The Albany Museum of Art Again Participates in Blue Star Museums Summer
The Nationwide Free Admission Program for Military Families Continues Through Labor Day
The Albany Museum of Art is again pleased to join with other museums nationwide to participate in Blue Star Museums, a program that provides free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families throughout the summer.
The 2025 program begins Saturday, May 17, on Armed Forces Day and continues through Labor Day on Monday, Sept 1. The list of participating museums can be found online HERE.
“The AMA already offers free admission because we believe art should be accessible to everyone, but we are honored to be a part of this nationwide program as a show of respect and appreciation to those who serve in the U.S. military and their families,” AMA Executive Director Andrew J. Wulf, Ph.D., said. “Without their dedication and sacrifice, freedom of expression, which is essential to art, might be lost. We welcome our friends in the military to engage in our art exhibitions and programming this summer.”
Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and participating museums across America.
“The National Endowment for the Arts is honored to help connect military service members and their families with their communities through the Blue Star Museums program,” said Mary Anne Carter, Senior Advisor for the National Endowment for the Arts. “Institutions like the Albany Museum of Art offer opportunities for military members to create special memories and connect with our country’s heritage and culture.”
The program has been conducted annually for over a decade.
“For 15 years, Blue Star Museums has opened doors for military families to explore, connect, and feel at home in their communities,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. “Thanks to our continued partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and participating museums nationwide, we’re proud to continue this tradition of belonging and enrichment. Museums are more than cultural spaces—they’re places where military families feel seen, welcomed, and celebrated.”
Visitors to the AMA this summer will see three exhibitions that open May 15 and will be on view through Aug 16.
In Conversation: Will Wilson brings into dialogue the contemporary works by Diné (Navajo) photographer through his ongoing Critical Indigenous Photographic Exchange, or CIPX, project with those of photographer Edward Sheriff Curtis (1868-1952), who dedicated more than 30 years of his life to documenting over 75 Indigenous North American groups.
In addition to the Wilson exhibition in the Haley Gallery, South African artist Buqaqawuli Nobakada’s first U.S. exhibition, Her Ladyship, Countess of Kumakala, will be in the East and Hodges galleries. Hues of Skin and Earth, works by Atlanta artist Jamele Wright, Sr., will be in the McCormack Gallery.
In addition to the AMA, Blue Star Museums participants include history, art, and children’s museums, historical sites, botanical gardens, zoos, aquariums, and more in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam. The current list of participating museums will grow as organizations can register to be a Blue Star Museum throughout the summer.
The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military—Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force, members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps—and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), DD Form 1173-1 ID card, or the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.
AMA EXHIBITIONS
- In Conversation: Will Wilson, with support from Art Bridges, is May 15-Aug 16, 2025, in the Haley Gallery.
- Buqaqawuli Nobakada: Her Ladyship, Countess of Cumakala is May 15-Aug 16, 2025, in the East and Hodges Galleries.
- Hues of Skin and Earth, works by Jamele Wright, Sr., is May 15-Aug 16, 2025, in the McCormack Gallery.
- 20th Century Small Works on Paper from the Permanent Collection is in the West Gallery.
ABOUT THE ALBANY MUSEUM OF ART
The Albany Museum of Art is located at 311 Meadowlark Drive in Albany, Ga., adjacent to Albany State University West Campus just off Gillionville Road. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The Albany Museum of Art is open to the public 10 am-5 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission is free.
For more information about the AMA please visit our website, www.albanymuseum.com, or call 229.439.8400. Be sure to follow AlbanyMuseumOfArt on Facebook and AlbanyMuseum on Instagram.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS
Established by Congress, the National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. By advancing opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States. To learn more, visit HERE or follow the NEA on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
ABOUT BLUE STAR FAMILIES
Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nation’s largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A “blue star family” is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts. For more information, visit HERE.
