signup bonuses (and ongoing travel benefits) rather than getting cards simply for their high reward rates. Concentrate on signup bonuses first, and worry about optimizing your reward rates later.
 
−
 
 
−
<li>'''Not everyone wants to bother using a bunch of different cards for different purchases, and we don’t blame them'''.</li>
 
−
 
 
−
<li>'''However, many other people (and some of us) get immense satisfaction about earning the highest possible rewards from their spending''', and wouldn’t dream of “only” earning 2 - 2.5% on a purchase, when they could be earning 3 - 5%, or even more. It is not just the extra points—it is the extra sense of satisfaction from taking your game to the next level. If you are hardcore, you can often find ways to generate additional spending, so that you can meet the initial spending requirements for as many cards as you can, while still collecting bonus rewards with your best cards.</li>
 
−
 
 
−
<li>'''Within the “points hobby”, this is a famous source of tension between spouses'''—one spouse gets frustrated, when the other spouse doesn’t wind up using the “right” credit card for different purchases. Don’t let it bother you. If you or your spouse is not interested in having one more thing to think about, stick to a great general purpose rewards card (or maybe a two-card strategy).</li>
 
−
</ul>
 
−
 
 
−
=== Tips for getting reward cards for different spending categories ===
 
−
 
 
−
The right set of cards to get, and the order to get them, depends on your individual circumstances.  
 
  
 
<ul class="bulletlist">
 
<ul class="bulletlist">
−
<li>'''There is no single card that earns great bonus rewards in every category'''. To optimize your rewards, you’ll need to get a set of cards, and use a different card for each category. However, you can typically get one card that is good for both travel and restaurants, and another card that is good for groceries and gas.</li>
+
<li>'''You usually are only entitled to "standard" admission'''. You usually need to pay extra for special exhibits, IMAX movies, and other valued-added attractions. Because these extras are often available as part of a discounted package, if you want the full experience, your discount might not amount to that much.</li>
−
 
 
−
<li>'''Focus on the cards that earn bonus rewards for the categories where you spend the most money'''. If you mostly go out to eat, a card that earns bonus rewards on restaurants is going to be more valuable than one that earns bonus rewards on groceries, and vise versa.</li>
 
−
 
 
−
{{ImageX|Restaurant1.jpg}}
 
−
 
 
−
<li>'''Don’t focus on the NUMBER of points earned, focus on the VALUE of the points'''. The value of different types of points and miles varies widely. On one end of the scale, credit card reward points (like Ultimate Rewards) are usually worth close to, or more than, 2 cents each. On the other end of the scale, some hotel points, like Hilton's, are only worth .4-.5 cents each.</li>  
 
  
−
As an example, the Hilton Ascend's 6x rewards on groceries sounds a lot better than the Amex’s Everyday's base 2x rewards. However, the Hilton points are worth around 2.7 cents per dollar, and the Membership Rewards points are worth around 3 cents per dollar. So, the 2x Membership Reward points is actually the more valuable reward rate.  
+
<li>'''Nearby museums are usually not included'''. With most programs, you WON'T get reciprocal access to any museums that are located close to your home museum. Sometimes "nearby" is defined by an official number of miles, other times it is any location in the same state, and sometimes it is ad-hoc. So, don't expect privileges with other museums in the same metropolitan area or state.</li>
  
−
<li>'''To determine whether a card is worthwhile, you need to determine whether the extra points you'll earn justifies the card’s annual fee'''. To figure out the value you expect to get from a card, you need to take the amount you expect to spend, and multiply it by the extra points that you will earn, above-and-beyond the points you would have earned by just using your general purpose reward card. Then you need to subtract the card's annual fee.</li>  
+
<li>'''Joining an out-of-state museum can provide access to all the locations that are close to your home'''. If you want privileges at all the museums in your area, you can often join a museum in some other city, rather than your favorite nearby museum. While you'll be blocked at locations located nearby the institution you join, you won't be blocked at any of your local locations. There are some downsides to this approach. Your membership money will be supporting the museum you join, rather than the one in your area; and you won't be able to take advantage of many other membership benefits, such as access to special member's only visiting hours or events. With some programs, this approach isn't even possible, as you'll be blocked to local museums based on the address on your ID, rather than the address of the museum you belong to.</li>  
  
−
{{Card|BlueCash}}
+
<li>'''Reciprocal benefits are not available with many less expensive memberships'''. You'll need to join your local museum at a certain level. Each of the programs enforces a minimum membership cost to access reciprocal benefits. For example, no museum in the program can provide reciprocal benefits with any membership level that costs less than $100 per year.</li>
  
−
An example may make this clearer. The Amex Blue Preferred card offers an amazing 6% cash back on your first $6,000 worth of supermarket spending. If you spend $5,000 on groceries each year, you’ll earn $300 cash back. But the real added value of the card is lower. If you already have the Chase Unlimited combo, you could have used your Unlimited card to earn 7,500 Ultimate Rewards points on the same $5,000 of groceries. If you value the Ultimate Reward points at {{Value|UR}} cents each, that works out to {{Value|UR|7500}}. The Blue Preferred card only earns $170 in additional rewards. And, in order to earn those extra rewards, you’ll need to pay the Blue Preferred card's $95 annual fee.  
+
<li>'''You can often get a membership discount'''. The best place to check is Groupon, but other promotional codes are sometimes available.</li>
  
−
The final net benefit works out to $75 per year, not the $300 of expected rewards. If you spend less on groceries, you will earn less. If you spend the full $6,000, you can earn slightly more.  
+
<li>'''The number of guests depends on the type of membership you have'''. Typically, if you have an individual membership, you'll reciprocal benefits only apply to one person. If you have a family membership, you'll receive benefits based on the family membership of the museum you are visiting, not your home museum.</li>
  
−
When you are determining whether it makes sense to get a card for ongoing use, we recommend ignoring any waiver of the first-year’s annual fee . You are focusing on whether these cards make sense for the long run. The waived annual fee, is essentially just part of the signup bonus for the card, and doesn't affect the long term value proposition.
+
<li>'''Memberships are NOT typically based on the calendar year'''. They usually last for one year after you join. With some museums and attractions, it can take some time for you to receive your membership card. So, you'll need to apply weeks before you you plan to take advantage of any reciprocal benefits.</li>
  
