Museum Membership

UNSM membership opens an multitude of opportunities to explore science and natural history. Below are some of the ways our members can explore more, save more, and experience more.

These listed benefits are included for all membership levels.

Explore More

• Enjoy unlimited access to each of our UNSM museum locations: Morrill Hall (Lincoln), Ashfall Fossil Beds (Royal), and Trailside Museum (Crawford).
• Receive access to hundreds of science centers across the United States through the ASTC (Association of Science and Technology Centers) Passport Program. A complete list of reciprocal ASTC museums and benefits can be viewed here. 

Save More

• 10% off Discovery Gift Shop purchases
• Discounted admission rates on Mueller Planetarium Shows
• 10% off Morrill Hall birthday parties
• Discounted rates for UNSM Summer Camps
• Discounted rates for paid annual events like Valentine Wine & Dine

Experience More

• Free admission and member gifts at annual events like Dinosaurs & Disasters, Fossil Day, and Archie's Party at Morrill Hall
• Free admission to the Rockin' Rhino Bash at Ashfall Fossil Beds.
• Participate in monthly science experiences and activities with our educators and researchers through programs at Morrill Hall like Sunday with a Scientist, and Investigate: Saturday Science Lab. 
• -NEW- Join us for the annual Member Appreciation Night at Morrill Hall (stay tuned for further details). 
• Receive regular updates on museum events and activities through our e-newsletter Museum Happenings.
• Go behind the scenes to learn more about museum operations, achievements, research, and activities with our semi-annual print newsletter the Mammoth.

How your membership Gives Back

The value of your involvement extends further than the benefits you receive. By joining our membership family, you are supporting innovative education programs and community outreach; providing opportunities for museum student interns in Morrill Hall's Visible Lab, as well as the museum's education, exhibits, and other departments; funding the development of entertaining and thought-provoking exhibits; and helping the conservation of more than 13 million specimens and artifacts from around the world in our Research Collections.

By purchasing or renewing a membership, you're also an active participant in our Community Access Program. Each season UNSM partners with a community organization to donate FREE museum passes for that organization's participants. Examples of previous partners include: CEDARS, Friendship Home, Malone Community Center, People's City Mission, and more.

Winter Community Access Program Partner

"Malone programs and services are designed to help achieve our mission to eliminate multigenerational poverty in Lincoln. The Malone's vision is to create unity and a mindset for prosperity throughout Lincoln while honoring our African American heritage." Learn more about this non-profit at https://malonecenter.org/

Membership Levels & Benefits

INDIVIDUAL - $55
Provides base membership benefits for one individual. 

FAMILY - $69
Family comes in all shapes and sizes. This membership provides base benefits for two adults and two children under 18* regardless of household status or relationship. (Additional children can be added with our Child Add On benefit.)

At least one of the listed adults on the membership must be present at time of use. 
*Adult dependents can qualify as a child on memberships.

STARGAZER - $125
The perfect membership for those who love exploring the galaxy. This membership provides UNLIMITED Planetarium Access** in addition to base benefits for two adults and two children under 18* regardless of relationship or household status. (Additional children can be added with our Child Add On benefit). 

At least one of the listed adults on the membership must be present at time of use.
*Adult dependents can qualify as a child on memberships.
**Planetarium access is for public shows only, and is subject to the planetariums normal ticket/seating availability on any given show.

AGATE - $250
Enjoy all the benefits of Stargazer level and a complimentary Smithsonian Affiliate Membership, while also providing rock star support for the museum's research, exhibits, and education programs. 
 $125 of this membership is tax deductible.

MONARCH - $500
Enjoy all the benefits of Stargazer level and a complimentary Smithsonian Affiliate Membership, while also helping our research, exhibits, and education programs keep fluttering along. 
$375 of the membership is tax deductible. 

MAMMOTH - $1,000
Enjoy all the benefits of Stargazer level and a copmlimentary Smithsonian Affiliate Membership, plus make a mammoth sized impact on supporting the museum’s research, exhibits, and education programs.
$875 of this membership is tax deductible. 

UNL Faculty/Staff Discount
UNL faculty and staff qualify for 10% off desired level of membership. Visit any of our museum locations or call 402-472-2637 for your discount code.

Membership Add Ons

ADDITIONAL CHILD - $10
Add additional children ages 3-18 (children under 2 are always free) to the selected level of membership for $10 per child.

SMITHSONIAN AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP - $25
UNSM is an official Smithsonian Affiliate organization. We can offer our members Smithsonian Affiliate memberships which include the following:

• One year subscription (12 issues) of the Smithsonian magazine
• Monthly digital VIP Smithsonian Newsletter
• A personalized Smithsonian Affiliate membership card
• Free admission to Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum (NY)
• 10% discounts on cafe dining at Smithsonian museums in DC
• 10% discount on all Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
• 10% discount on all IMAX and Planetarium tickets at the Smithsonian
• Additional benefits can be found on Smithsonian.com. Benefits on Smithsonian.com are subject to change.

Community Access Program

Each season members have the ability to join the Museum in supporting a local organization. UNSM will donate 2 free Morrill Hall passes for every membership purchased or renewed during the designated membership drive period. Additional passes can be purchased for donation at a discounted rate of 2 passes for $10. 

Members are welcome to nominate a community organization to receive the passes. Other nominations are provided by UNSM staff, the Friends of the State Museum, or organizations can nominate themselves. Nominated organizations are evaluated based on their mission, audience served, and potential to provide access to community members who otherwise may not be able to visit museums. 

Questions on the Community Access Program or organization nominations can be sent to unsmmembership@unl.edu.