MUSCATINE, Iowa – This summer, the Muscatine Art Center is honored to open its doors to active-duty personnel and their families as a proud participant in Blue Star Museums, a program that provides free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families.
As a proud participant in the Blue Star Museums program, the Art Center joins cultural institutions across the country in offering complimentary admission from Armed Forces Day, (Saturday, May 17) through Labor Day (Monday, September 1).
Learn more and find the list of participating museums at arts.gov/BlueStarMuseums.
The Blue Star Museums initiative is a collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and over 2,000 museums nationwide—including art museums, science centers, historic sites, zoos, and more.
“The National Endowment for the Arts is honored to help connect military service members and their families with their communities through the Blue Star Museums program,” Mary Anne Carter, Senior Advisor for the National Endowment for the Arts, said. “Institutions like the Muscatine Art Center offer opportunities for military members to create special memories and connect with our country’s heritage and culture.”
"For 15 years, Blue Star Museums has opened doors for military families to explore, connect, and feel at home in their communities,” Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families, said. “Thanks to our continued partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and participating museums nationwide, we’re proud to continue this tradition of belonging and enrichment. Museums are more than cultural spaces—they’re places where military families feel seen, welcomed, and celebrated."
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To kick off the summer season, the community is invited to join the Muscatine Art Center from 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, for the “For the Love of the Garden” event. Bring the whole family for a lively afternoon in the garden featuring:
- A Plein Air painting demonstration in the garden by artist Kimble Bromley
- Hands-on flower-themed craft projects for children and families in the studio
- Exhibits from the Muscatine Master Gardeners
- Baked goods for sale from the Rendezvous
- Coffee, hot or iced tea, and lemonade available for a free-will donation
- Live music by the Mad Creek Mudcats from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m.
- Artist Kimble Bromley will be painting in the garden throughout the afternoon
In addition to the Muscatine Art Center, participants include history, art, and children’s museums, historical sites, botanical gardens, zoos, aquariums, and more, and can be found in all 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam. The current list of participating museums will continue to grow as organizations can register to be a Blue Star Museum throughout the summer.
The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military — Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force, members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps — and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), DD Form 1173-1 ID card or the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.
About the Muscatine Art Center
The Muscatine Art Center is open Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays 1 to 5 p.m. The Muscatine Art Center is located at 1314 Mulberry Avenue in Muscatine, Iowa. Call 563-263-8282 for up-to-date details or visit www.muscatineartcenter.org for more information about programs and events.
About the National Endowment for the Arts
Established by Congress, the National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. By advancing opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States. To learn more, visit arts.gov or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
About Blue Star Families
Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nation’s largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A “blue star family” is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts. For more information, click here.