−
<li>'''You only need to pay attention to bonus rewards that are better than 2% back'''. Because you should be earning 2% or more with your general purpose card, earning 2% on a bonus category is not particularly enticing. Only pay attention to cards that have category bonuses of 3% or more. Just remember, that depending on the type of points, a card that only earns 2x points, may be earning more than 3% in value.</li>  
+
<li>'''To get access, you'll need to carry your membership card'''. There is no way to look you up in some "member database". You'll need to have a valid membership card and photo ID.</li>  
−
 
 
−
{{Card|DoubleCash}}
 
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
−
 
−
=== The best cards for increasing your rewards  ===
 
  
−
Before you can determine which cards to get for different spending categories, you need to make some decisions about 1) which types of points to earn, 2) whether you are willing and able to use business cards, and 3) how much extra work you're willing to do.
+
=== Major reciprocal museum programs ===
  
−
<ul class="bulletlist">
+
While there are many smaller or more specialized reciprocal programs such as the Empire State Museums Reciprocal Program (mix of museums in New York state) or Connections (photography museums around the country), that may be interesting based on your location or interest, the following programs include the widest range of the most popular museums and attractions.  
−
<li>'''The type of reward points you should earn depends on how you plan to use your points'''. We assign a "value" for each type of point based on a range of typical travelers. Depending on your plans and situation, these points can be much more valuable, or much less valuable, than our base values. {{Link|point values}}.</li>
 
  
−
For example, if you don't have a lot of flexibility, it might be very hard to get good value by using Membership Reward points to book frequent flyer tickets, and they may only be worth 1 cent each. At the opposite extreme, if you have more flexibility, and you highly value premium-cabin award redemptions, they may be worth 3-4 cents each (or even more). </li>
+
==== Art Museums ====
  
−
Different people will want to follow different approaches towards earning rewards:
+
Unlike Science Museums, Zoos, and Children's Museums, Art Museum reciprocal programs are pretty fragmented. Some of the more significant programs include.
  
 
<ul class="checklist">
 
<ul class="checklist">
−
<li>'''Standard approach'''. It is hard to go wrong with our normal approach, which focuses on a combination of earning Ultimate Reward and cash-like points. It aims to earn the highest reward rate, assuming that you plan to use the points on EASY redemptions for a variety of travel purchases. While it provides the upside of using your Ultimate Reward points for frequent flyer tickets, it assumes you won't be using most of your points in that way.</li>  
+
<li>'''[//www.metmuseum.org/join-and-give/membership/faqs Metropolitan Reciprocal Membership Program]'''. Includes 15 of the top art museums in the country, anchored by the Met in NYC.</li>
  
−
<li>'''Optimized for frequent flyer tickets'''. If you have the skills and flexibility to get good value from your points by using them for frequent flyer tickets, you can earn higher rewards by including cards which earn Amex's Membership Reward points and Citibank's ThankYou points. {{Link|Transferable Points}}.</li>  
+
{{Image|MET.jpg}}
 +
 +
<li>'''[//www.artic.edu/support-us/membership/member-faqs Art Museum Reciprocal Membership Program]'''. Includes 15 of the top art museums in the country, anchored by Art Institute of Chicago. A few museums belong to both this program and the Met's program. </li>  
  
−
This is true, even if you are just using them for economy-class tickets. But if you highly value business and first class award redemptions, and have the patience to build up large quantities of points, you should always try to earn as many "transferable" points as you can.  
+
<li>'''[//sites.google.com/view/marplist/participating-museums Museum Alliance Reciprocal Program]''' (MARP). Includes 32 major US art museums, but not quite at the same overall level as the Met and Art Institute programs.</li>
  
−
{{Image|TransferPrograms.png|420}}
+
{{Image|Guggenheim.jpg}}
  
−
For most people, the more of these points, the better, but everything else being equal, Membership Reward points are somewhat better than Ultimate Rewards and ThankYou points. If you are planning to redeem for premium-cabin frequent flyer tickets, the ability to get good value from Ultimate Reward's other redemption options doesn't provide any added value. Membership Rewards' larger number of airline partners, occasional transfer bonuses, easier points accumulation, and ability to purchase additional points (if necessary), makes it the better option. Of course, depending on the airlines you are likely to fly, you might wind up with slightly different preferences.
+
<li>'''[//thewalters.org/support/membership/art-museum-reciprocal-network/ Art Museum Reciprocal Network]''' (AMRN). Similar to the MARP program, but a different cluster of major museums. </li>
  
−
<li>'''Cash Only'''. Some people might prefer focusing strictly on cashback cards, or cards that earn cash-like points (which can be used for a very wide variety of travel purchases). For these people, each type of transferable reward point is only worth its cash-out value.</li>  
+
<li>'''[//whitney.org/Support/Membership/ReciprocalProgram The Whitney Reciprocal Program]'''. Unlike the other programs, this isn't a mutual alliance amongst a group of museums. Rather, joining the Whitney ($140/2) gives you access to 16 other museums in the US and Europe, and joining any of those museums gives you access to the Whitney. But the various partner museums don't necessarily have any reciprocal benefits between themselves.</li>  
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
  
−
<li>'''Small business credit cards expand your options for earning bonus rewards'''. If you have any type of small business (even if you also have a full-time job and you haven’t made any money yet), you are eligible for small-business credit cards. Many of these cards offer bonus rewards on spending categories that aren’t often available from personal cards—such as purchases from office supply stores or telecom providers. Technically, you aren’t supposed to use these cards for personal expenses, but many people do with no problems. If you are eligible for these cards, and willing to use them for your spending, you’ll be able to boost the rewards you earn on your spending. {{Link|Business Cards}}.</li>  
+
==== Others ====
 +
<ul class="checklist">
 +
<li>'''[//www.astc.org/passport/ Association of Science and Technology Centers Travel Passport]''' (ASTC). Provides benefits at over 350 museums in North America, plus a smattering of museums elsewhere in the world. Includes almost every large science museum, with the notable exceptions of the Exploratarium and the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, and the Academy of Natural Sciences in New York. You won't have privileges at museums that are within 90 miles of your home address or your membership museum. [//www.astc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/ASTCTravelPassport_6pt_Nov2018-Apr2019.pdf Participating Museums].</li>
  
