I have often talked about museums being great entertainment. In the economic downturn though museum passes are very difficult to come by especially during the holiday periods. If you want to be able to go to the museum when you want to for a one time cost, buy a membership. A membership will definitely pay for itself even if you go to an out of state museum a couple of times. I purchased a membership to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame because membership is $50 for an individual and $20 for one time entry. I planned a couple of trips to the museum when I went so my membership paid for itself in one trip.

There are benefits such as being able to see a special exhibit for free, free coat check and discounts in shops and restaurants. Going to the museum is like going to the movies though, if you go you don’t necessarily have to buy anything extra like a souvenir or have lunch. You could just go, enjoy the exhibit and leave. Even if you decide to take your own lunch, most museums have an area where you can eat your own lunch or eat outside the museum. Eating at a museum, if you are there all day with a few people can be costly, but if you have already paid for your membership then you would not have to worry about an additional cost and could possibly splurge on a meal.

When I went to the museum, there were a lot of people who decided to buy a membership for the museum that day. Even people who were from out of town became members. The membership is the in thing now. Most museums are large enough that even if you decided to go once a month or every other month you wouldn’t see everything, so you could definitely get your money’s worth out of your membership. Try it. Add up the cost of going to the movies twice and compare it to the price of a museum entry (not on a free day) for the same number of people and you will definitely have an enjoyable and entertaining afternoon.

Free days are great at museums, but they are often crowded and some museums are changing free days to dates that are not as convenient for people to come and take advantage of the “free” entry. Plus, you still have to pay for special exhibits and other areas.

Memberships are not limited to museums, if there are clubs that you frequent often and they offer a membership that entitles you to discounts or coupons that you would actually use, sign up. This is especially true for free things because I have received more coupons lately because I am a members of some preferred customer club.

If you won’t use the membership, then don’t buy it, but if you know that you visit the place often and a membership is offered, then you might want to become a member.