Free Admission Programs At Tacoma Museum Of Glass Military Student And Community Offers

The Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Washington, offers numerous free and discounted admission programs that make contemporary glass art accessible to diverse groups including military personnel, students, library cardholders, and community members. As one of the largest glass art museums on the West Coast, it provides visitors with opportunities to view artworks from emerging and master artists, watch live glassmaking demonstrations, and experience unique architectural elements like the famous Bridge of Glass. This article examines the various free admission programs available at the museum, with particular focus on those that might be of interest to federal employees and military personnel.

Overview of Museum of Glass

The Museum of Glass is located at 1801 Dock Street, Tacoma, WA 98402, and operates Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Regular adult admission is $18. The museum features a distinctive architectural design highlighted by a cone-shaped building containing the Hot and Cold shops where glass art is created, and the stunning 500-foot-long Bridge of Glass adorned with Dale Chihuly glass artwork that connects the museum to downtown Tacoma.

Visitors can watch daily Hot Shop Demonstrations where contemporary glassmaking processes are showcased, participate in guided tours of the Bridge of Glass and Thea Foss Waterway (available seasonally for $10 per person), and explore galleries displaying works from local and national artists. The museum is deeply connected to the Puget Sound region and aims to serve diverse communities through relevant programming and accessible admission initiatives.

Military Admission Programs

The Museum of Glass participates in several programs that provide free admission to military personnel and their families:

Blue Star Museums Program

The museum offers free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve members, through the Blue Star Museums program. This national initiative is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and museums across America. The program runs from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day each year, though some sources indicate it runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

To receive free admission under this program, military personnel must present valid identification at the museum. This program provides an opportunity for military families to experience exhibitions, artist demonstrations, family days, and hands-on crafts at no cost.

Veterans Day Celebration

The museum hosts a special Veterans Day Celebration on November 15, offering free admission all day for veterans, active-duty military, and their families. This celebration includes a color guard ceremony, guest speakers, and the awarding of certificates and commemorative glass coins to Hot Shop Heroes program participants. The event program typically takes place from 2-4pm in the Grand Hall, with musical performances preceding the ceremony.

The museum demonstrates its commitment to the military community through the Hot Shop Heroes program, which offers glassblowing classes for injured veterans and active-duty military personnel. This program provides therapeutic benefits and skill development through the art of glassmaking.

Student and Educational Programs

The Museum of Glass prioritizes educational access for students through several free admission initiatives:

High School and College Student Admission

All Tacoma high school students receive free admission to the museum with their valid student ID. Additionally, college students receive free admission each Sunday when presenting their valid student ID. These programs aim to make contemporary art accessible to young adults and encourage engagement with glass as an artistic medium.

Educational Partnerships with Tacoma Public Schools

The museum has established a strong partnership with Tacoma Public Schools through its Science of Art curriculum, which is offered to every 6th grader in the district. This educational initiative includes museum educators visiting classrooms followed by a free visit to the museum where students can learn in the Hot Shop, galleries, and education studio. The curriculum integrates artistic expression with scientific principles, providing students with a comprehensive learning experience.

Teen Programs and Youth Initiatives

The museum offers various programs designed specifically for teenagers and youth, including Teen Docent and Curator opportunities that provide young people with hands-on experience in museum operations and exhibition development. The Junior Curator Academy, an afterschool program, explores the social context behind select art pieces and encourages critical thinking about contemporary issues through the lens of glass art.

Community Access Programs

The Museum of Glass is committed to making its collections and programs accessible to all community members through several initiatives:

Library Pass Programs

The museum participates in the Art Access Pass program in partnership with the Pierce County Library System and Tacoma Public Libraries. These passes grant free admission to Museum of Glass and other local museums. Limited passes are available, and interested individuals should check with their local library branch for more information and availability.

EBT Discount Program

To ensure accessibility for low-income families, the museum offers reduced admission rates for Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cardholders. Admission is $1 per person or $2 per family when presenting a valid EBT card. This program helps remove financial barriers that might prevent community members from experiencing contemporary glass art.