−
{{Card|InkPreferred}}
+
{{Image|BostonGenerator.jpg}}
  
−
<li>'''Some cards are primarily attractive for people who are willing to make an extra effort to optimize their reward rate'''. For example, the Amex Gold card has a high annual fee, but a great reward rate (4x Membership Reward points) on groceries. For most people, their natural grocery store purchases aren't likely to be high enough to justify the annual fee. Their are other options that make more sense. But, if you are willing to purchase gift cards from the grocery store, and then use those gift cards at other merchants (or resell them online), you can earn enough extra points to make this card very worthwhile.</li>
+
<li>'''[//narmassociation.org/ North American Reciprocal Membership]''' (NARM). This is the largest reciprocal museum program, with over 1,000 participating art, history, and specialty museums, primarily in the United States. Most of the hightest-profile museums are not members, but you'll get free access to many excellent museums in every corner of the country. [https://a1pir3oc6nm1k9qfq28au9qx-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/NARM_Winter_2018-2019.pdf Participating Museums].</li>
  
−
{{Image|GiftCardRack2.jpg|360}}
+
Most '''[//sites.google.com/site/roammuseums/home Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums]''' (ROAM) members are also part of the much larger NARM program. But, if your membership includes both, you'll have access to some additional museums that are members are ROAM, but not NARM.  [https://sites.google.com/site/roammuseums/home/list-of-roam-museums Participating Museums].
  
−
Similarly, you can earn fantastic reward rates from rotating category cards, such as the Chase Freedom card. But, you'll need to register for a changing set of reward categories each calendar quarter. And for many  quarters, you are likely to have to shift purchases around, or take advantage of gift cards, to maximize the earning potential of the card.  
+
<li>'''[//www.aza.org/reciprocity Association of Zoos and Aquariums]''' (AZA). Provides reciprocal benefits at over 150 North American zoos and aquariums. It includes most major zoos, but a few of the most significant zoos (including the San Diego Zoo Bronx Zoo, and Brookfield Zoo) don't participate, and it doesn't provide benefits at most major aquariums.  [//www.aza.org/assets/2332/reciprocitychart.pdf Participating locations].</li>  
−
</ul>
 
  
−
{{Box}}
+
Unlike most of the other major programs, you usually only receive a 50% discount, rather than free admission. However, memberships with a smaller set of participating zoos and aquariums will give you free admission with that same set of locations (and 50% off everywhere else).
−
'''If you've decided to make the Amex BUSINESS Platinum card part of your core credit card collection, Membership Rewards cards can be cashed-out at higher values'''. You can use your points at 1.54 cents each to purchase airfare on your favorite airline. This makes cards that earn Membership Rewards more valuable for people who are taking our standard or cash-only approaches to earning points. {{Link|Membership Rewards}}.{{/Box}}
 
  
−
==== Standard approach ====
+
{{Image|KansasCityZoo.png}}
  
−
Our standard approach to optimizing rewards focuses on earning Ultimate Reward points (when possible), and earning cash-like points when there are no good Ultimate Rewards options.  
+
<li>'''[//findachildrensmuseum.org/reciprocal-network/  Association of Children's Museums]''' (ACM). Provides benefits at around 200 different children's museums. Like the Zoo program, and unlike the other programs, you'll only receive 50% off the regular admission. Nearly every US children's museum participates, admission is good for up to six people, and the conveniently don't block privileges at nearby museums.  [http://childrensmuseums.org/images/Reciprocal-Brochure_1.17.19.pdf Participating Museums].</li>
  
−
{{List|Card}}
+
<li>'''[http://timetravelers.mohistory.org/ Time Travelers]'''. Provides benefits at more than 300 historical sites and museums throughout the United State. [//csv.mohistory.org/static/pdf/institutions.pdf Participating Locations].</li>
−
{{CardItem|UnlimitedCombo}}
+
</ul>
−
Start with the {{Card|FreedomUnlimited|only}} and {{Card|SapphireReserve|only}} combination to earn 3x Ultimate Reward points ({{Value|UR|3}}%) on '''restaurants''' and '''travel''' and 1.5x Ultimate Reward points ({{Value|UR|1.5}}%) on your '''everyday purchases'''. The Freedom Unlimited has no annual fee. The annual fee on the Sapphire Reserve is $450, but an automatic $300 travel credit drops the effective annual fee to $150.  
 
  
−
{{CardItem|Bluecash}}
+
=== Access multiple programs with a single membership ===
−
Add the {{Card|Bluecash|only}} for 6% on your first $6,000 of '''grocery''' store spending, 3% at '''department stores''', and 3% on '''gas'''. It is almost always your best option for groceries, even with its $95 annual fee.
 
  
−
If you spend a lot on gas, you might consider getting a card just for gas purchases—you can boost your rewards to 5%. There are {{Link|Gas spending|several options}} that have no annual fee.
+
Many museums belong to multiple reciprocal programs. Becoming a member one of these museums lets you enjoy the benefits of multiple programs for a single membership fee.  
  
−
{{CardItem|Altitude}}
+
==== Art Museums ====
−
Most people can substantially boost their rewards by using the {{Card|Altitude|only}} to earn 4.5% on all purchases they make with Apple Pay, Google Pay or other '''mobile wallets'''. Once this card is added to your mobile wallet, use it as often as you can, except when you can earn even more from one of your other cards. If you have a Samsung phone, you can use the Altitude Reserve through your Samsung wallet at any credit card swipe machine. If you have a non-Samsung Android phone, consider getting a Samsung watch to do the same thing. Unfortunately, if you want this card, you need to have an existing relationship with U.S. Bank, and not many other recently acquired  credit cards. $400 annual fee, but an automatic $325 travel credit drops the effective annual fee to $75.
 
  
−
{{CardItem|Amazon}}
+
<ul class="checklist">
−
If you are one of the many people who spends a significant amount at Amazon, the Amazon Prime Visa card offers 5% on '''Amazon purchases''', with no annual fee. It also earns 5% at Whole Foods. It you buy most of your groceries at Whole Foods, and don't buy much at the covered department stores, it may make sense to get this card and skip the Amex Blue Preferred.
 
