SNAP beneficiaries in New York can receive a free membership to the Museum of Natural History.

New York City’s American Museum of Natural History is taking significant steps to foster inclusivity within its cultural offerings by introducing a new free membership program aimed at residents enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The recent announcement highlights the museum’s commitment to making its resources more accessible to underserved communities, reflecting an ongoing effort to promote engagement with the arts and culture.

As part of this initiative, the museum has unveiled a “Discoverer” membership level, which grants General Admission and access to one ticketed exhibition per visit for individuals holding a SNAP EBT card and up to four accompanying guests. This program comes in response to broader concerns about funding cuts, as a recent budget bill signed into law is expected to reduce SNAP benefits by 6 billion over the next decade. In this context, the Discoverer membership represents a proactive strategy by the museum to support low-income residents.

Enrollment in the Discoverer program is straightforward. SNAP recipients can sign up by presenting their EBT cards at the museum’s Member Desk, instantly activating their membership for same-day access. Once registered, participants receive a digital membership card, enabling them to reserve tickets online.

This initiative offers a one-year membership that can be renewed annually in person at the museum’s location, situated at West 81st Street and Central Park West. The museum’s efforts are in collaboration with New York City’s Department of Cultural Affairs, the Human Resources Administration, and the Department of Social Services. It is estimated that approximately 1.8 million low-income residents within the city depend on SNAP benefits, underscoring the importance of such outreach efforts.

The museum’s leadership emphasizes the necessity of inclusivity within its institutional framework. The American Museum of Natural History President has articulated that creating a more diverse and representative membership base is a central aspiration of the institution. The Discoverer membership is a testament to the belief that culture and education must be accessible to all.

In addition to providing free membership, the museum has plans to enhance its public outreach across all five boroughs, aiming to identify and dismantle barriers to access. The Human Resources Administration will also contribute to this initiative through various digital marketing efforts, ensuring that more residents are informed about this new opportunity.

This initiative not only signifies a positive shift towards equity in cultural access but also reinforces the museum’s role as a vital civic and educational resource in New York City. It is a step forward in making sure that the wonders of science and culture are shared with everyone in the community.