Can I renew or purchase a membership online?
Yes, click here to join or renew online.
When will I receive my digital membership cards?
Digital cards will be emailed to you within one week of purchase. If you join or renew online, you will receive an email that can be presented along with your photo ID.
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.
Can I visit before I get my card?
How do I change my address?
In person at the Admission Desk, by calling 757-534-7480 or by email to [email protected].
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. For VLM members visiting other ASTC institutions, please confirm with that Museum on any restrictions or rules.
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. For ASTC institution members visiting VLM, please note that, in addition to our 90 mile restriction, our admission policy for only 2 adults and 2 children per membership.
Do you reciprocate with AZA-member zoos and aquariums?
While the VLM is accredited by AZA, we do not 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 [email protected] 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 ($75), 4 Guests ($105), or 6 Guests ($135) can be added to any level of general membership. Keep in mind that your current expiration date does not change. For example, if your membership expires on 8/31 and you upgrade on 8/1, then your membership will still expire on 8/31 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.
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.
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.
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 advisor or attorney for specific guidelines.
Why do I have to show my photo ID to visit the VLM?
We want to protect our members should their cards be lost or stolen.
Do you offer any discounts?
As a thank you to active duty military and retired, the Virginia Living Museum offers a $15 savings on any level of general membership. Please present your military ID to receive this offer. Seniors (+65) and college students also receive a $15 discount on any level of general membership, but must show a valid photo ID. These discounts are only available at the Admission Desk of the Museum. We are proud to offer employees of the following generous corporate sponsors a $5 discount on memberships:
- Ferguson/Wolseley
- Newport News Shipbuilding
Please present staff ID for discount.
Only one discount applies when purchasing a membership. Discounts can only be applied for in-person purchases. Discounts do not apply to any guest add-ons.
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 at other museums that participate in the ASTC Passport Program and AZA reciprocal admissions program.
I have a specific question, who do I ask?
Please email our Membership Manager.
Can I photograph or bring photography gear to the Virginia Living Museum?
Visitors are permitted to take photographs and shoot videos for personal, non-commercial use. Photographs and videos are not to be used for any commercial purposes, including but not limited to: Web sites, print or broadcast advertisements, publications, training films, feature films or motion pictures (movies), screen savers, podcasts, or other public use.
Visitors must abide by the following rules when taking pictures or videotaping at the Museum:
- Exhibits, plants, animals, animal enclosures, animal care and support areas may not be entered or disturbed.
- Pathways or other access areas may not be blocked in any way.
- Labels and other signs may not be changed or removed.
- Photographers are liable for any damage to museum property.
- The museum and its employees are not responsible for any loss or damages that may occur.
View our photo policy for more information.
