General Membership Questions
Q: How do I purchase Adventure Science Center membership?
A: You may join at the front desk on your first visit, online, and by phone, mail or fax.
Mail: 800 Fort Negley Boulevard (click for printable form)
Fax: 615-862-5178 (click for printable form)
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Q: How long will my membership last?
A: A membership is valid for one calendar year from the date of purchase. Members receive an annual renewal notice from Adventure Science Center when it is time to renew a membership. (back to FAQ)
Q: When I buy a membership, when can I begin using it?
A: Your membership is valid at the time of purchase and may be used immediately for access to Adventure Science Center and to receive member benefits. If you purchase the membership online, you will receive a confirmation email, which can be used as your proof of purchase. If you purchase your membership at the Front Desk, you will receive a temporary passport with your receipt attached to the inside. If you send membership dues by mail, you may begin using your membership upon receipt of your membership cards. Please allow 3 weeks for processing if you join by mail. (back to FAQ)
Q: What are the basic benefits of membership?
A: Membership benefits provide free unlimited General Admission to you and your immediate family based on the membership level you choose. Members receive a discount on BlueMax Flight Simulator and Sudekum Planetarium tickets. Go to the MemberPage for a complete list of membership benefits at each level. (back to FAQ)
Q: Do I need to bring anything with me besides my membership card when I visit ASC?
A: For safety and security reasons, members must present a valid Photo ID with valid membership card on each visit to receive member benefits. (back to FAQ)
Q: Are memberships tax deductible?
A: Memberships are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Adventure Science Center is a 501 (c) (3) private, nonprofit organization. Consult with your tax advisor for more details. (back to FA)
Q: Can I make changes to my membership after I have joined?
A: Changes can be made at anytime by contacting the membership by email, memberships@adventuresci.com or by phone (615) 401-5057. Note: Only Named Primary or Secondary Cardholders permitted to request and make changes to a membership record. (back to FAQ)
Q: I have moved. How can I change my physical address, phone number, or email address?
A: If you have recently changed your address, email your new information to memberships@adventuresci.com or contact the Membership Desk at (615) 401-5057, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We will be happy to update your record upon receipt of your request. (back to FAQ)
Q: How can I reach the membership desk?
A: Send an email to memberships@adventuresci.com or dial (615) 401-5057. (back to FAQ)
Q: Do you share personal information with outside resources?
A: Adventure Science Center follows a strict code of privacy. Our members' privacy is important to us and we take all necessary steps to ensure that member information is secure. We do not share membership information with any third party. Members also have the right to opt out of ASC direct mail and e-newsletters. (back to FAQ)
Q: Do you have specialized memberships?
A: Specialized membership levels are available for Military Families, Teacher Families, College/University Students, & low-income families (Family Access). Specialized memberships are available at the ASC visitor services desk only. You must provide proof of active, eligible status at the time of purchase. (back to FAQ)
Q: What is the Family Access membership and who is eligible?
A: Our Family Access membership provides the opportunity for Tennessee residents who are economically disadvantaged to visit Adventure Science Center at a reduced family membership rate. This program is designed based on the TN Dept. of Human Services Family Assistance standards. Guest add-ons and ASTC reciprocal privileges are not available at the Family Access level. To be eligible, family must provide a photo ID plus one of the following: TN Benefit Security Card, WIC Card, or Families First (TANF). Family Access memberships are only available at the ASC Visitor Services Desk only. To see if you qualify, contact the membership coordinator at 615-401-5057. (back to FAQ)
Q: I am a home school parent; do I qualify for the Teacher Membership?
A: Yes, Adventure Science Center offers the Teacher membership price to home school educators. To qualify, home school educators must provide proof of membership with a home school association or a letter signed by the superintendent of your local education authority. Contact your local school district for this documentation if you do not already have it. (back to FAQ)
Q: Can I bring guests to visit Adventure Science Center with my membership?
A: Add on the MIG (My Important Guest) option! For a fee of $22 extra per guest/per year, you upgrade your membership to allow admission for up to (2) important guests. For visiting guests, simply bring them along with you and they will receive free admission plus discounts on Sudekum Planetarium tickets and BlueMax tickets. You may bring a different guest each time you visit. Guests must be accompanied by a named member (primary or secondary cardholder) or the member’s children. To purchase this add-on, contact our membership coordinator at (615) 401-5057. (back to FAQ)
Q: When will I receive my membership cards?