  
−
{{CardItem|Ducks}}
+
<li>'''Both the Met and Art Institute Programs'''. A few museums belong to both of the most prestigious art museum programs.</li>
−
If you spend a lot on gas, you might consider getting a card just for '''gas''' purchases—you can boost your rewards to 5%. There are {{Link|Gas spending|several options}} that have no annual fee.  The {{Card|Duck|only}} has the added advantage of earning 5% at '''sporting good stores'''.  
 
  
−
{{CardItem|FlexperksTravel}}
+
<ul>
−
Another card to consider is the {{Card|FlexperksTravel|only}}. It earns 3x Flexpoints (4.5%) on '''charitable donations''' and 2x Flexpoints (3%) on '''cell phone service'''. If you spend enough on these categories you can justify its $49 annual fee.  
+
<li>Qualifying membership at [//www.philamuseum.org/membership/?page=2 Philadelphia Museum of Art] costs $250 and also includes a membership in AMRN.</li>
  
−
{{/List|Card}}
+
<li>The [//www.lacma.org/membership/join/levels/friend Los Angeles County Museum of Art] (LACMA) costs $250 and also includes reciprocal benefits with the Whitney.</li>
  
−
If you are willing and able to get business cards, you can increase your reward earning potential. You can also get the business version of the Amazon card, instead of the personal version, for a slightly better signup offer.  
+
<li>The [//www.dma.org/support-partners/dma-members Dallas Museum of Art] costs $250 and also includes a membership in the Western Reciprocal Museum Program and ROAM.</li>
 +
</ul>
  
−
{{List|Card}}
+
<li>'''One of the Met or Art Institute plus more'''. A few museums belong to either the Met program or the Art Institute and one of the next tier programs (MARP or AMRN).</li>
−
{{CardItem|InkUnlimited}}
 
−
The business version of the Chase Unlimited card earns the same reward rate as the personal version, but comes with a much higher signup bonus and primary rental car insurance (if you are renting for business reasons). It also doesn't take up one of your Chase 5/24 slots. So, you should get this card, rather than the personal version above. 
 
  
−
{{CardItem|InkCash}}
+
{{Table|Basic}}
−
You can earn 5x Ultimate Rewards points ({{Value|UR|5}}%) at '''office supply stores''' and on '''telecommunications services''' with the {{Card|InkCash|only}}, with no annual fee (and a generous signup bonus). You also get 2x Ultimate Rewards ({{Value|UR|2}}%) on gas, which is better than the Amex Blue Preferred, but not as good as the best of the specialized gas cards.
+
!Museum
 +
!style="width: .5in;"|Fee
 +
!style="width: .5in;"|Met
 +
!style="width: .5in;"|Chicago
 +
!style="width: .5in;"|MARP
 +
!style="width: .5in;"|AMRN
 +
!style="width: .5in;"|WRMP
 +
!style="width: .5in;"|NARM
 +
!style="width: .5in;"|ROAM
 +
!style="width: 1in;"|Other
 +
|-
 +
|[//denverartmuseum.org/membership-support/membership-details-benefits Denver Art Museum]
 +
|$150||y|| || ||y|| || || ||[//museumswest.org/ Museums West]
 +
|-
 +
|[//discovernewfields.org/give-and-join/become-member Newfields] (Indianapolis Art Museum)
 +
|$250||y|| ||y|| || ||y||y||[//ahsgardening.org/gardening-programs/rap/find/statebystate AHS]
 +
|-
 +
|[//www.clevelandart.org/join-and-give/membership-and-circles/about-membership Cleveland Museum of Art]
 +
|$250|| ||y||y||y|| || || ||
 +
|-
 +
|[//www.mfah.org/membership/levels/ Museum of Fine Arts] (Houston)
 +
|$185|| ||y||y|| || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
|[//walkerart.org/support/membership/ Walker Art Center] (Minneapolis)
 +
|$125|| ||y||y|| || || || ||Whitney
 +
|-
 +
|[//nelson-atkins.org/join/member-benefits/reciprocal-membership-programs/ Nelson Atkins Museum] (Kansas City)
 +
|$250|| ||y|| ||y|| ||y||y||
 +
{{/Table|Basic}}
  
−
If you actually spend a lot on online advertising, it can be worth getting the {{Card|InkPreferred|only}} instead of, or in addition to, the Ink Cash. It has a $95 annual fee. The {{Card|FNBOBiz|only}} is a non-annual fee card that earns 5% on a range of other actual business expenses.
+
</ul>
−
{{/List|Card}}
 
  
−
==== Optimized for frequent flyer tickets ====
+
==== Others ====
  
−
If you are willing and able to get good value from using your reward points for frequent flyer tickets, you can increase your reward rates, by including cards that earn Membership Reward and/or ThankYou points.
+
<ul class="checklist">
 +
<li>'''Science museums and zoos'''. A handful of places are members of both the Science Museum and Zoo programs.</li>
  
−
{{List|Card}}
+
<ul>
−
{{CardItem|EverydayPreferred}}
+
<li>Qualifying membership at the [//www.boonshoftmuseum.org/membership/ Boonshoft Museum of Discovery] (Dayton, Ohio) costs $115 for a family, but provides the option to join at a $145 level and also qualify for the Children's Museum program. Both include free admission, rather than 50% off, at a subset of the participating Zoos.</li>
−
Start with {{Card|EverydayPreferred|only}}. As long as you make at least 30 charges per month, it earns 4.5x Membership Reward points on '''groceries''', 3x Membership Reward points on '''gas''', and 1.5 Membership Reward points on '''everyday spending'''. It is well worth its $95 annual fee. If you won't naturally make 30 charges per month, there are some {{Link|30 charges|tricks}} to make sure you always qualify for the bonus points.  
 
  
−
{{CardItem|CitiPrestige}}
+
{{Image|BoonshoftMembershipLevels.png}}
−
Add the {{Card|CitiPrestige|only}} for 5x ThankYou points on '''restaurants''' and '''airfare''', and 3x ThankYou points on '''hotels''' and '''cruises'''.  The card has a $495 annual fee, but a $250 automatic travel credit reduces the effective annual fee to $245. Some Citibank banking customers can save an additional $145 on the annual fee, bringing it down to $100. And the card comes with a potentially very valuable 4<sup>th</sup> night free benefit. Even if you have the Amex Platinum card, the Citi Prestige's 5x reward rate on airfare is valuable, because airfare purchases with the Prestige card include a range of extra travel insurance coverages.
 
