Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to get a membership at your favorite museum. We’ve put together five great reasons why a museum membership is more than just a smart investment—it’s your ticket to a year full of inspiration, exploration, and exclusive experiences.
And this May, there’s an extra reason to sign up: The Big Exchange is back from May 1–18! During this special event, your museum membership grants you free general admission to more than 50 museums across San Diego County. Just show your membership card at any participating institution and enjoy the benefits of being part of a vibrant cultural community.
Whether you’re into fine art, science, history, or culture, there’s a membership for you—and you can explore programs from over 50 museums in this handy guide.
You can explore the membership programs at more than 5o museums in one guide by clicking here.
1. You save money!
A museum membership is one of the best values around—it pays for itself faster than you might think! Whether you’re visiting solo, as a couple, or with the whole family, an annual membership gives you unlimited access all year long for one affordable price. And in many cases, memberships cover the entire household, not just one person—making it a perfect choice for families looking for fun, enriching outings.
Do the math, and you’ll see most memberships pay for themselves in just two or three visits. After that, every trip is essentially free!
But the savings don’t stop at the front door. Many memberships come with discounted guest tickets, deals at gift shops and cafés, and special pricing on programs and events. You’ll also get access to exclusive perks like exhibit previews, early registration, and members-only events that add even more value.
With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why a museum membership is such a smart—and fun—investment.
2. First in the Know!
One of the best parts of being a museum member is getting the inside scoop. Museums are constantly evolving—whether it’s a groundbreaking new art exhibition, a hands-on science display, or a family-friendly program, there’s always something fresh to explore. As a member, you’ll be the first to hear about upcoming exhibits, special events, and limited-time experiences.
Many museums offer exclusive access to member previews, where you can see new exhibitions before they open to the public. It’s like having a backstage pass to your favorite cultural destinations. You might even get invited to members-only events like curator talks, behind-the-scenes tours, or early registration for popular workshops and camps.
Plus, with free subscriptions to e-newsletters or member magazines, you’ll always stay informed about what’s happening—so you’ll never miss a must-see exhibit or a fun event for the whole family.
3. Discounts on Food & Gifts!
Who doesn’t love a good discount—especially when it comes with a side of art, culture, and creativity? One of the most underrated perks of a museum membership is the exclusive savings you get at museum shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Think unique, handmade gifts at the Visions Museum of Textile Art’s gift shop, or stylish art books, jewelry, and prints at your favorite museum store—all with a members-only discount. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or picking up a thoughtful gift, those savings add up fast.
Craving something delicious after your museum visit? Many museums offer member discounts at their on-site eateries. Grab a coffee or lunch at CRAFT CAFÉ or enjoy a curated dining experience at ARTIFACT Restaurant—both located at the Mingei International Museum. Over at MCASD, members can savor modern flavors at The Kitchen, while Panama 66 at the San Diego Museum of Art offers fresh, locally-sourced bites in a beautiful outdoor setting—all with discounts for members.
But that’s not all—many memberships also include savings on parking, museum camps, classes, and even birthday parties. Some museums are also part of nationwide reciprocal programs, giving you free or discounted admission to partner museums across the country.
With all these added perks, your membership goes way beyond admission—it’s a full-access pass to fun, flavor, and fantastic finds.
3. Amazing Gift Idea!
Looking for a thoughtful, unique gift that won’t end up tucked away in a drawer? A museum membership is the perfect present—one that gives all year long. Whether it’s Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduations, birthdays, or the holidays, a membership offers the gift of experiences, discovery, and lasting memories.
And this May, there are a few extra special events that make a membership even more meaningful. The 2025 Annual Mother’s Day Historic Home Tour hosted by the Coronado Historical Association takes place on Mother’s Day, May 11, and is the perfect way to celebrate mom with a walk through time. Or give someone access to the La Jolla Historical Society’s Secret Garden Party and Secret Garden Tour, a beloved tradition that happens every May—open to members for exclusive access and perks.
Museum memberships are quick to purchase, easy to personalize, and filled with value. Whether your recipient is into space, history, nature, art, or science, there’s a museum (or several!) that will light them up. Plus, you’ll be known as the person who gives gifts that are fun, thoughtful, and unforgettable.
Find the perfect gift membership in our Museum Membership Guide here and give someone the key to a year full of amazing experiences.
4. The “Big Exchange” – Your Membership Just Got Supercharged!
Here’s where your museum membership turns into a golden ticket.
Every spring, San Diego’s museums come together for something truly special: The Big Exchange, happening this year from May 1–18. During this limited-time event, your membership at any participating museum gives you FREE general admission to more than 50 museums all across San Diego County!
That’s right—whether you’re already a member or planning to purchase one, you’ll unlock access to an incredible lineup of museums, historic sites, gardens, aquariums, and more. Think of it as a county-wide cultural celebration—and your membership is your all-access pass.
It’s our way of saying THANK YOU for supporting San Diego’s vibrant museum community. And it’s not just one or two spots—this includes everything from art and science museums to historical societies and hidden gems you may have never visited before.
Whether you’re looking to explore something new every day or make it a weekend adventure, The Big Exchange gives you the freedom to discover the best of San Diego—for free.
Find all the details and download the digital guide here, and get ready for some seriously BIG fun.
Check out our handy digital guide (shown above). Click on it to see a full list of participating museums and any restrictions.
Click here to see participating museums from throughout the County including the USS Midway Museum, The New Children’s Museum, San Diego Automotive Museum, San Diego Natural History Museum, California Surf Museum and dozens more!
5. The Heart of Every Museum
Our final reason might just be the most important: people.
When you buy a museum membership, you’re not just unlocking amazing experiences—you’re directly supporting the people who make it all possible. These are your neighbors, friends, and fellow San Diegans—the dedicated staff, curators, educators, historians, scientists, artists, volunteers, and behind-the-scenes heroes who work tirelessly to bring our museums to life.
From leading school tours and preserving priceless artifacts, to designing exhibits and creating family-friendly programs, these individuals are the heartbeat of our cultural community. And when you support a museum, you’re helping sustain more than 10,000 jobs and volunteer roles across San Diego County.
But it’s bigger than that. Supporting museums is an investment in the future of San Diego—in education, in creativity, in community engagement, and in preserving the stories that shape who we are. Your membership helps ensure that future generations will have access to the same wonder, knowledge, and inspiration that museums bring today.
So when you purchase a membership, know that you’re not just signing up for amazing perks. You’re joining a community, uplifting people, and playing a part in keeping San Diego a place worth exploring, again and again.
