Become a Member
Ready to embark on a journey of discovery? Become a member of The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature and unlock a world of exclusive benefits. Enjoy unlimited free admission to exciting exhibitions and permanent collections, including our state-of-the-art digital Planetarium, the Mosaic Backyard Universe (Southwest Florida’s coolest backyard), and the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat. Dive deeper with discounts on programs and events, including workshops, science camps, and exclusive members-only events. Share your love of science with guest privileges and find the perfect gifts at The Bishop’s Museum Store with a 10% discount. Become a member and start your adventure!
Membership Has its Benefits!
A digital membership card is included in the price of membership. Printed cards are an additional $5.00.
| Donor Recognition Levels / Benefits | $75 Adventurer |
$100 Innovator |
$150 Pathfinder |
$250 Voyager |
| Total free admissions per visit | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 |
| Benefit cardholder(s) per household (must be 18 years or older) |
1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Additional Guest(s) at 50% discount with accompanying member |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
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ASTC – Reciprocal benefits at 371+ Association of Science and Technology Centers US, Puerto Rico, and Panama |
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| Subscription to e-newsletter |
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| Invitations to attend exhibition openings and special events |
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| Reduced pricing on programs for members and their guests |
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| 10% discount on merchandise purchased in the Museum Store |
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| Early registration and reduced pricing for summer camp |
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| NARM – Reciprocal benefits at 1,300+ North American Reciprocal Membership organizations worldwide |
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| Additional Named Cardholder (perfect for students, caretakers, and grandparents) |
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| Annual recognition in Museum’s donor newsletter |
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| Invitation to the Museum’s Annual Founders Event |
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| Smithsonian Affiliate Membership, including a subscription to Smithsonian Magazine |
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Your Support Means We Can All Discover More
Join one of our Circles of Support and provide curious minds of all ages a place to explore our precious planet Earth and the universe beyond!
Parker Circle
$500 Explorer
All Voyager Level Benefits, Plus:
- Invitations to complimentary teas/luncheons with senior Museum staff
- Recognition on digital signage in the Museum
- Parker Circle Concierge Service for complimentary admission to Museum programs and events
$1,000 Trailblazer
All Explorer Level Benefits, Plus:
- Behind-the-Scenes Tours scheduled through the Parker Circle Concierge Service
- 10% discount on facility rental of the Jeanie Kirkpatrick Boardroom
$2,500 Pioneer
All Trailblazer Level Benefits, Plus:
- Invitation to exclusive travel opportunities
- 10% discount on any facility rental
$5,000 Navigator
All Pioneer Level Benefits, Plus:
- 20% discount on any facility rental
- 2 tickets to the annual gala
$10,000 Bishop Circle
All Parker Circle Benefits, Plus:
- Become a true Museum VIP and receive a customized Museum experience
$25,000+ Chairman Circle
All Bishop Circle Benefits, Plus:
- Special recognition as a Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Top Discoverer
Reciprocal Networks
Click Here for a List of National Reciprocal Affiliations
Always call prior to your visit to confirm admission details.
Your Bishop membership card must be presented to visit any reciprocal partner. Named member must present a valid ID.
- Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
All Bishop membership levels qualify for this benefit. To search for an affiliate museum, visit www.ASTC.org. - North American Reciprocal Museums (NARM)
Voyager & Pathfinder membership levels qualify for NARM benefits. To search for an affiliate museum, go to www.NARMassociation.org.
Exclusions: Local Museums located within 90 miles of The Bishop or your residence.
Local exceptions — see below.
