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Tacoma's Museums "3rd Thursday" Free

YEAR-ROUND PARENT RESOURCE GUIDE

By Gig Harbor & Mason County Macaroni KID September 23, 2023

Several museums and cultural institutions in Tacoma, Washington, offer Tacoma's monthly 3rd Thursday free museum entrance program. This program aimed to make art and culture more accessible to the community and encourage people to explore the city's museums.

Museums that participate in Tacoma's 3rd Thursday free museum entrance program include:

  Tacoma Art Museum (TAM) 5-8pm

  Museum of Glass  5-8pm

🏛️ Washington State History Museum 3-8pm

🛥️ Foss Waterway Seaport - 4-8pm

🪁Children's Museum of Tacoma is open late til 8pm  

🏎️ LeMay - Collections at Marymount 3-5pm

 Always verify the current participating museums and the program's terms and conditions before planning your visit. You can find the most recent information on the official websites of these museums or through the City of Tacoma's official website or cultural organizations' resources.


🏛️📚 Exciting news for all book and museum lovers! 🎉😍 Thanks to a wonderful collaboration between Pierce County Library, Tacoma Public Library, Puyallup Public Library, and our local museums, you can now enjoy FREE admission to these fantastic cultural hotspots! 🆓✨

📌 Simply head over to your nearest Pierce County Library with your valid library card, and you can check out a special museum pass. 🎟️💳 Remember, one pass per museum is allowed for a week. But here's the best part – you can grab passes to multiple museums at once! 😲🎟️

Start planning your next adventure now and explore the vibrant arts and history scene in Pierce County! 🎨🏰 Make sure to visit our website for more details and to get your museum pass now: 👉 https://mypcls.org/.../discover-pierce-county/museum-passes/ 🌐💻

#FreeMuseumPasses #CulturalExploration #LibraryCollaboration


Pierce County Library System offers the "Museum Pass Program," which allows library cardholders to check out free admission passes to several Tacoma area museums and cultural attractions. Here are the general steps to obtain free admission passes from the Pierce County Library for Tacoma museums:

  1. Get a Library Card:
    • If you don't already have a Pierce County Library card, you must sign up for one. This typically involves providing proof of residence within Pierce County and completing a library card application.
  2. Check the Library's Website:
    • Visit the Pierce County Library System's website or contact your local branch to see if they offer a Museum Pass Program or a similar program for free admission passes to Tacoma museums. The availability of this program may vary from branch to branch.
  3. Reserve a Pass:
    • If the program is available, you can log in to your library account on their website or visit your local branch to check the availability of museum passes. These passes are often limited in number and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  4. Borrow a Pass:
    • Once you've reserved a pass, you can borrow it just like a book or other library materials. The library staff will provide you with the pass and explain any specific rules or conditions associated with it, such as the duration of use or any blackout dates.
  5. Visit the Museum:
    • Use the pass to gain free admission to the specified museum or cultural attraction in Tacoma. Be sure to check the pass for any instructions or restrictions.
  6. Return the Pass:
    • After your visit, return the pass to the library according to the specified guidelines. In many cases, these passes need to be returned in person to the library, and you may be charged a fee if the pass is not returned on time.

Remember that program availability, participating museums, and the process for obtaining and using passes may change over time, so it's essential to verify the details with the Pierce County Library System. Additionally, I recommend checking the library's website or contacting them for the most current information on their Museum Pass Program or any similar offerings they may have. 

https://mypcls.org/learn-explore/discover-pierce-county/museum-passes/


Tacoma's Third Thursday Free Museum Entrance is a fantastic community initiative that provides residents and visitors with the opportunity to explore the city's rich cultural and artistic heritage without any cost on the third Thursday of each month. This program has been a staple of Tacoma's cultural scene for years, offering a wide range of benefits to the community.

  1. Accessibility: One of the primary goals of this program is to make museums and cultural institutions more accessible to everyone. By offering free admission on a regular basis, the program ensures that individuals and families of all backgrounds can enjoy the city's cultural treasures without financial barriers.
  2. Cultural Enrichment: Tacoma is home to several world-class museums and galleries, such as the Tacoma Art Museum, the Museum of Glass, and the Washington State History Museum. Third Thursday Free Museum Entrance provides an opportunity for people to engage with art, history, and culture, fostering a deeper appreciation for the city's heritage.
  3. Community Engagement: These free museum days encourage community members to come together and share in the experience of exploring art and history. It's a great way for people to connect with one another and engage in discussions about the exhibits they see.
  4. Education: The program benefits students and educators by making it easier to organize field trips and educational outings. Teachers can take advantage of these free days to enhance their curriculum and expose students to enriching cultural experiences.
  5. Boosting Tourism: For visitors to Tacoma, the Third Thursday Free Museum Entrance can be a compelling reason to plan their trip around these dates. It not only attracts tourists but also promotes local businesses as visitors may choose to dine or shop in the area.
  6. Supporting Local Arts and Culture: This program supports the local arts and culture scene by increasing foot traffic to museums and galleries. It can also encourage more people to become members or patrons of these institutions, helping sustain them in the long term.
  7. Promoting Civic Pride: By offering free access to its cultural institutions, Tacoma shows its commitment to fostering civic pride. It's an excellent way to showcase the city's unique identity and encourage residents to take pride in their community.
  8. Public-Private Partnerships: Programs like Third Thursday Free Museum Entrance often require collaboration between public and private organizations. These partnerships can increase funding and support for museums and cultural institutions.
  9. Special Events and Exhibits: Some museums use the increased foot traffic on these free days by hosting special events or exhibits. This provides an added incentive for visitors to attend and can create memorable experiences.
  10. Continued Growth: Tacoma's Third Thursday Free Museum Entrance program can help sustain and grow the cultural sector in the city. As more people become engaged with local museums and galleries, it can lead to increased funding and opportunities for cultural organizations.

In conclusion, Tacoma's Third Thursday Free Museum Entrance is a beautiful program that promotes accessibility, community engagement, education, and cultural enrichment. It serves as an example of how a city can invest in its cultural heritage to benefit both residents and visitors while fostering a sense of pride and appreciation for its history and art.