Q: When I buy a membership, when can I begin to use it?
A: Your membership is valid from the time of purchase and may be used immediately for access to the Hall. Temporary membership cards are available at the Visitor Services Desk with proof of purchase.
Q: How do I know when my membership expires?
A: A membership to the Lawrence Hall of Science is valid for one full year. The expiration date of membership will be printed on your Member cards. As your expiration date nears, you will receive renewal notices from the Hall via mail and email.
Q: Can my child have his or her own Member card?
A: No. Member cards are only issued to adults, age 18 or older, with valid ID.
Q: Why should I list my children on my membership?
A: All children or grandchildren (under the age of 18) should be listed on the membership to receive full benefits. Family program discounts are only available for children listed on the primary Member’s record.
Q: Can Member children come to the Hall without a parent or designated caregiver?
A: All children 17 and under visiting the Hall must be accompanied by an adult. Member children must be listed on the membership to gain access to the Hall when visiting without a primary Member or a designated caregiver with valid Member card. They will need to provide the primary Member’s name or Member card for verification.
Q: Can my child bring a guest or get a discount in the store without me or a Member cardholder present?
A: Guest privileges require a Member cardholder to be present. Discounts in the store require a valid Member card.
Q: Can my caregiver use my primary Member card to bring my children to the Hall?
A: No. We offer a Family Premium Level membership that issues Member cards to up to 2 caregivers. With this membership level, caregivers can take your children to the Hall and to reciprocal museums.
Q: Can I let my relatives or neighbors use my membership?
A: No. Memberships are nontransferable and can be used only by the individuals listed on the Member cards.
Q: I would like to buy a gift membership for someone. How can I do this?
A: See the Gift Membership section for more details.
Q: Do I need to show ID for admission?
A: To protect your membership, we do request proof of ID for Member admission. Please make sure to have some form of ID on you when you visit.
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Gift Memberships
Q: How long will it take to receive my Member cards?
A: Permanent Member cards are mailed to you within 4–6 weeks of purchase. If you purchase your membership at the Visitor Services Desk or in the Registration Office, you will receive a temporary Member card valid for 60 days. If you have not received your cards 6 weeks after your purchase, please contact the Membership Office at 510-642-1838 or email us at hallmembers@berkeley.edu.
Q: How many Member cards will I receive?
A: One card for Friend Level memberships; two cards for Family Level; and four cards for Family Premium Levels and above.
Q: Am I able to use my membership without showing the card?
A: While we strongly suggest having the card with you on your visit, you may enter the museum without your Member card. Please be prepared to show a picture ID at the Visitor Services Desk, where your current membership and level will be verified.
Q: My card has been lost/stolen. What should I do?
A: Please contact the Membership Office at 510-642-1838 or email hallmembers@berkeley.edu for more information. Replacement cards may also be requested and paid for at the Visitor Services Desk.
Q: How can I update my mailing or email address?
A: It is important that we have updated contact information for you while you are an active Member of the Hall. If you have recently changed your address or email, please contact the Membership Office at 510-642-1838 or email us at hallmembers@berkeley.edu with your new information and we will be happy to update your record.
Q: How can I find out about Members-only events?
A: Check out our Events page or opt in to receive our monthly newsletter.
Q: How do I get my Members-only discount on camps, classes, and birthday parties?
A: Discounts on camps, classes, and birthday parties are available for Family Level and higher level memberships. If you have more questions contact the Registration Office at 510-642-5134 for more information on registering.
Q: Is my membership tax-deductible?
A: Yes, your purchase of a Hall membership is recognized as a charitable donation for federal and state tax purposes. Memberships are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law, and your receipt will bear our tax ID number. Please contact the Membership Office at 510-642-1838 or email us at hallmembers@berkeley.edu if you need a copy of a tax receipt (and specify whether you would like your letter sent via email or regular mail). Please consult your tax advisor for specific advice.
Q: Can I use my membership to get a discount at other museums?
A: YES! Please see our Reciprocal Admission Program page for details and participating museums.
Q: I am a member of a reciprocal museum. What do I need to enter your museum?
A: If you are a member of a reciprocal museum and are planning to visit the Hall, you need to bring your Member card and photo ID. Members cards must show one of the following current logos for reciprocal admission benefits:
ASTC Passport Program
Free admission is granted to visiting members who live farther than 90 miles from the Hall and are Members of a partner museum that is outside a 90-mile radius. We also offer reciprocal admission benefits for Members of several local museums through the ASTC Local Reciprocal Program.
ACM Reciprocal Network
Use your card to admit up to 6 people for half price.
If you have any questions about reciprocity, please view our Reciprocal Admission Program page or call our Visitor Services Desk at 510-642-5132 for more information and to verify your admission discount before visiting.
If you have questions not answered above, email the Membership Department or call us at 510-642-1838.
