Reciprocal Admission

Catawba Science Center members enjoy free or discounted general admission to more than 380 science centers around the world through the Association of Science and Technology Center’s (ASTC) Passport Program and more than 180 museums across the southeast through the Southeastern Reciprocal Membership Program (SERM). Please note that benefits vary by location and exclusions may apply. See below for more detail.

Member Tips

  • Plan ahead. Make sure to review the science center or museum’s reciprocal admission policy before you visit. Please note that exclusions may apply to special exhibitions or programs, or museums within a 90-mile radius of Catawba Science Center. We encourage you to call ahead before of driving to a science center or museum.
  • Don't forget your membership card and ID. Admissions staff reserve the right to request proof of residence and membership for benefits to apply.

Nearby Centers

While the ASTC Passport Program allows organizations to exclude members of other institutions within a 90-mile radius, CSC has separate reciprocity agreements with the following institutions...

  • Kaleideum | Winston-Salem, NC | Free general admission for CSC members (2 adults and children under 19 residing in the same household).
  • NC Transportation Museum | Spencer, NC | Free general admission and train ride for CSC members (For immediate family members residing in the same household; limit 4). Excludes premium and special events. Train rides are available on select days.
  • Schiele Museum of Natural History | Gastonia, NC | Free general admission for CSC members (2 adults named on card and up to four children under 18 living in same household). Planetarium, farm, classes, and special events are excluded. 
  • WNC Nature Center | Asheville, NC | Free general admission for 2 adult CSC members (Named on card; must be present a valid photo ID) and up to 6 children or grandchildren (17 or younger, in same household). Excludes field trips.

ASTC Passport Program Exclusions

The following locations are listed on the ASTC Passport Program list but fall inside of the 90-mile radius requirement. CSC does not have reciprocity agreements with the following institutions...

  • Asheville Museum of Science | Asheville, NC | CSC members do not receive free admission.
  • Discovery Place | Charlotte, NC | CSC members do not receive free admission.
  • KidSenses Children’s INTERACTIVE Museum | Rutherfordton, NC | CSC members do not receive free admission.

Heading Out of Town?

Plan a trip out of town? Check out the following science center's or museums that are part of the ASTC Passport Program participants in North Carolina...

  • Arlie Gardens | Wilmington, NC | Free admission for 2 adults and accompanying children under 18.
  • Cape Fear Museum of History and ScienceWilmington, NC | Free admission for grandparents, parents, and children (under 18) in the same family or household.
  • Children's Museum & Science Center, Imperial Centre for the Arts & SciencesRocky Mount | Free admission for 2 adults and minor children living in the same household, or 2 grandparents and up to 4 minor grandchildren.
  • Imagination Station Science and History Museum | Wilson, NC | Free admission for 2 adults and 4 children under 18.
  • Marbles Kids Museum | Raleigh, NC | Free admission for up to 4 people (children and adults). One adult listed on the membership card must be present with photo ID. 
  • Morehead Planetarium | Chapel Hill, NC | Passport visitors receive buy-one, get-one pricing for museum or museum + planetarium show tickets for regularly scheduled shows. Max of 8 total tickets (4 free). 
  • Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium | Ocean Isle Beach, NC | Free general admission for up to 2 adults and 4 children; planetarium shows are excluded. At least one adult must be named on membership card. Photo ID required. 
  • Museum of Life and Science | Durham, NC | Free admission for up to four people (children or adult). One adult listed on the membership card must be present with photo ID. 
  • North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences | Raleigh, NC | 2 adults in the household and their minor children or grandchildren. Museum is free; Passport visitors receive a 50% discount on admission to the special exhibits gallery and 10% discount in Museum Stores.
  • Port Discover | Elizabeth City, NC | Free admission for up to 4 children and unlimited adults.

Beyond North Carolina

Click below for the full list of ASTC Passport Program participants of more than 380 science centers around the world or view the Southeastern Reciprocal Membership Program (SERM) list of more than 180 museums across the southeast...

Questions? Contact the Membership Office at membership@catawbascience.org or 828.322.8169 x. 323