Members receive additional benefits not offered to the public: special invitations to Member Nights, exhibition sneak previews, special events, advance registration for summer camp; and special discounts on programs, birthday parties, Galaxy Golf and Sciencenter Gift Shop purchases. Plus, members also receive free admission to over 250 other science museums worldwide.

Join today by using our Verisign^TM secure online membership form or call (607) 272-0600, ext. 19.

How can I purchase or renew my membership?

You can join or renew at the Sciencenter front desk during your next visit, or by calling (607) 272-0600 ext 19, or by using our Verisign^TM secure online membership form.

How do I purchase a membership as a gift for someone else?

Gift membership forms are available at the Sciencenter's front desk, or you can purchase a gift membership online by using our Verisign^TM secure web site, or you can call us at (607) 272-0600 ext. 19.

How can I make a gift when I purchase or renew a membership?

Gifts can be made in person when you purchase or renew your membership at the Sciencenter's Front Desk. Gifts can be made when you purchase or renew your membership online by using our Verisign^TM secure web site. Membership renewal forms that are mailed to you also include a gift line.

Individuals making gifts of $75 or more will receive a complimentary Sciencenter membership.

Many Sciencenter members choose to support the museum with an additional gift when they purchase or renew their membership. Membership and general admission dollars cover less than half of the cost of running the museum, and the additional gifts made by our members make up the difference. Additional information about making a gift to the Sciencenter is available by calling (607) 272-0600 ext 19.

If I make a gift to the Sciencenter, is my membership automatically renewed?

You will receive a complimentary membership for any gift over $75.

How long does it take to receive my membership cards?

We strive to mail out all permanent membership cards within 10 business days, but sometimes due to high volume it can take up to 3-4 weeks. If you haven't received your cards within this time period, please email cbissen@sciencenter.org or call the Membership Office at (607) 272-0600, ext. 19.

How long does it take to process my membership?

Memberships are active immediately upon purchase. If you sign up at the Sciencenter, you will receive temporary membership cards for use until your permanent cards are mailed to you. Online membership purchases are also activated immediately. Simply print out your online receipt and bring it with you when you visit.

Our membership database is updated weekly. The computers at the admission desk are a mirror site of our main database. During busy times of the year it may take longer for your name to be entered into the database and be reflected at the front desk. As long as you have either a current temporary membership card or a current, permanent membership card, you will be admitted.

What is the length of a membership term?

Memberships are good for one full year from the date of purchase. If you are renewing, please be assured that your new membership year will be activated when your current membership expires. There is never a penalty for renewing early.

What is considered a "family" for Family Membership levels?

Family memberships extend to parents and their children residing in the same household. One adult cardholder must be present for free member admission to apply, and must accompany children ages 12 and under during a visit.

Can I give my membership card to another family member to use?

Sciencenter memberships and member benefits are not transferable to other individuals or organizations. One adult person listed on the membership card must be present when visiting. Family Plus and Voyager Society memberships allow you to bring two guests per visit. (Please note that this benefit may not apply at other museums.) With the Family Plus and Voyager Society memberships, at least one adult cardholder must be present when visiting.

Can my Grandparent membership card be given to my children to visit with their children, without me being present?

Grandparent memberships require that the grandparent listed on the card be present when visiting. Grandparents are allowed to bring their grandchildren and their grandchildren's parents when they visit.

If you are a grandparent looking for a membership level that would allow your child and their children to visit with or without you, we suggest that you purchase your grandchildren's parents a gift membership at the Family Plus level.

What other museums honor my Sciencenter membership?

Your Sciencenter membership card grants you free general admission to more than 250 museums that participate in the Travel Passport Program sponsored by the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC). Special exhibits, planetariums, or theaters may not be included - admission prices for these special offerings are decided by the individual museums. Some geographic restrictions may apply.

Members of the Sciencenter's Voyager Society also receive free admission to over 100 children's museums belonging to the Association of Children's Museums (ACM).

To find a museum near your travel destination, visit the ASTC website, ACM website or call our Membership Office at (607) 272-0600, ext. 19. Please call ahead to your destination museum to confirm your benefits.