A: We send membership cards out by standard USPS . Under most circumstances, you will receive your membership cards within 3 weeks (15 Business Days) from the date of purchase. . If you have not yet received your card, simply print out your email confirmation if you joined online, or use your temporary passport which is issued when you join at the front desk. (back to FAQ)
Q: How many membership cards should I receive?
A: The Family Deluxe, Family, Grandparent, Military, Teacher, and Family Access memberships provide the opportunity to name up to (2) cardholders. The Single Parent Family, Individual, and College University memberships are limited to one named cardholder. (back to FAQ)
Q: What do I do if I lose my membership card?
A: Don’t let the absence of your membership card delay your visit to the science center. All you need is your photo id. The Front Desk keeps an active record of membership available at all times. You can request a replacement membership card. There is a $3 processing fee required per card to deactivate the old membership card(s) and re-issue new membership cards. Request a replacement card on your next visit or call the membership coordinator at (615) 401-5057. Please let us know if you need one or both membership cards replaced at the time of your request. (back to FAQ)
Q: Can I use my membership without my membership card(s)?
A: You can visit anytime after your purchase simply by presenting a photo ID for verification to the Front Desk. (back to FAQ)
Q: It's been a while and I haven’t received my cards; what are some reasons?
A: Here are several explanations for a delay in receiving your membership cards:
We may not have your correct address on file. To update or verify your address, contact us online call (615) 401-5057, or email memberships@adventuresci.com. If you have purchased a Teacher, Military or Family Access membership, proof that you qualify is required in order for your membership to be processed. To provide proof, contact us online, email memberships@adventuresci.com or fax (615) 862-5178. During peak seasons, like the holidays or spring break, it may take up to 3-4 weeks before you receive your cards. To check the status of your membership cards email memberships@adventuresci.com. (back to FAQ)
Q: What does unlimited General Admission include?
A: General Admission includes access to all regularly scheduled programs, activities, and permanent exhibits; excluding Sudekum Planetarium and Blue Max Flight Simulator. You may inquire about additional programs and activities available to members with general admission on the day of your visit. (back to FAQ)
Q: Where is the express line?
A: The express line is utilized mostly during peak times to accommodate crowds. Look for the "Members Express" signs when you enter the lobby. (back to FAQ)
Q: I'm a Member—why do I have to stand in line?
A: For safety reasons it is crucial that all visitors check-in. Having an accurate count of attendance is also important when ASC plans for staffing and reports back to our supporters. (back to FAQ)
Q: What is the member price for tickets to visit Sudekum Planetarium?
A: Member ticket prices for Sudekum Planetarium are $4 per person per show. (back to FAQ)
Q: What is the member price for BlueMax Flight Simulator?
A: Member ticket prices for BlueMax Flight Simulator are $4 per person per ride. (back to FAQ)
Q: My child is coming with a school field trip. Is he/she able to use the membership?
A: Membership is not valid for group visits. Because children (and their adult chaperons) are registered for admission as a group when they visit Adventure Science Center on school or other field trips, they cannot use their membership benefits for admission. These private specialized visits require special staffing and additional programming not normally offered to the public. Memberships support general operations and therefore only provide you with unlimited General Admission. (back to FAQ)
Q: How can I keep up with member events and Adventure Science Center programs?
A: Member events are held at various dates throughout the year...whenever we have a special reason to celebrate! Subscribe to Adventure Science Center E-News. Adventure Science Center maintains a current calendar of events with up-to-date program information. Don’t forget to look forget to look for the Member Icon when visiting our web pages. (back to FAQ)
Q: Do I need to R.S.V.P. for Member Events?
A: In most cases we ask that you R.S.V.P. for Member events. Knowing how many people plan to attend helps us plan for the proper amount of food and adequate staffing. Please look at your invitation carefully and if requested to do so, call the R.S.V.P. line. (back to FAQ)
Q: Are guests allowed to attend Members-Only events?
A: Member events are exclusive to member households only. Guests are not permitted to attend Members-Only events. (bac o FA)
Q: Can I give my membership card to friends or family members?
A: Memberships cannot be shared between households and are non-transferable. Memberships are for the named individuals only. Cardholders are required to present a photo ID on each visit. If you upgrade your membership with the MIG (My Important Guest) option, the chaperone may accompany your children and present your MIG membership card to provide your children the opportunity to visit while you are away. (back to FAQ)
Q: Can my spouse or partner bring my kids to the Museum?
