NEHMA Offers Free Admission for Military Members, Families This Summer

LOGAN, Utah — The Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art at Utah State University is providing free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families this summer as a Blue Star Museum.

The 2026 program will begin on May 27 and end on Sept. 7. Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and participating museums across America. Learn more and find the list of participating museums at arts.gov/BlueStarMuseums.

The Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art will offer special weekend hours from 6-9 p.m. Sunday, June 28, in celebration of the nationwide America 250 initiative and the Blue Star Museums program.

Visitors can see The Lure and Lore of the West exhibition, which celebrates American history in conjunction with America 250, sharing the stories about what drew people West and what inspired artists once they were here. The museum’s opening is timed to complement Utah State University’s Alumni Band patriotic concert taking place later that evening at the Daines Concert Hall, creating multiple opportunities for patrons to honor American heritage and service. Guests are invited to explore NEHMA’s galleries before or after the performance.

Mary Anne Carter, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, said museums help military families stay connected to each other, to their communities and to the nation they serve.

“As our country approaches 250 years of independence, Blue Star Museums provides service members and their loved ones with meaningful opportunities to explore history and spark curiosity,” Carted said. “For military families — who often face frequent moves and time apart — these shared museum experiences offer a sense of stability, belonging and connection.”

Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families, said the program has opened doors for military families to connect, explore and feel at home.

“As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we’re proud to continue this partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and museums nationwide — welcoming military families into the heart of our nation’s story and celebrating them every step of the way,” Roth-Douquet said.

This free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States military — Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and members of the Reserves, National Guard,

U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps — and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), DD Form 1173-1 ID card or the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.

Beginning May 27, The Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art’s summer hours will be:

• Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Friday: 10 a.m to 8 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

About The Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art at Utah State University

The Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art at Utah State University fosters engagement with American Art from the 20th and 21st centuries, with an emphasis on art in the Western United States, to facilitate learning and promote dialogue about ideas important to the people of Utah and the mission of Utah State University. Admission is free and open to all. Free museum parking is available in the Red surface lot west of the museum, and additional parking is available in the Gateway Terrace. For more information, visit artmuseum.usu.edu or contact Chiara Elwood Sorensen, (435) 797-1564.

About the National Endowment for the Arts

Established by Congress, the National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. By advancing opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States. To learn more, visit arts.gov.

About Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families is the nation’s largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A “blue star family” is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts. For more information, click here.