Visiting a library
will net a museum pass starting Sept. 7

Macy’s and MELSA (Metropolitan Library Service Agency), along with 17 local arts and cultural organizations throughout the area, today announced “The Museum Adventure Pass,” available at your metro public library.

The program, set to launch on Sept. 7, is a partnership with more than 100 metro area libraries, and provides Twin Cities library card holders free passes to local museums, zoos and historical sites. The program is designed to enhance the learning experience for people of all ages through books and other library materials, and to provide access to arts and cultural organizations.

A complete list of libraries can be found at www.melsa.org. Twin Cities library card holders can receive up to four complimentary passes to the attractions.

Library users with a valid library card can check out a Museum Adventure Pass, and will receive a date due slip that becomes the admission pass for the organization they plan to visit. The date due slip/admission pass is handed in at the box office of the participating organization for free admission for up to four people. Each library branch and bookmobiles will have five passes for each of the participating organizations. If the five passes for a certain branch library or bookmobile is already taken by other patrons, you may wait until the following week to inquire again or simply go to another library or bookmobile to try to receive the passes there. A total of approximately 9,000 passes will be given out during this promotion. Each museum adventure pass expires within one week of the checkout date.

Participating organizations include: The American Swedish Institute, The Bakken Museum, Bell Museum of Natural History, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, Gibbs Museum of Pioneer and Dakotah Life, Historic Murphy’s Landing, Mill City Museum, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minnesota History Center, the Minnesota Historical Society (includes James J. Hill House, Alexander Ramsey House, Sibley House, Historic Fort Snelling and the Oliver Kelly Farm), Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Minnesota Museum of American Art, Minnesota Zoo, The Museum of Russian Art, Science Museum of Minnesota, Walker Art Center and the Weisman Art Museum.

“When Macy’s and MELSA presented us with the concept of the Museum Adventure Pass, the Twin Cities museum community responded with enthusiasm. We’re all delighted to welcome more visitors to our venues,” said Lory Sutton, head of marketing and communications for the Minnesota Historical Society. “With the pass in hand, families can visit a variety of historic sites and museums free of charge, right within the metro area.”