Membership Benefits: Explorers Society

As a member you get to experience the best that Griffin Museum of Science and Industry has to offer. We want you to take full advantage of your membership benefits every day of the year. This is your guide to being a Griffin MSI member.

How do I visit using my free admission?

Step 1: Reserve your tickets online. You’ll need to log in as a member using your ID number and ZIP code and don’t forget to select tickets for any additional experiences! Your member pricing benefits will be applied once tickets are added to your cart.

Step 2: Go to the Membership express line when you arrive at Griffin MSI. You only need to stop at the Membership Desk if you want to purchase additional tickets, have questions or want to renew or upgrade your membership.

Step 3: Have fun!

What free and discounted tickets come with my membership?

As an Explorers Society member, you can reserve one set of free tickets to Marvel’s Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing – The Exhibition during its run for the number of people covered by your membership. These complimentary tickets must be redeemed in a single visit — the complimentary rate will be applied at checkout. All additional tickets will be at the $9 member rate.

For the run of Anne Frank The Exhibition, you can reserve one set of free tickets (redeemed on a single visit date) and then additional tickets for $9.50.

You also can reserve free tickets each visit for the Giant Dome Theater and 50% off additional GDT tickets. Additionally, you get one free Coal Mine or U-505 On-board Tour for each member of your party every time you visit.

What benefits will Explorers have for future temporary exhibitions?

Member benefits for temporary exhibitions will vary depending on the exhibition and General Admission price.

Do I still get unlimited tickets to other permanent exhibitions?

Yes! U-505 On-board Tour, Coal Mine and Giant Dome Theater tickets will remain free for you and your party. Tours are valid once per day.

How does the one free set of tickets work?

When booking tickets online, you will be able to reserve tickets to the special exhibition for everyone covered by your membership. The discount will be applied during checkout. These complimentary tickets must be used on a single visit date, so we recommend planning your visit when everyone in your household plus your two guests can attend together.

After that visit, you’ll receive member pricing on all subsequent tickets to that exhibition (Marvel’s Spider–Man: $9; Anne Frank The Exhibition: $9.50).

What happens if I book tickets but then need to change my visit?

To change the date or time of a time-ticketed tour or temporary exhibition, please contact our call center at (773) 684-1414. A representative will assist you in making any changes or cancellations. You can also contact Membership.

Who can I bring with me to Griffin MSI?

An Explorers Society membership provides free admission for two named adults and all children living in your household. Your benefits include two free guest tickets every time you visit. A named member must be present for your benefits to be used.

Can my children visit with a caregiver?

Yes! Children in your household ages 15 and under can visit without you but must be with an adult caregiver. Learn more and contact us to add an authorized caregiver to your membership.

I haven’t received my membership card yet. When will it arrive, and can I still visit?

You don’t need a physical membership card to visit or access any of your membership benefits! Your digital membership card is all you need.

• If you requested a physical membership card, it takes 5 - 7 weeks to arrive.
• If you haven’t received your digital or physical cards, please contact Membership.

How does parking work?

With your Explorers Society membership, you receive free parking in the Museum's underground garage for one car per day. You must use your membership card — print or digital — to enter and exit the garage to receive your discount.

1. Scan your membership card when entering the garage. You will not receive a physical ticket.
2. You do not need to stop at a parking pay station before returning to your vehicle.
3. Scan your membership card at the exit gate and enjoy the rest of your day.

Membership rates for the underground garage are only valid when a driver from the membership household is parking as part of visiting Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. Griffin MSI monitors its parking garage and reserves the right to revoke a member’s parking benefits if it is determined that the benefits are being used for anything other than a visit to Griffin MSI. This provision applies to all levels of Museum membership.

What if our party is driving multiple cars?

Your membership benefit of free parking is valid for one car per day. Any additional cars are eligible for the Museum guest rate of $22. Each additional driver should be given a printed or digital copy of your Museum visit tickets, and should pull a parking ticket upon entering the garage. When leaving, each additional driver must visit a parking pay station and scan the Museum ticket to receive the validated $22 rate. Note: Your membership card will only work for one car per day.

Where do I get my free member coffee?

Anywhere that has coffee on the day of your visit! Stan’s Donuts and the Museum Kitchen are open all year. Have your membership card ready to show and let them know you are looking for your free member coffee.

What discounts do I get for dining and shopping at the Museum?

As a member, you receive a 10% discount on all purchases in our retail stores and restaurants. Just have your membership card ready to show at checkout.

How do I register for member events?

Visit the Events Calendar for the most up-to-date information about upcoming events and exclusive opportunities. We will also email you when registration opens for member events. We hope you join us at an event soon!

Can I visit other institutions for free with my Griffin MSI membership?

Griffin MSI belongs to the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC), a global organization of science centers and museums. As an Griffin MSI member, you may take advantage of the ASTC Travel Passport Program for museums and organizations that are over 90 miles away from both Griffin MSI and your residence. This distance is measured as a linear radius, not driving distance.

Please note: Museums in Rockford, Illinois, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, are within 90 miles and excluded from membership reciprocity. You can, however, visit some local institutions at a discounted price with your Griffin MSI membership. See Local Reciprocity for more details.

How can I update my contact information?

You can submit a request via our Member Service Form.

Do you have more questions?

Many other answers can be found on our FAQ page.