  
−
If you want to save some money in annual fees, you can settle for earning only 3x Ultimate Reward points on restaurants and travel with the {{Card|SapphireReserve|only}}. Its effective annual fees is $150, and it also has the benefit of earning 3x points on a wider range of travel purchases (and providing primary rental car insurance). But, it usually doesn't make sense to pay the annual fee for both cards.  
+
<li>Qualifying Membership at the [//wildwnc.org/membership Western North Carolina Nature Center] (Asheville, NC) is only $34 for one person, $49 for two, and $69 for a family, and your membership entitles you to free admission, rather than 50% off at a subset of participating Zoos. At the [//www.lszooduluth.org/visit/membership/ Lake Superior Zoo] (Duluth, Minnesota), qualifying family membership is only $75.</li>
  
−
{{CardItem|ATT}}
+
<li>Other options are he [//curiodyssey.org/membership/reciprocal-program/ CuriOdyssey] (San Mateo, California), [//www.mos.org/membership Museum of Science] (Boston, Massachusetts), [//www.greensboroscience.org/get-involved/membership/index.html Greensboro Science Center] (Greensboro, NC), and [//www.lifeandscience.org/benefits Museum of Life and Science] (Durham, NC).</li>  
−
The regular version of the {{Card|ATT|only}} offers 2x ThankYou points on any almost any '''online purchase''', including '''Amazon''', and doesn't have an annual fee. If you think you'll use it enough, you can upgrade it to the AT&T Access More version, which costs $95, but offers 3x points, instead of 2x.   
+
</ul>
  
−
{{CardItem|MorganStanley}}
+
<li>'''Science, Art, History, and Specialty museums'''. A handful of museums are members of both the Science Museum program and of the North American Reciprocal Museum program. You'll need to pay at least $100 for any membership that includes NARM privelges. If you aren't interested, there are some Science Museum only options that are as low as $50/family, such as the [//www.eaa.org/shop/Membership/Join.aspx Experimental Aircraft Association].</li>
−
Another option that can boost your rewards rate is the {{Card|MorganStanley|only}}. It earns 2x Membership Reward points at select Department Stores, with no annual fee. However, you'll need to signup for a Marcus account from Morgan Stanley to qualify for the card.  
 
  
−
{{CardItem|Altitude}}
+
<ul>
−
Some people may want to earn 4.5% by using the {{Card|Altitude|only}} for '''mobile wallet purchases'''. If you value Membership Reward points at less than 3 cents each, earning 4.5% in cash-like points, is better than earning 1.5x Membership Reward points from simply using your Everyday Preferred card. Similarly, the Altitude Reserve can boost the rewards you earn from travel purchases that aren't covered by the Citi Prestige card.  
+
<li>The [//kerncountymuseum.org/membership-1/ Kern County Museum] (Bakersfield, CA) also includes benefits in ROAM and at Children's Museums. Qualifying membership is $125/family, and also includes benefits at a hundreds of historical sites through the [//timetravelers.mohistory.org/ Time Travelers] program.</li>
  
−
{{/List|Card}}
+
{{Image|KernCounty.png}}
  
−
If you can add business cards into the mix, you can sign up for some additional cards.  
+
<li>The [//www.cmog.org/get-involved/membership Corning Museum of Glass] (Corning, NY) and [//www.burkemuseum.org/membership Burke Museum] (Seattle, WA) also include benefits in ROAM, but memberships are more expensive. </li>
  
−
{{List|Card}}
+
<li>The [//greatex.org/memberships/ Great Explorations Children's Museum] (Saint Petersburg, FL) and [//www.theclaycenter.org/join/membership/ Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences] (Charleston, WV) also include benefits at Children's Museums. Qualifying memberships are $150 per family.</li>
−
{{CardItem|BlueBiz}}
 
−
You can earn 2x Membership Reward points on '''everyday spending''' with the  {{Card|BlueBiz|only}}, rather than only 1.5x with the Amex Everyday Preferred. Most people will still want to get the Everyday Preferred card as well (for grocery store and gas purchases).  
 
  
−
Increasing your base earning rate to 2x Membership Reward points makes the Morgan Stanley card and the regular version of the AT&T Access card superfluous. And it may tip the balance against earning 4.5% with the Altitude Reserve card. However, it can still make sense to get the AT&T Access More card, because it earns 3x points.
+
<li>A qualifying membership at the [//evansvillemuseum.org/product/patron-membership/ Evansville Museum of Art, History, and Science] (Evansville, IN) only costs $100, and includes the [//timetravelers.mohistory.org/ Time Travelers] program as well as NARM and ASTC.</li>
  
−
{{CardItem|InkCash}}
+
<li>A qualifying membership [//minnetrista.net/home/about-minnetrista/get-involved/membership/ Minnestrista] (Muncie, IN) costs $125/family and also includes reciprocal benefits at [//ahsgardening.org/gardening-programs/rap/find/statebystate American Horticultural Society] members.</li>
−
For office supply stores, telecommunication services, and other business expenses, you would follow the same recommendations as our standard strategy, as there aren't any Membership Rewards or ThankYou cards that offer better rewards.  
 
