Museums can be expensive, but they’re also one of the most enriching and engaging ways to explore art, science, history, and culture. That’s why the City of Cambridge is proud to support access to these spaces through the Cambridge Public Library’s Museum Pass Program. Run by the Library’s Adult Services Department, the program offers a range of free or discounted passes to museums and cultural institutions across Massachusetts.
Through this program, the City and the Library aim to remove financial barriers that may otherwise prevent residents from enjoying the many educational and cultural opportunities available throughout the region.
Emily Hurley, Manager of Adult Services at the Cambridge Public Library, emphasizes that this program is a key part of the Library’s mission to increase access to knowledge and creativity for all.
This program is so important to the library because it fuels creativity, which is something Cambridge highly values. “It gives people a less expensive way to learn more about art, culture, and idea,” Hurley said. “It’s also a great activity if you’re visiting the area or looking for a full-day outing with the kids.”
Whether you’re planning a weekend outing with your family, entertaining out-of-town guests, or simply curious about the world around you, this program offers a more affordable way to discover some of the region’s most beloved destinations.
This lineup includes something for everyone— from hands-on science and sea life exhibits to fine art, history, and contemporary culture.
- Boston Children’s Museum
- Harvard Museum of Science & Culture
- How Do You See the World? Experience + Mapparium
- Institute of Contemporary Art
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
- Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
- Museum of Science
- New England Aquarium
- USS Constitution Museum
- Zoo New England (includes Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo)
To take advantage of the program, you’ll need a valid Minuteman Library Network card. Physical passes can be picked up at your selected Cambridge Public Library location, and some passes can be emailed directly to you. Temporary e-cards, however, cannot be used to reserve passes.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when using the program:
- Advance Booking: Passes can be reserved up to 30 days in advance.
- One Pass per Day: Only one museum pass is allowed per household per day.
- Monthly Limit: You can reserve a pass for the same museum only once per calendar month.
- Pick-Up Guidelines: Some passes must be picked up in person at the library location you selected. Be sure to check library hours, as not all branches are open every day.
- Date-Specific vs. General Use: Some passes are good for any open day, while others are date-specific. Always check the individual pass details when making your reservation.
Hurley shared that the Museum Pass Program is widely used and well-loved by library patrons. Every time someone receives a new library card, the Library lets them know about this benefit, helping to ensure more residents are aware of and can take advantage of it. More access to museums means more room to innovate and inspire.
The Museum Pass Program is reviewed annually by the Library to ensure it continues to meet the community’s needs. At this time, there are no set plans to expand the program or add new partners, but it remains a valuable and highly utilized offering for the Cambridge community.
Through this program, the City and the Library aim to remove financial barriers that may otherwise prevent residents from enjoying the many educational and cultural opportunities available throughout the region. It’s one more way Cambridge is working to ensure that learning, creativity, and exploration are accessible to everyone.
Learn more at https://cambridgepl.libcal.com/passes.