Click Here for a List of Local Reciprocals
Monthly Local Reciprocal |
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| February | Marie Selby Botanical Gardens | Free Admission (2) Adults/(2) Children | 941-366-5731 |
| Tampa Museum of Art | Number of Admissions on Card | 813-274-8130 | |
| April | Florida Children’s Museum | Number of Admissions on Card | 863-687-3869 |
| May | The Dalí Museum | Free Admission (2) Adults/(2) Children | 727-823-3767 |
| August | Sarasota Art Museum | Number of Admissions on Card | 941-309-4300 |
| November | Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium | Number of Admissions on Card | 941-388-4441 |
| December | Glazer Children’s Museum | Number of Admissions on Card | 813-443-3861 |
Year-Round Local Reciprocal |
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| Clearwater Marine Aquarium | 50% Off for Number of Admissions on Card | 727-441-1790 | |
| Great Explorations Children’s Museum | Free Admission (4) guests | 727-821-8992 | |
| Florida Railroad Museum | 50% Off for Number of Admissions on Card | 941-776-0906 | |
| The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) | Free Admission (4) guests | 813-987-6000 | |
| Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center | Number of Admissions on Card | 727-291-4103 | |
The Bishop Pathfinder and Voyager Level Members Only |
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| Bok Tower Gardens | Free Admission (4) guests | 863-676-1408 | |
| The Ringling Museum | Free Admission (2) Adults/(2) Children | ||
The Bishop Voyager Level Members |
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| Smithsonian Affiliate Museums | Free Admission (4) guests | ||
Always call prior to your visit to confirm admission details.
Give the Gift of Museum Access!
Sharing is caring — so why not share the world! Give the gift of membership in the Discovery Society and be recognized for your contribution. Your recipient will get to enjoy The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature as well as Discovery Society member benefits all year long.
*The 12-month Gift Membership is activated the month in which it is purchased.
Membership FAQ
Q: As a member, do I need to make reservations to visit?
A: Museum Day Visits: Walk-in day visits during museum operating hours are always welcome.
Museum Special Events: Reservations are required and can be made by members online or by phone.
Members of the museum who need assistance may call 941-746-4131, 110.
Q: How many guests may I bring to member events or programs at the member rate?
A: You may bring as many guests as indicated on your benefits card. For example, Pathfinder members may purchase up to four tickets at the member rate for admission, events, and programs.
Q: What other terms and conditions are there?
A: Benefits are non-transferable (unless indicated as a gift upon registration) and good for one year through the end of the month from the original gift date. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is a nonprofit, tax-exempt entity. Benefits are subject to change at any time. To take advantage of special membership promotions or offers, current named cardholders must be within three months of membership expiration date.
Digital Membership Card FAQ
At The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, we’re pleased to move to an all-digital membership platform. Digital membership cards can be downloaded and saved to your smartphone so you never have to worry about losing your membership card or forgetting it at home! Do you have questions about your new digital membership card or how to download it? These FAQs should help! If you have additional questions not answered here, please email us at CommunityEngagement@BishopScience.org.
Q: How do I add the membership card to my phone?
A:
APPLE iOS
iPhones have a native app called Apple Wallet, which is where your new digital membership card will be stored. To put your digital card in your digital wallet, simply:
- Use your iPhone to access the email from us containing your new digital card.
- Click the “Download” button in the email.
- Click “Add to Wallet.”
- Click “Add.”
The card will automatically go to your iPhone’s Apple Wallet, where you can access it anytime.
ANDROID
If you have an Android device, you need to download the “Wallet Passes” app from Google Play. After you have downloaded the app:
- Use your smartphone to access the email from us containing your new digital card.
- Click the “Download” button in the email.
The card will automatically go to your Wallet Passes app, where you can access it anytime.
Q: Can I use my digital card to receive reciprocal benefits when I visit other participating institutions?
A: Yes! This card works just like your physical membership card.
Q: I downloaded my card but I can't find it. How can I access it?
A: If you have an iPhone, the card will automatically download to Apple Wallet. Check the app for your new card (scroll through any cards that are already there — it might be hiding!). If you have an Android, you’ll need to download Wallet Passes from Google Play prior to downloading the card.
Q: I never received an email with a link to download my card. What do I do next?
A: Please contact us at CommunityEngagement@BishopScience.org to ask the membership office to send a new email with a link to your digital card.
Q: Will all adults associated with a membership receive a digital membership card?
A: No. The digital membership card will be emailed to the primary card holders email address on file. Once received the primary member can share the digital card with the secondary card holder on the membership record.
Q: What if my name is spelled wrong or my membership level is incorrect?
A: We can help! Please contact communityengagement@bishopscience.org and indicate how you would like your card updated.