Become a Member! Renew Gift a Membership
Do you have a question about membership? We’d love to hear from you.
(216) 696-4576 or membership@glsc.org
Purchasing/Renewing/Gifting a Membership
How do I purchase a membership?
Memberships may be purchased in person at the Science Center box office, online by clicking here or by calling the Membership Department at (216) 696-4576.
What is the difference between each membership level?
All memberships include one year of free admission to the Science Center, special discounts on parking and in the Science Store and Cafe, discounts on camps, classes, workshops, and more! Click here to compare all levels.
Can I upgrade my membership?
Memberships can be upgraded at any time during the 12 months your membership is valid. Upgrading your membership will not extend the membership, but will allow you to increase your benefits during the months remaining on your membership. If your employer matches charitable donations you can receive a FREE membership upgrade and more member benefits! Visit www.doublethedonation.com or contact the membership department at (216) 696-4576 for further details on how to find out if your employer will match the tax deductible portion of your membership gift.
Can I get a discounted membership?
We offer a 10% discount for Ohio Certified educators, homeschool families, seniors 65+, active military and corporate member employees. All discounts are available through the Box Office or by calling the Membership Department at (216) 696-4576. Verification, including IDs, are required to receive discounts on membership. Please be prepared to provide any one of the following as verification for educator/homeschooling status: teaching certificate, OEA card, teacher’s union card, school ID, screenshot of school website staff list or a current letter of approval from the district for homeschooling families. Please be aware that documentation must say teacher or faculty, documents only indicating “Staff” will not be accepted. ** Gift memberships are not eligible for the Ohio Certified educators, homeschool families, seniors 65+, active military discount.
How will I know when my membership expires?
Memberships are valid for 12 months from the month you joined and expire on the last day of the month. Your expiration date is indicated on your membership cards.
Will I receive renewal notices?
Yes, all memberships nearing their expiration will receive a renewal notice in the mail, beginning with the month prior to your membership’s expiration date.
Can I renew early?
You may renew your membership at any time. We will simply extend your membership for an additional 12 months from the original date of expiration.
Are memberships available as gifts?
Memberships may be purchased as gifts for any occasion! Purchase membership gifts by:
- Clicking here to purchase online. Simply select the recipient as gift.
- Visit the Great Lakes Science Center Box Office
- Calling us at (216) 696-4576.
Membership Cards
When will my membership cards arrive?
We have implemented a digital membership card solution as a more convenient method to access your membership information and to be more in line with the sustainability goals of our organization. With this change, your digital membership card will always be available on your smartphone using the eMembership App. This card can be used to gain access to Gretel lakes Science Center along with other ASTC Travel Passport participating museums. Your cards will be available for download within 5 days of your purchase. Instructions on how to download and access the app are included with purchase confirmation and can also be found here. Physical cards and passes (if applicable) can be mailed upon request by contacting us at membership@glsc.org or (216) 696-4576. When a membership is purchased as a gift, physical membership cards are sent to the recipient with instructions on how to access the card digitally.
Where do members check-in?
Members receive priority check-in at the box office’s Member Priority Line! Simply look for the red circle that says “I’m a Member” and a Great Lakes Science Center associate will be happy to assist you. Be sure to present your driver’s license and membership card upon arrival.
How do I make corrections to my membership card?
If you need to update your membership card because your address changed, the incorrect number of youth are reflected on your card, you need to change the named adult, etc. simply let the box office know at your time of visit. You may also contact us at membership@glsc.org or (216) 696-4576.
How do I change or add guests to my membership?
To add, change or remove guests, contact us at membership@glsc.org or call our membership department at (216) 696-4576.
Can my cards be reprinted?
If you are in need of new cards because they have been lost or stolen, contact us at membership@glsc.org or call our membership department at (216) 696-4576.
Can someone else bring my children to visit and use my membership card?
Membership cards are nontransferable. Only named guests on your membership can bring your children to the museum without you present. Named guests may not bring guests, only the named youth on the membership.
Can my children visit without me present?
Youth under 16 MUST be accompanied by a named adult on the membership. Membership benefits do not apply to group/school visits. Children ages 16-17 visiting without a named adult on the membership are not eligible for guest privileges, regardless of membership level.
How do I download my digital membership card?
Click here for instructions!
Membership Benefits
Are memberships tax-deductible?
Yes, in most cases, a portion of memberships are tax deductible based on the membership level. The tax deductibility of each membership level is: Individual: $75, Individual MAX: $70.85, Family: $65.00, Family Plus: $88.00, Family MAX: $89.80, Sustaining MAX: $285.00, Patron MAX: $649.55, and President's Circle: $1,397.80. Donation receipts are included when applicable with your membership cards. To find out the amount of tax-deductibility for your membership or to receive a copy of a donation receipt, call 216.696.4576, or email membership@glsc.org.
Can I see Cleveland Clinic DOME Theater films as a member?
All members receive discounted admission to our DOME Theater ($2 off per ticket for each member in attendance). MAX members receive unlimited DOME Theater movies for an entire year. DOME Theater privileges do not apply to special events or school/group visits. For information on current or upcoming films, click here.
Do members receive discounted parking?
With ticket validation at the box office or information desk, member parking is reduced to $7 each visit. Some levels of membership receive parking passes. Compare membership levels here.
Can I bring a guest with me to visit the Science Center?
Individual MAX members receive one guest per visit. Family PLUS and higher levels receive two guests per visit. Unnamed guests can be different each time; named guests must be the same each time but also have the ability to visit on their own. Contact our membership department at membership@glsc.org or call us at (216) 696-4576 with any questions about your guest spots. Named guests do not have guest privileges, regardless of membership level.
Do I receive invitations to exclusive member events and previews?
We have various member-only events throughout the year, including member-only exhibition previews and special events. Event details can be found in our monthly e-newsletter and members-only emails. Click here to view our Member Events page.
What other discounts do I receive as a member?
Members receive 10% off their purchases at the Science Store and the café as well as discounts on camps, workshops and other educational programs. Shopping online at our Science Store? Use promo code GLSCMEMBER10 at checkout for your 10% off member discount.
ASTC Passport Program
What is the ASTC Passport Program?
Your Great Lakes Science Center membership allows you to take advantage of the ASTC Passport Program through the Association of Science and Technology Centers, an exclusive benefit to you as a member. Learn more.