General Membership Questions
How long is a membership valid?
Membership is valid for one full year from the date of purchase or renewal.
What exactly does membership give me free or unlimited admission to?
Membership gives you free, unlimited access to our permanent exhibits and Butterfly Station (open April–Mid-September) every day we are open. Free, unlimited admission benefits do not include The Dome.
When I apply or renew a membership, how long will it take to receive my membership card and passes?
Purchase/renew in person
Your Dome passes and guest exhibit passes will be handed to you at the time of your purchase/renewal. You will also receive an email after your membership purchase/renewal for you to download your digital membership card. Compatible with Apple and Android phones.
Purchase/renew by mail
Your Dome passes and guest exhibit passes will be mailed to you after your purchase/renewal. Please allow 7-10 business days to receive your membership materials. You will also receive an email after your membership purchase/renewal for you to download your digital membership card. Compatible with Apple and Android phones.
If I want to become a member after my visit to the Science Center, can the price of admission be applied to the cost of a new membership?
Yes! You may apply the cost of Science Center exhibit admission to a new membership within same day of your visit date. Please bring your original sales receipt to Guest Services and they will be happy to assist you. The cost of Dome tickets and tickets for select touring exhibitions cannot be applied.
I recently upgraded my membership. Why did my expiration date stay the same?
When upgrading, you pay only the difference between your current and new membership level, and your expiration date remains the same. If your renewal date is approaching, you may choose to renew and upgrade early, which will extend your expiration date for one full year. Once your upgrade is complete, your upgraded membership benefits will be effective immediately.
What if I want to add a grandparent or child care provider to my membership?
No problem. Adding additional adults to a membership level is just $15. Maximum amount of additional adults is two per membership level.
As a member, how can I purchase discounted Dome tickets?
Members can purchase discounted Dome tickets via phone by calling us at 434.791.5160 or visiting us at Guest Services.
What is an ASTC Museum?
The Danville Science Center is an accredited member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC). Science Center members receive free or discounted general admission to our network of over 300 member museums all over the world. Visit astc.org/passport for an updated list of all participating museums and science centers. Be sure to pack your membership card for your next vacation!
Please contact the museum/science center prior to your visit to confirm admittance requirements which may vary with each location. Please note that any museum/science center within 90 miles of us may not offer member benefits. Danville Science Center is listed under the Science Museum of Virginia.
May I purchase a membership as a gift?
Yes! You can call us at 434.791.5160 ext. 0 to order your gift membership over the telephone or visit us at Guest Services. Learn more about gift memberships here.
May I purchase a membership for my business or employees?
The Danville Science Center welcomes your corporate support. To learn more about corporate benefits contact Mary Alice Buck-Hayes at 434.791.5160 ext. 204.
How do I make changes to my membership, such as add or change my family members, my address, my phone, etc?
For your convenience we have three ways to make changes, additions, or updates to your information:
- Fill out a contact form.
- E-mail us at [email protected]
- Call us at 434.791.5160
Why didn’t everyone in my family receive a membership card?
Digital membership cards will only be emailed to the primary adult on the membership. Children will not receive membership cards. As long as children are listed on the membership and accompanied by one of the primary adults on the membership, our team members will be able to look them up for easy check in when they visit the Science Center.
How do I replace a lost or stolen membership card?
Reach out to us by email at [email protected]or by calling 434.791.5160 and we will resend you an email with your digital membership card attached.
Please note: we can look up your membership status using your photo ID so you are able to visit even if you do not have your membership card handy.
Visiting The Science Center
Can I visit the Science Center before my membership card arrives?
Yes! Simply bring a form of ID to Guest Services and a team member will assist you.
May I give my membership to someone else like my relatives or neighbors?
No. Science Center memberships are not transferable and benefits are exclusively for the individuals listed on your membership. You can purchase an additional membership to give as a gift or add additional adults for $15.
Can I use my membership card to bring a school group to the Science Center?
No. Membership admission cannot be used for school groups because the school group is not covered by your membership. Only those adults and children named on your membership are permitted. Groups enjoy a discounted admission fee. Individual membership passes and other discounts are not valid toward group admission fees.
Membership Communication
We have two adults named on our membership, plus an additional named person. Who will receive the official mailings regarding the membership?
The primary named member will receive all print mail from the Science Center that includes membership renewal letters, quarterly newsletters, emails, and invitations.
I recently mailed in my renewal notice with payment, but then received another notice in the mail. Did you receive my payment?
It is likely that your payment and our renewal mailing crossed in the mail. It takes up to two weeks to receive and process a renewal payment by mail. If you sent in your payment, please disregard the second notice.
