ASTC Passport Program
ExplorationWorks is proud to participate in the Association of Science and Technology Center (ASTC) Passport Program and happily welcomes members of other ASTC Passport Program museums. Please make sure ExplorationWorks is not located within 90 miles of your home residence, as we cannot accept ASTC members who live within 90 miles. Your reciprocal membership allows for admission of up to 2 adults and all dependent children under 18. Please present your membership card and a picture ID at the admission desk upon arrival.
As part of the ASTC Passport Program, all members of ExplorationWorks receive the additional benefit of free admission to other science centers around the world. Helena-area residents who are members of ExplorationWorks are eligible for free general admission to other participating museums* when you travel outside of the Helena area, with some restrictions**.
Thank you for supporting your local science museum. Your membership to ExplorationWorks helps ignite curiosity and fuel a passion for discovery in people of all ages and helps build a community empowered by science. ExplorationWorks inspires kids and their families to discover and explore. We rely on our members to support our efforts to ignite a lifelong love for science to enrich Montana’s future.
*For a list of other science museums found across the nation and globally, visit www.ASTC.org/membership/find-an-astc-member/passport
** At Museum of the Rockies, ExplorationWorks members will receive a 20% discount rather than free admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ASTC Passport Program?
The Passport Program is a travel benefit that offers free admission benefits at participating science centers and museums when you travel outside of your local area.
All ASTC-museum members must show their ID when visiting ExplorationWorks.
I am an ExplorationWorks member; do I get in free at Museum of the Rockies?
No. ExplorationWorks members will unfortunately no longer receive free admission to the Museum of the Rockies. As of January 1, 2024, the Museum of the Rockies will discontinue its reciprocal member benefit for ExplorationWorks members.
Members who are visiting Bozeman will still receive free admission to the Montana Science Center and the American Computer & Robotics Museum and, after December 31, 2023, will receive a 20% discount at Museum of the Rockies.
I am a Museum of the Rockies Member; do I get in free to ExplorationWorks?
ExplorationWorks will offer a 20% discount on our daily admission rate for tourists visiting Helena who have a Museum of the Rockies membership. Helena-area residents must have an ExplorationWorks membership to receive free admission at ExplorationWorks. (See below for a list of Helena-area cities.)
What if I live in the designated Helena area, but have an active Museum of the Rockies membership?
Through 2024, ExplorationWorks is offering a one-time discounted membership for any active Museum of the Rockies members who reside in the Helena area. This is a limited time offer of a $50 Family membership or $60 Grandparent membership. To receive this discounted membership rate, bring your picture ID and Museum of the Rockies membership card to ExplorationWorks when we are open to the public, Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Can I purchase an ExplorationWorks membership if I live outside the Helena area?
Yes! Anyone visiting ExplorationWorks may choose to purchase a membership. We appreciate our members for supporting hands-on science in Helena.
However, if you live outside the Helena area, your ExplorationWorks membership will not provide you with reciprocal membership at your local museum.
Why are there eligibility restrictions?
The residency restriction was introduced by ASTC in 2006 to close a loophole through which individuals would search online and purchase the least expensive membership to a Passport Program venue in order to visit their local science museum for free. These restrictions were put in place to encourage people to support their local science museum. This means, at ExplorationWorks, Helena-area residents*** who are members of other ASTC museums are not eligible for free admission.
I have more questions. Who should I contact?
For inquiries regarding ExplorationWorks membership policy, contact Kari Gagner, Deputy Director, at 406-603-4131 or karig@explorationworks.org.
For inquiries regarding Museum of the Rockies membership policy, contact Jennifer Miller, Membership and Annual Giving Manager, at 406-994-6815 or jennifer.miller@montana.edu.
***Helena-area residents include anyone living between Avon and Townsend, and between Wolf Creek and Boulder. Area codes include:
Helena: 59601, 59602, 59604, 59620, 59623, 59624, 59625, 59626
East Helena: 59635
Montana City & Clancy: 59634
Jefferson City: 59638
Boulder: 59632
Wolf Creek: 59648
Elliston: 59728
Avon: 59713
Winston: 59647
Townsend: 59644