A: All of our Membership cards are imprinted with the names of up to two adults in the household. We encourage all parents and other adults raising children to share the ASC experience. If your spouse or partner's name is not listed on your secondary card, please let us know and we will add them! (back o FAQ)
Q: Can my Nanny, Au Pair or Babysitter bring my kids to the Museum?
A: Add on the MIG (My Important Guest) option! For a fee of $22 extra per guest/per year, you may upgrade your membership to allow admission for up to (2) important guests. For visiting guests, simply bring them along with you and they will receive free admission plus discounts on Sudekum Planetarium tickets and BlueMax tickets. You may bring a different guest each time you visit. Guests must be accompanied by a named member (primary or secondary cardholder) or the member’s children. To purchase this add-on, contact our membership coordinator at (615) 401-5057. (bak to FAQ)
Q: Can member children come without a parent?
A: All children 18 & under visiting the Center must be accompanied by an adult. Member children must be accompanied by one of the named adults under their membership. If you upgrade to the MIG option, your children may be accompanied by a chaperone. (back to FAQ)
Reciprocal Membership Benefits
(ASTC TRAVEL PASSPORT PROGRAM)
Q: Can I use my membership at other science centers and museums?
A: Adventure Science Center is a member of ASTC (Association of Science and Technology Centers). Reciprocal membership entitles members to free or reduced general admission at 300 or more participating facilities around the world. Each museum has its own admissions policy. It is always recommended that you call ahead before your visit. Visit www.astc.org to find out which museums and science centers participate in ASTC’s Passport Program. (back to FAQ)
A: ASTC stands for the Association of Science and Technology Centers and is the association to which is Adventure Science Center is an affiliate. This partnership allows a network of participating organizations membership to be reciprocal with over 300 science museums around the world. Benefits are set by each host museum and may vary. This program does not typically include any museums within 90 miles of your home museum. Please contact each museum prior to your visit to be sure they offer reciprocity and to get their specific entrance policy. (back to FAQ)
Q: Does Adventure Science Center honor ACM or AZA memberships?
A: Unfortunately, Adventure Science Center does not participate in the ACM or AZA reciprocity membership programs. Adventure Science Center is a member of ASTC. (back to FAQ)
Q: I am going out of town. How do I use my membership?
A: If you are going out of town and don’t have a membership card, let us know. ASTC policy requires that you take your permanent membership card with you to receive reciprocal benefits. With advance notice, pickup arrangements for membership cards can be made by dialing (615) 401-5057. (back to FAQ)
Q: How do I use my membership from another ASTC facility?
A: If you are a reciprocal member from another museum visiting the Adventure Science Center, present a current membership card from your local science center and valid photo ID. You will receive free general admission for (2) Adults and any dependent children in the same household. Guests are not included in our reciprocal policy and general admission fees apply. (back to FAQ)
Q: How do I know when my membership expires?
A: Your expiration date of membership will be printed on your membership card. Memberships to Adventure Science Center are valid for one full year. As your expiration date nears, you will receive renewal notices from us in the mail. (back to FAQ)
Q: If I renew my membership before my expiration, do I lose months I had left?
A: Your membership runs an entire calendar year from the date of purchase. If you renew early, the new membership begins when your old membership expires. (back to FAQ)
Q: How do I renew my membership?
A: You may renew at the front desk, online, and by phone, mail or fax.
Mail: 800 Fort Negley Boulevard (click for printable form)
Fax: 615-862-5178 (click for printable form)
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Q: I would like to buy a gift membership for someone. How can I do this?
A: Gift Memberships are available at the Front Desk. You may also purchase a gift membership online, by phone, (615) 401-5057, or download a form and mail it in. If you purchase your gift membership online, by phone, or by mail, be prepared to provide information about the gift recipient (Cardholder Names, Address, Phone Number). (back to FAQ)
Q: I do not know all of the gift recipient’s information. Can I still purchase a Gift Membership?
A: Yes. Gift Membership Cards are available to provide the recipient the opportunity the handle the details on their first visit. Visit Adventure Science Center’s Front desk and ask for a Gift Membership Card. Present this Gift Membership Card to your gift recipient and they may redeem it on their visit. (back to FAQ)
Q: When can the recipient of my gift start using their membership?
A: Upon receipt of the membership cards, your gift recipient may begin taking full advantage of their membership benefits. These Gift Membership Cards may be purchased at the Front Desk and the gift recipient may redeem the gift card on their first visit.(back to FAQ)
