ART MUSEUM OF SOUTH TEXAS IS A 2026 BLUE STAR MUSEUM

Free admission for active military personnel and their families from May 16 until September 7

Corpus Christi, TX, May 2026 — The Art Museum of South Texas is pleased to participate in Blue Star Museums, a program that provides free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families during the summer. The 2026 program will begin on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16, 2025, and end on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2025. Learn more and find the list of participating museums at arts.gov/BlueStarMuseums.

“We are proud to participate in the Blue Star Museums program and welcome active-duty military families to experience the Art Museum of South Texas,” said AMST director, Sara S. Morgan. Art has the power to connect, inspire, and offer moments of reflection—and we’re honored to offer that to those who serve and sacrifice for our country.”

Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and participating museums across America.

“Museums help military families stay connected—to each other, to their communities, and to the nation they serve,” said Mary Anne Carter, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. “As our country approaches 250 years of independence, Blue Star Museums provides service members and their loved ones with meaningful opportunities to explore history and spark curiosity. For military families—who often face frequent moves and time apart—these shared museum experiences offer a sense of stability, belonging, and connection. By opening doors nationwide, this program ensures they can engage with the arts and history that reflect their sacrifices and strengthen the bonds that hold them together.”

“Blue Star Museums has opened doors for military families to explore, connect, and feel at home,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. “As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we’re proud to continue this partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and museums nationwide—welcoming military families into the heart of our nation’s story and celebrating them every step of the way.”

In addition to AMST, participating museums can be found in all 50 states, District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and include history, art, and children’s museums; historical sites; botanical gardens; zoos; aquariums; and more. A map of all participating museums is available on arts.gov. Museums can join the Blue Star Museums program all summer long and the map will be updated regularly.

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. Must show an ID in the form of 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.