Gardens offering free admission to military personnel this summer

Art

May 21

Written By Staff

CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens | Photo credit: Nathaniel Willson

Military personnel and their families can now visit Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park free of charge through Labor Day, September 7, 2026, thanks to a new partnership with Blue Star Museums – a national appreciation program to thank military families for their service and share with them America’s cultural treasures.

“Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is honored to participate in Blue Star Museums and thank military members and their families for their service,” said Charles Burke, President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. “We are proud to join museums nationwide in welcoming military families to experience the joy of art, culture and nature together.”

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 museums across America. The 2026 program began on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16, 2026, and continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026.

The program provides free admission for currently serving members of the U.S. military, including the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force, as well as Reserve and National Guard members, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps and NOAA Commissioned Corps personnel, plus up to five family members. Military guests may receive free admission by presenting a valid military ID at the front desk.

Guests visiting Meijer Gardens can experience CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens Presented by Macatawa Bank, on view through November. The exhibition features vibrant glass sculptures by renowned artist Dale Chihuly displayed throughout the indoor galleries (additional timed ticket required) and outdoor gardens. Select evenings throughout the season offer extended hours until dusk, providing an opportunity to experience the exhibition in the changing light of evening. Guided tours and a hop-on-hop-off tram are also available for a nominal charge.

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