NARM Membership: How to Visit Hundreds of Museums across North America for Free
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A great way to see hundreds of museums for one low price.
NARM Membership Guide: (Jump To)
About The North American Reciprocal Museum Program
Our constant goal while traveling is to have the best possible experiences without breaking the bank. We are always on the hunt for new ways to maximize experiences while minimizing costs.
A recent find that has proven to be extremely useful and worth the money is the North American Reciprocal Museum Program.
Visit the North American Reciprocal Museum Program Official Website to learn more directly from the organization.
The North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association is a network of cultural institutions, including museums, historic sites, botanical gardens, and more, located across the United States, Canada, Bermuda, and Mexico. The NARM program allows members of participating institutions to enjoy reciprocal benefits when they visit other member institutions.
Here's How the NARM Program Works:
Reciprocal Admission
Members of a participating museum or cultural institution can receive free or discounted admission to other member institutions. This means that if you're a member of a museum that is part of the NARM network, you can often visit other participating institutions without paying full admission fees. Most of the time admission is completely free.
Participating Institutions
The NARM network includes a wide range of institutions, from art museums and science centers to historic houses and botanical gardens. This diversity allows members to explore various aspects of culture and history across different regions.
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How to Find Participating Institutions
The NARM website has an easy-to-use search feature that allows members to search for participating institutions by institution name. It also has a handy feature that allows you to search by city name while including a search radius ranging from five to fifty miles.
It's important to note that while NARM offers these benefits, there may be certain guidelines or restrictions in place. These guidelines could include limitations on the number of daily guests, requirements to present a valid membership card from the home institution, and restrictions during special exhibitions or events.
How to Sign Up
You are not able to sign up directly with NARM. To become a NARM member, you must independently purchase a museum membership at a participating NARM institution.
Use the NARM search feature mentioned above to see if one of your favorite museums is a member. If it is, check the museum’s website to learn what membership level includes the NARM benefits. Some museums will let you become a member directly from their website, while others require you to visit in person.
If you’re not sure which museum to pick, Pittsburgh’s Mattress Factory is a spectacular choice. NARM benefits are included with the Household Plus level membership and higher. They allow you to purchase your membership online.
How to use the Membership
Once you receive your membership card from your institution simply present the card at the ticket counter at the start of your visit. Museum staff will create a free ticket for you and you will enjoy your visit at no additional charge.
In Summary
The North American Reciprocal Museum Association provides a wonderful opportunity for museum enthusiasts and cultural explorers to make the most of their memberships by gaining access to a wide range of institutions beyond their home locations. It encourages cross-cultural experiences and engagement with art, history, science, and more.
My NARM membership saves us hundreds of dollars per year while also encouraging us to visit more museums and cultural institutions. It’s also a wonderful backup plan for rainy-day activities during a trip.
