General Membership: Frequently Asked Questions
For digital membership questions, click here for more FAQs
Can I renew or purchase a membership online?
Yes, click here to join or renew online.
When will I receive my permanent membership cards?
Digital cards will be emailed to you within one week of purchase. If you would like printed cards, they will be available to pick up at the front desk on your next visit. If you join or renew online, you will receive an email that can be presented along with your photo ID. Visit Digital Membership: Frequently Asked Questions for more information about digital memberships.
How do I receive my guest admission coupons?
The 50% off guest coupons will be given to you at the time of purchase. If you purchase a membership online, your coupons will be left in will call to pick up for your next visit.
How do I sign my children up for the Birthday Club
If you included your children’s information on the membership application, nothing further is needed. Otherwise, at the Admission Desk, email or by calling 757-595-1900 x240. Please include your name, children’s names and birthdates (mm/dd/yy).
Can I visit before I get my card or if I have lost my card?
Yes, please bring your photo ID to the Admission Desk to verify your membership.
How do I change my address?
In person at the Admission Desk, by calling 757-595-1900 x240 or by email to membership@thevlm.org. After the new address is received, you will receive new membership cards.
Do you reciprocate with other museums & science centers?
Yes, we participate in the ASTC Passport Program which gives VLM “Family” level members free or reduced admission to over 360 participants worldwide. There are specific restrictions to this program. Check out the listing here. (Please note that this list contains museums within a 90 mile radius of the VLM that are not included in this benefit.) Children’s Museum of Virginia, Mariners Museum, Nauticus and Battleship Wisconsin, Norfolk Zoo, Science Museum of Virginia, Virginia Air & Space and Virginia Aquarium are within 90 miles of the VLM; therefore, VLM members do not receive reciprocal admission at these museums and their members do not receive reciprocal admission at the VLM.
The VLM also enforces the Residency Restriction; therefore, our Admissions Desk staff will ask for a photo ID when you present your membership card with the ASTC logo. If your address is within 90 miles of the VLM, reciprocal benefits do not apply.
Do you reciprocate with Virginia Air & Space Center or Nauticus?
Unfortunately, they are within the 90 mile radius restriction and we do not reciprocate.
Do you reciprocate with AZA-member zoos and aquariums?
Yes, the VLM does participate in reciprocal programs with AZA zoos and aquariums.
How do I sign-up to receive the e-newsletter?
If you included your email on your membership application nothing further is needed. Otherwise, send an email to membership@thevlm.org to sign up.
I want to bring guests, but I only have a Family level membership.
At any point during your membership year, you can add guests to your membership. Add-ons of 2 Guests ($55), 4 Guests ($85), or 6 Guests ($115) can be added to any level of general membership. Keep in mind that your current expiration date does not change. If your membership expires on 8/31/2021 and you upgrade on 8/1/2021, then your membership will still expire on 8/31/2021 but, you have the benefit of bringing guests for the month. The alternative would be to renew early with the add-ons included with the membership and pay the full price for the next year.
Can I purchase a membership for more than one year?
Yes, and save money too! Join for 2 years and save up to 10%.
How many people does a “Family” level membership cover?
Our memberships are based on households; therefore the “Family” level gives membership benefits to 1 or 2 adults and all minor children in the household.
Can I send my nanny with my membership card?
The VLM offers two options for adding a nanny to your membership:
1: Add additional guests to your membership and the nanny can bring the children on your membership. This offers flexibility that allows any guest to bring your children to the museum.
2: Purchase an individual membership for the nanny and use that along with the family membership. If the nanny is a student, military or senior, the cost is only $50.
I have an 18-year-old child in my household; does the “Family” level membership give him/her benefits?
No, memberships only cover minor children in the household, but you may chose to name him/her as a cardholder. 2 adult names can appear on the card.
I have more than 2 adults in my household, what is the best membership for me?
Consider a “Family” level of membership with “add-ons” of 2, 4 or 6 guests, but remember that at least one of the 2 adults named on the card or a child from the family must be present to check-in guests.
I have a Family membership with 2 guests; can my children visit with grandparents as their guests?
The children are considered members and can visit with other guests. The children should bring the family’s membership card and let the Admission Desk staff know that the grandparents are their guests.
Can I transfer my membership to someone else?
No, memberships are non-transferable and are valid only for the person whose name appears on the card.
Can I lend my membership card to a friend or family member?
No, the member whose name is on the card must be present. Supporting photo ID is required.
I have questions about my Digital Membership?
Visit our Digital Membership FAQ page for answers to questions about digital membership cards.
Can I send someone in my place if I can’t go? Or bring someone in place of a spouse that is not attending?
No, the member is the cardholder and must be present. No substitutions.
Are VLM memberships tax deductible?
Thank you for supporting conservation educations! Memberships are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Please consult your tax attorney for specific guidelines.
Why do I have to show my photo ID to visit the VLM?
To prevent misuse and fraud. We want to protect our members should their cards be lost or stolen.
Do you offer a military discount or senior discount?
Yes, please visit the Admission Desk with a military photo ID to receive $15 off a general membership. Seniors (65+) also receive $15 off of any level of general membership, but must present a photo ID.
How do I get to the Virginia Living Museum?
Click here for Directions to the VLM.
We are moving to another state, can I receive a refund?
No, memberships are non-refundable. Keep in mind that you may be able to use your membership card at other museums that participate in the ASTC Passport Program.
I would like to help the VLM. What can I do?
There are many ways to help. You can make a donation, purchase an item from our wish list, adopt an animal, attend a fundraiser or volunteer. Contact development@thevlm.org or call 757-595-1900 x257.
I have a specific question, who do I ask?
Please email our Membership Manager.