Please note that museums located within 90 miles of each other are excluded from the ASTC Passport reciprocal admission program. However, we have made special reciprocal arrangements with the following nearby museums:

The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier - Binghamton, NY
Roberson Museum and Science Center - Binghamton, NY
Rochester Museum & Science Center - Rochester, NY
MOST - Syracuse, NY
Sci-Tech Center of Northern New York - Watertown, NY
Utica Children's Museum - Utica, NY
The Science Discovery Center of Oneonta - Oneonta, NY

Can our family membership be used to offset the cost of a field trip or group visit?

Individual memberships are non-transferable and may not be used to offset the cost of field trips or group visits. The Sciencenter offers discounted group rates for school classes and groups that make prior arrangements to visit the museum. For more information on group rates, call (607) 272-0600 ext 16.

Who can be included in my membership?

You can name up to two adults who reside in the same household on a membership. We do not put children's names on membership cards for security reasons (in case the card gets lost or stolen). Adults living at separate addresses cannot be named on a single membership.

Can my nanny be admitted on my membership?

The Sciencenter now offers families a Caregiver Card, to cover admission for nannies that escort your children to the museum.

Caregiver Card information:

Cost: $10
The caregiver must present both the Caregiver Card and the family's Membership card at the time of admission
You must have a current Sciencenter membership to participate in the Caregiver Card Program
The caregiver must be at least 16 years old
Each family will receive one Caregiver Card
The Caregiver Card is linked to your membership and is not transferable to other individuals or families
The Caregiver Card does not entitle your caregiver to your member discounts on programs or store purchases
The Caregiver Card is valid up to 12 months and is valid for the duration of your membership
If the Caregiver Card is lost, there is a $5 replacement fee
The Caregiver Card benefit does not apply to other museums

To sign up for your Caregiver Card, please call our Membership Office at 272-0600, ext. 19.

How can I change names on my membership?

The names listed on a membership may be changed if there has been a change in the family's circumstances, such as a death, a move, or a change in relationship status. Please notify the Membership Office if requesting a name change (call 607-272-0600, ext. 19 or email cbissen@sciencenter.org). You will be required to turn in your membership cards before new cards can be issued.

How can I change my address in my membership record?

If you have recently changed your address, please contact the Membership Office at 607-272-0600, ext. 19 or email us at cbissen@sciencenter.org with your new address and we will be happy to update your record.

Can I purchase a membership for only part of a year?

Sciencenter memberships are annual, and are not available for less than a year. Memberships also cannot be deferred or "paused" if you leave the area for a period of time. If you are moving or leaving the area temporarily, your Sciencenter membership moves with you, allowing you to visit over 250 science museums worldwide.

How can I best learn about ALL membership events?

The best way to stay completely up-to-date is to receive our monthly E-News and Events Calendar by providing us with your email address. If we do not have your email address, you may be missing some great opportunities for family fun! Contact the Membership Office at 607-272-0600, ext. 19 or email us at cbissen@sciencenter.org with your email address today!

Under what circumstances can a Sciencenter membership be revoked?

Memberships are revocable licenses. The Sciencenter reserves the right to refuse or revoke membership and/or deny admission without refund for non-compliance with applicable rules and terms or for inappropriate conduct. Purchase of an annual membership does not entitle purchaser to renewal in a subsequent year. Membership levels, benefits, and prices are subject to change.

To whom can my membership discount on birthday parties, programs and store purchases be extended?

Your membership entitles you and those listed on your membership to receive discounts on programs (including summer camps, birthday parties) and store purchases. Your membership cannot be used to obtain discounts for other relatives (cousins, nieces, nephews) or friends. Grandparents with Grandparent memberships may use their membership discount for their grandchildren's participation in a program, providing they are purchasing the program.

Your membership must be current to obtain discounts on programs.

How can I replace my lost membership card?

Just email cbissen@sciencenter.org or call the Membership Office at (607) 272-0600, ext. 19 and let us know that you need new cards. We will send a new set to you within approximately 1-2 weeks. There is no fee for replacement cards.

Can I visit the museum without my membership card?

By presenting your membership card, we can process your admission quickly. However, you may gain admission to the Sciencenter without your card, providing you present identification to our front desk greeter when you visit. You are required to have your membership card when visiting participating ASTC museums for free admission to apply.