Virginia Living Museum
Become a Member
 

 

Membership: Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: Can I renew or purchase a membership online?

A: Yes, click here to join or renew online.

 

Q: When will I receive my permanent membership cards?

A: Within 2 to 3 weeks from the date of purchase.  The cards will be mailed to the address provided.  If you join or renew in person, a temporary card & member packet will be given to you. If you join or renew online, you will receive an email that can be printed & presented along with your photo ID.

 

Q: How do I get my planetarium vouchers?

A: Two planetarium vouchers will be mailed along with your permanent membership cards.  (Vouchers must be redeemed at the Admission Desk to receive tickets for seating.)  Additional planetarium tickets can be purchased at the member rate from the Admission Desk.

 

Q: How do I receive my guest admission coupons?

A: The 50% off guest coupons are attached to your permanent membership cards and depending on your level, you will receive 1 (Individual level) or 2 guest coupons.

 

Q: How do I sign my children up for the Bubbles Birthday Club?

A: 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).

 

Q: Can I visit before I get my card or if I have lost my card?

A: Yes, please bring your photo ID to the Admission Desk to verify your membership.

 

Q: How do I change my address?

A: In person at the Admission Desk, by calling 757-595-1900x240 or by email to membership@thevlm.org.  After the new address is received, you will receive new membership cards.

 

Q: Do you reciprocate with other museums & science centers?

A: Yes, we participate in the ASTC Passport Program which gives VLM “Family” level members free and/or discounted admission to over 300 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 and are not included in this benefit.)

 

Q: Do you reciprocate with Virginia Air & Space Center or Nauticus?

A: Unfortunately, they are within the 90 mile radius restriction and we do not reciprocate.

 

Q: How do I sign-up to receive the e-newsletter, The Buzz?

A: If you included your email on your membership application nothing further is needed. Otherwise, send an email to membership@thevlm.org to sign up.

 

Q: I want to bring guests, but I only have a Family level membership.

A: At any point during your membership, you can upgrade to a Family w/3 Guests level membership by paying the difference.  From a Family to a Family w/3 Guests membership is $25.  Keep in mind that your current expiration date does not change.  If your membership expires on 8/31/2011 and you upgrade on 8/1/2011, then your membership will still expire on 8/31/2011 but, you have the benefit of bringing guests for the month.  The alternative would be to renew early at the new level & pay the full price for the next year.

Q: Can I purchase a membership for more than one year?

A: Yes, and save money too! Join for 3 years and save up to $35.

 

Q: How many people does a “Family” level membership cover?

A:  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. 

 

Q: Can I send my nanny with my membership card?

A: Yes, with a “Family” level membership the VLM allow’s one nanny to be named for your household.  The nanny is admitted free with your children, however; the nanny’s name must be provided to the VLM before the visit.  The “Family w/3 Guests” level gives more flexibility if you have multiple nannies or send the children with other relatives.

 

Q: I have an 18 year old child in my household; does the “Family” level membership give him/her benefits?

A: 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. 

 

Q: I have more than 2 adults in my household, what is the best membership for me?

A: Consider a “Family w/3 Guests” level of membership, but remember that at least one of the 2 adults named on the card must be present. 

 

Q: I have a Family w/3 Guests membership; 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.

 

Q: Can I transfer my membership to someone else?

A: No, memberships are non-transferable and are valid only for the person whose name appears on the card. 

 

Q: Can I lend my membership card to a friend or family member?

A: No, the member whose name is on the card must be present.  Supporting photo ID is required.

 

Q: Can I send someone in my place if I can’t go? Or bring someone in place of a spouse that is not attending?

A: No, the member is the cardholder and must be present.  No substitutions.

 

Q: Why do I have to show my photo ID to visit the VLM?

A: To prevent misuse and fraud.  We want to protect our members should their cards be lost or stolen.

 

Q: Do you offer a military discount?

A: Yes, please visit the Admission Desk with a military photo ID to receive 10% off a general membership.

 

Q: How do I get to the Virginia Living Museum?

A: Click here for Directions to the VLM.

 

Q: We are moving to another state, can I receive a refund?

A: 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.

 

Q: I would like to help the VLM. What can I do?

Link to support page – donate now. Contact development@thevlm.org or call 757-595-1900 x257.

 

Q: I have a specific question, who do I ask?

A: Please email our Membership Manager.