−
{{/List|Card}}
 
  
−
{{Box|Earning More Value from Many Chase and Citibank Cards}}
+
<li>Other options include the Powerhouse Science Center (Sacramento, CA), Yale Peabody Museum (New Haven, CT), Delaware Museum of Natural History (Wilmington, DE), Hagley Museum (Wilmington, DE), Museum of Arts and Sciences (Daytona Beach, FL), South Florida Museum (Bradenton, FL), Peoria Riverfront Museum (Peoria, IL), Indiana State Museum (Indianapolis, IN), Grout Museum District (Waterloo, IA), Berkshire Museum (Pittsfield, MA), Springfield Museums (Springfield, MA), Air Zoo (Portage, MI), Farmington Museum (Farmington, NM), Cape Fear Museum of History & Science (Wilmington, NC), The Works (Newark, OH), University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History (Eugene, OR), Reading Public Museum (Reading, PA), McDonald Observatory (Fort Davis, TX), The Reach (Richland, WA), and Wenatchee Valley Museum (Wenatchee, WA).</li>
−
<ul class="bulletlist">
+
</ul>
−
<li>Some Chase and Citibank cards earn less-flexible reward points, which can only be redeemed for 1 cent each, on things like gift cards.</li>  
 
  
−
<li>However, if you combine these cards with one of Chase’s or Citibank’s premium cards, you can redeem these points for full value—transferring them to airline or hotel programs, or getting a higher-than-normal value when you use them to purchase travel through the credit card company’s travel portal.</li>
+
<li>'''Science and Children's Museums'''. There is a lot of overlap between the Science Museum and Children's Museum programs. Many museums belong to both. As listed above, the Boonshoft museum also includes membership in both programs plus the the Zoo program, the Kern Museum in both programs plus NARM and ROAM, and the Great Explorations and Clay Center in both programs plus NARM.</li>  
−
 
+
−
<li>Most often, the credit card company will advertise these cards as x% cash-back cards. But, the real earning rate can be significantly higher.</li>
 
−
 
 
−
<li>For example, the points you earn from the Chase Freedom card are usually worth 1 cent each, but if you have a Sapphire or Ink Reserve card, you can convert them to 1 frequent flyer mile instead. Or, the points you earn from online purchases with the Citibank AT&T Access card are normally worth 2 cents per dollar, but if you have the Citi Premier or Prestige card, you can get use your points to get 2 airline miles instead.</li>  
 
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
−
{{/Box}}
 
−
 
−
==== Cash only approach ====
 
−
 
−
If you only want to earn cashback (and other cash-like points), you'll need to make a few adjustments to our Standard approach.
 
−
 
−
{{List|Card}}
 
−
{{CardItem|Alliant}}
 
−
Instead of the Chase Unlimited Combo, start with a card that gives you the best cashback rate on '''everyday spending'''. For many people that's the {{Card|Alliant|only}}, which earns 2.5% (3% during the first year), but has a $59 annual fee. If you don't spend very much, you can choose one of the {{Link|general purpose|cards}} that earns 2%, but has no annual fee. Or if you are able to manage 100,000 of investment or retirement funds at Merrill Lynch, you can use the {{Card|BOATravel|only}} card, which will then earn 2.65%.
 
−
 
−
{{CardItem|Uber}}
 
−
For '''restaurants''', get the {{Card|Uber|only}}, instead of the Sapphire Reserve. It offers 4% on dining, with no annual fee. In addition, it has a bonus reward rate of 3% on airfare and hotels. If you aren't able to get the Altitude Reserve (4.5%)  and don't qualify for the highest level of bonus rewards ($100,000 under management) with the Bank of America Premium Rewards card (4.125%), you might want to use this for your travel purchases as well. Although, in that situation, you'd be able to do slightly better by earning 4x points (3.6%) with the {{Card|PenfedPathfinder|only}}. 
 
−
 
−
{{/List|Card}}
 
−
 
−
Besides these substitutions, you'd follow the same recommendations as the standard approach, getting the {{Card|BlueCash|only}} for groceries, department stores, and maybe gas; the {{Card|Altitude|only}} for mobile wallet payments (and in this case 4.5% on travel), the {{Card|Amazon|only}} for Amazon, and possibly the {{Card|Ducks|only}} for sporting good stores and a higher reward rate at gas stations, and the {{Card|FlexperksTravel|only}} for charitable donations and cell phone service.
 
−
 
−
{{List|Card}}
 
−
{{CardItem|SimplyCashBiz}}
 
−
If you are able to include business cards to the mix, the {{Card|SimplyCashBiz|only}} card earns 5% back on office supplies and wireless telephone services. The {{Card|FNBOBiz|only}} earns the same rate on a much wider variety of business services, but isn't available nationwide. Neither card has an annual fee.
 
−
 
−
{{/List|Card}}
 
−
 
−
=== Best options for each category ===
 
−
 
−
If you want to see some other options for each category, which might work better for your individual circumstances, make sure to view our “Best Options” guides.
 
−
 
−
<center>
 
−
{{Tile|general purpose|General Purpose}}
 
−
{{Tile|travel spending|Travel}}
 
−
{{Tile|restaurant spending|Restaurants}}
 
−
{{Tile|grocery spending|Groceries}}
 
−
{{Tile|gas spending|Gas}}
 
−
{{Tile|store spending|Retail Shopping}}
 
−
{{Tile|uncommon categories|Other...}}
 
−
</center>
 
−
 
−
Also, Doctor of Credit has good set of [//www.doctorofcredit.com/credit-card-reference-pages/#Category_Spending_Bonuses reference pages], and Frequent Miler has a [//frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/best-card-category-bonuses/ webpage] that provide relatively up-to-date information on the options for different bonus categories.
 
−
 
−
=== Advanced reward optimization options ===
 
−
 
−
If you are willing to make the extra effort, there are a number of cards you can get to further maximize your rewards.
 
−
 
−
==== Pick a category cards ====
 
−
 
−
With several credit cards, such as the the {{Card|CashPlus|only}}, you get to choose your own bonus category or categories from a set of options, and earn bonus reward rates as high as 5%. These cards often include bonus categories, such as Home Utilities, Fitness Centers, or Clothing Stores, which aren't available from other cards. The big downside is that rewards are capped on $1,500 or $2,000 of bonus category per quarter. {{Link|uncommon categories|Pick Your Own Category Cards}}.
 
−
 
−
{{Card|CashPlus}}
 
−
 
−
This limits the upside of these cards. In addition, you'll want to make sure you don't spend more than the cap each quarter, as the reward rate on any additional spending will drop to only !%; and you may feel compelled to try to maximize the rewards each quarter.
 
−
 
−
Since you can switch categories each quarter, you can make an extra effort to plan out major purchases. For example, one of the options for earning 5% from the Cash Plus card is "Furniture Stores". If you want to buy something from one of the stores, you can delay your purchase, choose Furniture Stores as one of your two categories for the following quarter, and earn 5% on your purchase.
 
−
 
−
==== Rotating category cards ====
 
−
 
−
With rotating category cards, the categories change every quarter, based on a schedule determined by the credit card company. {Link|rotating category}}.
 