Community Days and Special Events

The museum hosts free community days throughout the year, though specific dates are not detailed in the provided sources. Additionally, the museum stays open late on the Third Thursday of each month, offering free admission from 5-8pm during these special evening hours. These extended hours provide working individuals and families with additional opportunities to visit the museum outside regular weekday hours.

Mobile Hot Shop and Outreach Programs

Beyond its physical location, the Museum of Glass extends its reach through the Mobile Hot Shop, which visits underserved neighborhoods such as the East and South sides of Tacoma. This outreach program brings the experience of glassmaking directly to communities that might face barriers to visiting the museum. Additionally, the museum livestreams glassblowing demonstrations from its Hot Shop daily, allowing people around the world to view the creative process for free.

Other Ways to Visit

Chrome & Glass Partnership Pass

The museum has partnered with LeMay - America's Car Museum to offer Chrome & Glass passes, which provide admission to both museums at a discounted rate. These passes cost $38 and may be purchased at either museum's admissions desk. The passes also include a 10% discount coupon for the museum stores of both institutions, providing additional value for visitors interested in exploring multiple Tacoma attractions.

Museum Membership

While not explicitly described as a free program, museum membership typically offers benefits that may include free admission. According to one source, membership "pays for itself in four museum visits," suggesting that the cost of membership is offset by the value of admission benefits. Members usually receive additional perks such as invitations to special events, discounts on programs and merchandise, and exclusive viewing opportunities.

Practical Information for Visitors

Location and Parking

The Museum of Glass is located at 1801 Dock Street, Tacoma, WA 98402. Paid parking is available in an underground parking lot, with access from the northwest corner of Dock Street, next to the loading dock. Metered street parking is also available but limited, so visitors should plan accordingly, especially during busy periods.

Planning Your Visit

When planning a visit to take advantage of free admission programs, visitors should:

1. Verify current program dates and requirements, as some offers are seasonal or have specific eligibility criteria
2. Bring appropriate identification (military ID, student ID, library pass, or EBT card) when qualifying for reduced or free admission
3. Check the museum's official website for any special events or closures that might affect visit plans
4. Consider visiting during Third Thursday evenings for free general admission and a potentially less crowded experience

Accessibility and Inclusivity

The Museum of Glass is committed to accessibility for all visitors. The museum offers Low Vision Tours designed specifically for visitors with visual impairments. Additionally, one exhibition is always devoted to an underrepresented group to encourage a sense of belonging and representation within the museum space. The museum acknowledges that it is located on the traditional homelands of the Puyallup Tribe and Coast Salish peoples and recognizes their ongoing stewardship of these lands.

Conclusion

The Museum of Glass in Tacoma provides multiple pathways for free and reduced admission, making contemporary glass art accessible to diverse audiences including military personnel, students, library patrons, and community members. Through programs like Blue Star Museums, student admission initiatives, library partnerships, and community events, the museum fulfills its mission to serve the Puget Sound region while maintaining national recognition for its glass art collections and artist residencies.

Federal employees who are military veterans or active-duty personnel can take advantage of the museum's military-specific programs, while those interested in educational opportunities may benefit from the student and school partnerships. The museum's commitment to accessibility ensures that financial considerations do not prevent community members from experiencing the unique art form of glassmaking.

For the most current information on admission programs, special events, and any new initiatives, visitors should consult the Museum of Glass official website or contact the museum directly. The combination of free admission opportunities, distinctive architecture, engaging demonstrations, and significant art collections makes the Museum of Glass a valuable cultural resource for Tacoma and the broader Pacific Northwest region.

Sources

1. Museum of Glass - Admission Programs
2. Greater Seattle on the Cheap - Tacoma Museum of Glass
3. Museum of Glass - Military Admission
4. Museum of Glass - DEAI Initiatives
5. Museum of Glass - Veterans Day Celebration