DAYTON, Ohio – The Dayton Art Institute announced it will join museums nationwide in the Blue Star Museums initiative, a program that provides free admission to currently-serving U.S. military personnel and their families this summer. The 2023 program will begin on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 2023, and end on Labor Day, Monday, September 4, 2023.
Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and participating museums across America. Together, these organizations offer families an opportunity to enjoy the nation’s cultural heritage and better connect with their new communities after a military move. Find the list of participating museums at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.
“Military personnel and their families sacrifice so much to protect our country and represent a significant portion of our local community,” says DAI director and CEO Michael R. Roediger. “The Blue Star Museum initiative is one way in which the DAI and many other museums across the nation can show appreciation and give back to them. We are incredibly proud to participate in this program and extend our gratitude.”
During the program period, DAI offers free museum admission to those currently serving in the United States military—Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force, members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a common access card, dependent ID or the Next Generation Uniformed Services Real ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.
This includes admission to all Special Exhibitions, Focus Exhibitions and the DAI collection galleries. In addition, the DAI offers active duty military personnel and their families a $10 discount on the purchase or renewal of an individual, duo or family membership.
“We thank the 2023 Blue Star Museums who invite military personnel and their families to experience the many wonders they have to offer, whether it’s a glimpse into the past, an encounter with awe-inspiring art or a moment of discovery,” said Maria Rosario Jackson, chair of the National Endowment for the Arts. “The DAI is helping to enrich the lives of military families and build meaningful connections between our nation’s military and their local community.”
For more information about planning a visit, including current museum hours and updates, go to www.daytonartinstitute.org/visit or call 937-223-4ART (4278). Connect with the Dayton Art Institute on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for additional information, behind-the-scenes photos and videos and exclusive offers.