−
 
−
{{Image|FreedomCalendar2017.png}}
 
−
 
−
Like the "Pick Your Category" cards, the amount of bonus rewards you can earn each quarter is capped, typically on $1,500 on spending. Reward rates can be very high. For example, the {{Card|Freedom|only}} card earns 5x Ultiamte Reward points, and the {{Card|Discover|only}} earns 10% (during the first year). {
 
−
 
−
Since you don't get to choose your own categories, your likely to wind up with some quarters where you aren't likely to spend very much money on the supported categories, or where you already have cards that earn high rewards on most of the qualifying purchases.
 
−
 
−
While you can use these cards to boost your rewards, they require extra effort. You have to remember the current set of categories and work it into your shopping routine, and you have to register for the bonus categories each quarter. You have to make sure you don't spend more than the capped amount of each quarter, and you may feel compelled to find ways to hit the cap each quarter, by shifting around purchases or using gift cards.
 
−
 
−
==== Maximizing high reward rates with gift cards ====
 
−
 
−
'''The best reward rates differ wildly between categories'''. For example, the best regular reward rate for department stores is 3 cents per dollar, and the best reward rate for restaurants is about 6 cents per dollar, but it is possible to earn up to about 8 cents per dollar at grocery stores, and 9 cents per dollar at Office supply stores.
 
−
 
−
Furthermore, since most of the cards with the highest reward rates have annual fees, or other restrictions, the rates you can get with your actual collection of cards may be different.
 
−
 
−
{{ImageX|GiftCardRack2.jpg|360}}
 
−
 
−
'''One way to increase the rewards from your spending is to buy gift cards at a merchant where you earn high reward rates, and then use the gift cards at a merchant that offers lower reward rates'''. For example, if you can get 10 cents per dollar for gift cards at Office supply stores, you'll earn higher rewards by using those gift cards, rather than one of your other credit cards, whenever you can. Of course, buying, activating, carrying, and using gift cards requires extra effort.
 
−
 
−
==== The Wells Fargo combo ====
 
  
−
If you want to concentrate on earning cash-like points, the "Wells Fargo Combo" lets you boost your rewards on at least some categories.
 
  
−
The {{Card|Propel|only}} earns 3x GoFar points on restaurants, travel, gas, and streaming services. Normally, the points are only worth 1 cent each. But, if you also have the {{Card|WellsFargoSig|only}}, you can use your points at 1.5 cents each to purchase airfare through Wells Fargo. This raises the effective bonus reward rate on these categories to 4.5%, and neither card has an annual fee.
 
  
−
Setting up this combo will take some time. You can only get one Wells Fargo card every 15 months, so you need to start with the Propel cards, and then wait over a year until you can start redeeming any rewards.
 
  
−
If you are following our standard points optimization approach, or focusing on earning transferable points, the Wells Fargo combo isn't very helpful. You'll already be earning higher reward rates on restaurants and travel.
 
  
−
{{/Main|article}}  
+
{{/Main|Article}}  
−
{{NextPages}}
+
{{NextPages}}  
−
{{Next|Credit Cards 101}}
+
{{Next|xxx}}  
−
{{Next|general purpose}}
+
{{/NextPages}}  
−
{{Next|travel spending}}
+
{{/Page|Article}}
−
{{/NextPages}}
 
−
{{/Page|article}}
 

Latest revision as of 02:13, 25 February 2021

  Home

This page is still under construction.

NARMMap.png


Jump to


How reciprocal museum programs work

When you become a member of any museum or attraction in the program, you get free access to all of the other participating locations. For example, if you join the Science Museum in your home town, you can freely visit dozens of science museums all around the country.

  • You usually are only entitled to "standard" admission. You usually need to pay extra for special exhibits, IMAX movies, and other valued-added attractions. Because these extras are often available as part of a discounted package, if you want the full experience, your discount might not amount to that much.
  • Nearby museums are usually not included. With most programs, you WON'T get reciprocal access to any museums that are located close to your home museum. Sometimes "nearby" is defined by an official number of miles, other times it is any location in the same state, and sometimes it is ad-hoc. So, don't expect privileges with other museums in the same metropolitan area or state.
  • Joining an out-of-state museum can provide access to all the locations that are close to your home. If you want privileges at all the museums in your area, you can often join a museum in some other city, rather than your favorite nearby museum. While you'll be blocked at locations located nearby the institution you join, you won't be blocked at any of your local locations. There are some downsides to this approach. Your membership money will be supporting the museum you join, rather than the one in your area; and you won't be able to take advantage of many other membership benefits, such as access to special member's only visiting hours or events. With some programs, this approach isn't even possible, as you'll be blocked to local museums based on the address on your ID, rather than the address of the museum you belong to.
  • Reciprocal benefits are not available with many less expensive memberships. You'll need to join your local museum at a certain level. Each of the programs enforces a minimum membership cost to access reciprocal benefits. For example, no museum in the program can provide reciprocal benefits with any membership level that costs less than $100 per year.
  • You can often get a membership discount. The best place to check is Groupon, but other promotional codes are sometimes available.
  • The number of guests depends on the type of membership you have. Typically, if you have an individual membership, you'll reciprocal benefits only apply to one person. If you have a family membership, you'll receive benefits based on the family membership of the museum you are visiting, not your home museum.
  • Memberships are NOT typically based on the calendar year. They usually last for one year after you join. With some museums and attractions, it can take some time for you to receive your membership card. So, you'll need to apply weeks before you you plan to take advantage of any reciprocal benefits.
  • To get access, you'll need to carry your membership card. There is no way to look you up in some "member database". You'll need to have a valid membership card and photo ID.

Major reciprocal museum programs

While there are many smaller or more specialized reciprocal programs such as the Empire State Museums Reciprocal Program (mix of museums in New York state) or Connections (photography museums around the country), that may be interesting based on your location or interest, the following programs include the widest range of the most popular museums and attractions.

Art Museums

Unlike Science Museums, Zoos, and Children's Museums, Art Museum reciprocal programs are pretty fragmented. Some of the more significant programs include.

