10am—5pm Tuesday—Saturday | Noon—5pm Sunday | Closed Monday

Become a Member

Become a Member

The Discovery Society

Membership Has it’s Benefits!

By becoming a member, you not only receive discounts and other perks at the Museum, but you also become a part of a network of supporters who share the same curiosity as you. You’ll join a group that enjoys the Museum and truly values its role as an educational and cultural resource, which is an asset to our community.

Show your support for The Bishop by selecting a membership level that is right for you!

 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 visit1246
Benefit cardholder(s) per household
(must be 18 years or older)
1222
Additional Guest(s) at 50% discount
with accompanying member
1234
ASTC – Reciprocal benefits at 371+ Association of Science and Technology Centers US, Puerto Rico, and PanamaThe Bishop logoThe Bishop logoThe Bishop logoThe Bishop logo
Subscription to e-newsletterThe Bishop logoThe Bishop logoThe Bishop logoThe Bishop logo
Invitations to attend exhibition openings
and special events
The Bishop logoThe Bishop logoThe Bishop logoThe Bishop logo
Reduced pricing on programs for members
and their guests
The Bishop logoThe Bishop logoThe Bishop logoThe Bishop logo
10% discount on merchandise purchased
in the Museum Store
The Bishop logoThe Bishop logoThe Bishop logo
Early registration and reduced pricing for summer campThe Bishop logoThe Bishop logoThe Bishop logo
NARM – Reciprocal benefits at  1,300+ North American Reciprocal Membership organizations worldwideThe Bishop logoThe Bishop logo
Additional Named Cardholder (perfect for students, caretakers, and grandparents)The Bishop logo
Annual recognition in Museum’s donor newsletterThe Bishop logo
Invitation to the Museum’s Annual Founders EventThe Bishop logo
Smithsonian Affiliate Membership, including a subscription to Smithsonian MagazineThe Bishop logo

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 Benefits

In addition to your membership in the Discovery Society at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, you will enjoy reciprocal admission benefits to select museums and attractions, dependent on your level of membership. Click here to learn more about Discovery Society reciprocal benefits.

Discovery Society members must show their benefits card and ID to receive reciprocal benefits to participating ASTC, NARM, and Smithsonian Affiliate Membership Program organizations.

Reciprocal Networks

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.

  • Bok Tower Gardens Free Admission 4 guests (863-676-1408)
  • Clearwater Marine Aquarium 50% off Admission (727-441-1790)
  • Florida Railroad Museum 50% Off Admission (941) 776-0906)
  • The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) Free Admission 4 guests (813-987-6000)
  • The Ringling Museum Free Admission
    The Bishop Pathfinder and Voyager Level Members Only (NARM affiliate)
  • Smithsonian Affiliate Museums Free Admission
    The Bishop Pathfinder and Voyager Level Members Only See Listing https://affiliations.si.edu/affiliate-directory/

Always call prior to your visit to confirm admission details.

  • The Dali Museum – May up to 2 Adults/2 Children (727-823-3767)
  • Mote Marine – November number on your membership card (941-388-4441)
  • Selby Gardens – August up to 2 Adults/2 Children (941-366-5731)

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. 

Click Below to Learn More About the Perks of Being a Member of the Discovery Society

Membership FAQs

A. Discovery Society memberships are a benefit-based way to support the Museum that encourages individuals to become active in The Bishop and is partially tax-deductible. Benefits include additional guest passes, reciprocal benefits, and much more!

Gifts to The Bishop’s Annual Fund are general support-based gifts and are 100% tax-deductible. Supporters who give $250 or more are granted admission privileges to The Bishop until the end of the calendar year their gift was made. Supporters can bring up to five guests to enjoy the Museum for a total of six free admissions per visit.

The Discovery Society is our overarching program for both types of support, and many individuals choose to participate in both. Whether you support the Museum with a benefits-based membership or a fully-tax deductible gift to the annual fund, you are a member of our Discovery Society!

We appreciate your support!

A. YES! The Bishop is lowering our environmental impact by using a digital membership platform. Your member card will be emailed to you, and you can download your membership card right to your digital wallet on your phone! New and renewing members will automatically receive their digital benefit material. If you prefer printed benefit materials and cards, we will assess a $5 fulfillment fee.

A. Yes. Members of the Discovery Society always get in for free. However, we encourage members to reserve tickets online or by phone to expedite check-in. Members of the Discovery Society who need assistance making their reservation may call 941-746-4131, ext. 117.

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.

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.