  • Metropolitan Reciprocal Membership Program. Includes 15 of the top art museums in the country, anchored by the Met in NYC.
    • MET.jpg
  • Art Museum Reciprocal Membership Program. Includes 15 of the top art museums in the country, anchored by Art Institute of Chicago. A few museums belong to both this program and the Met's program.
  • Museum Alliance Reciprocal Program (MARP). Includes 32 major US art museums, but not quite at the same overall level as the Met and Art Institute programs.
    • Guggenheim.jpg
  • Art Museum Reciprocal Network (AMRN). Similar to the MARP program, but a different cluster of major museums.
  • The Whitney Reciprocal Program. Unlike the other programs, this isn't a mutual alliance amongst a group of museums. Rather, joining the Whitney ($140/2) gives you access to 16 other museums in the US and Europe, and joining any of those museums gives you access to the Whitney. But the various partner museums don't necessarily have any reciprocal benefits between themselves.

Others

  • Association of Science and Technology Centers Travel Passport (ASTC). Provides benefits at over 350 museums in North America, plus a smattering of museums elsewhere in the world. Includes almost every large science museum, with the notable exceptions of the Exploratarium and the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, and the Academy of Natural Sciences in New York. You won't have privileges at museums that are within 90 miles of your home address or your membership museum. Participating Museums.
    • BostonGenerator.jpg
  • North American Reciprocal Membership (NARM). This is the largest reciprocal museum program, with over 1,000 participating art, history, and specialty museums, primarily in the United States. Most of the hightest-profile museums are not members, but you'll get free access to many excellent museums in every corner of the country. Participating Museums.

    • Most Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (ROAM) members are also part of the much larger NARM program. But, if your membership includes both, you'll have access to some additional museums that are members are ROAM, but not NARM. Participating Museums.

  • Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Provides reciprocal benefits at over 150 North American zoos and aquariums. It includes most major zoos, but a few of the most significant zoos (including the San Diego Zoo Bronx Zoo, and Brookfield Zoo) don't participate, and it doesn't provide benefits at most major aquariums. Participating locations.

    • Unlike most of the other major programs, you usually only receive a 50% discount, rather than free admission. However, memberships with a smaller set of participating zoos and aquariums will give you free admission with that same set of locations (and 50% off everywhere else).

    KansasCityZoo.png
  • Association of Children's Museums (ACM). Provides benefits at around 200 different children's museums. Like the Zoo program, and unlike the other programs, you'll only receive 50% off the regular admission. Nearly every US children's museum participates, admission is good for up to six people, and the conveniently don't block privileges at nearby museums. Participating Museums.
  • Time Travelers. Provides benefits at more than 300 historical sites and museums throughout the United State. Participating Locations.

Access multiple programs with a single membership

Many museums belong to multiple reciprocal programs. Becoming a member one of these museums lets you enjoy the benefits of multiple programs for a single membership fee.

Art Museums

Others

  • Science museums and zoos. A handful of places are members of both the Science Museum and Zoo programs.
    • Qualifying membership at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery (Dayton, Ohio) costs $115 for a family, but provides the option to join at a $145 level and also qualify for the Children's Museum program. Both include free admission, rather than 50% off, at a subset of the participating Zoos.
      • BoonshoftMembershipLevels.png
    • Qualifying Membership at the Western North Carolina Nature Center (Asheville, NC) is only $34 for one person, $49 for two, and $69 for a family, and your membership entitles you to free admission, rather than 50% off at a subset of participating Zoos. At the Lake Superior Zoo (Duluth, Minnesota), qualifying family membership is only $75.
    • Other options are he CuriOdyssey (San Mateo, California), Museum of Science (Boston, Massachusetts), Greensboro Science Center (Greensboro, NC), and Museum of Life and Science (Durham, NC).
  • Science, Art, History, and Specialty museums. A handful of museums are members of both the Science Museum program and of the North American Reciprocal Museum program. You'll need to pay at least $100 for any membership that includes NARM privelges. If you aren't interested, there are some Science Museum only options that are as low as $50/family, such as the Experimental Aircraft Association.
    • The Kern County Museum (Bakersfield, CA) also includes benefits in ROAM and at Children's Museums. Qualifying membership is $125/family, and also includes benefits at a hundreds of historical sites through the Time Travelers program.
      • KernCounty.png
    • The Corning Museum of Glass (Corning, NY) and Burke Museum (Seattle, WA) also include benefits in ROAM, but memberships are more expensive.
    • The Great Explorations Children's Museum (Saint Petersburg, FL) and Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences (Charleston, WV) also include benefits at Children's Museums. Qualifying memberships are $150 per family.
    • A qualifying membership at the Evansville Museum of Art, History, and Science (Evansville, IN) only costs $100, and includes the Time Travelers program as well as NARM and ASTC.
    • A qualifying membership Minnestrista (Muncie, IN) costs $125/family and also includes reciprocal benefits at American Horticultural Society members.
    • Other options include the Powerhouse Science Center (Sacramento, CA), Yale Peabody Museum (New Haven, CT), Delaware Museum of Natural History (Wilmington, DE), Hagley Museum (Wilmington, DE), Museum of Arts and Sciences (Daytona Beach, FL), South Florida Museum (Bradenton, FL), Peoria Riverfront Museum (Peoria, IL), Indiana State Museum (Indianapolis, IN), Grout Museum District (Waterloo, IA), Berkshire Museum (Pittsfield, MA), Springfield Museums (Springfield, MA), Air Zoo (Portage, MI), Farmington Museum (Farmington, NM), Cape Fear Museum of History & Science (Wilmington, NC), The Works (Newark, OH), University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History (Eugene, OR), Reading Public Museum (Reading, PA), McDonald Observatory (Fort Davis, TX), The Reach (Richland, WA), and Wenatchee Valley Museum (Wenatchee, WA).
  • Science and Children's Museums. There is a lot of overlap between the Science Museum and Children's Museum programs. Many museums belong to both. As listed above, the Boonshoft museum also includes membership in both programs plus the the Zoo program, the Kern Museum in both programs plus NARM and ROAM, and the Great Explorations and Clay Center in both programs plus NARM.






Lua error in Module:Link at line 366: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).

Send comments or suggestions to editor@travelstrategies.com or leave a comment below.



blog comments powered by Disqus
Retrieved from "https://www.travelstrategies.com/index.php?title=Reciprocal_museum_programs&oldid=35577"